The Padre (Benoit Photo)
Del Mar Press/Edited
DEL MAR, Calif.—Little Red Feather Racing, Sterling Stables and Naify’s The Padre, making only his second start in the United States, closed stoutly through the lane Sunday in the 84th edition of the La Jolla Handicap for 3-year-olds at Del Mar and proved best by a half-length.
The Irish-bred bay by the Dubawi stallion Ghalyyath had won his only start in his native land back in January before being purchased privately by his current connections and turned over to ace grass conditioner Phil D’Amato. The trainer had him ready for a big outing in June at Santa Anita – a fast-closing second in an allowance race – then moved him up another notch today in the $100,500 stakes.
“Phil (trainer D’Amato) told me ‘Make sure you get him out of the gate OK, then after that he’s all yours.’ I got on this horse for the first time last week when I worked him and he felt good. He gave me some confidence. I could tell he’s got a good mind. I think he’s the kind that is only going to get better,” said Rispoli.
Finishing second was Blinkers On Racing Stable, Janlois Racing, Valinor Racing Sables, et al’s Freedom’s Not Free, who was a neck better than Dutch Girl Holdings, Irving Ventures, Meathe, et al’s Artislas.
D’Amato scored his first La Jolla while Rispoli earned his second winning with Smooth Like Straight in 2020.
“It wasn’t a great set up. He’s a horse that comes from behind and when they went three-quarters in fourteen he still, from that spot being wide and coming home, he had to fly. It just shows this horse has a brilliant turn of foot,” remarked D’Amato.
The winner ran the mile on the lawn in 1:42.76 and paid $4 for $2 as the even-money favorite. He earned $60,000 for the score and now has purses of $79,585.
The La Jolla is one of the track’s trio of grass stakes for 3-year-olds that culminates in the championship test – the $300,000, Grade II Caesars Sportsbook Del Mar Derby, which will be run at nine furlongs on Sunday, August 31.
