Dearest draws away from six opponents in Royal Palm

Gelfenstein Farm's graded-stakes placed Dearest, making her first start in more than three months, drew away from six others inside the final furlong to win Saturday's $75,000 Royal Palm at Gulfstream Park.

The six-length victory by the 3-year-old filly served as a perfect prep for the $250,000 Princess Rooney (G2), a seven-furlong event that will part of Gulfstream's Summit of Speed Day July 2 and a 'Win & You're In' for the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1).

"She ran beautifully today," said trainer Gilberto Zerpa through an interpreter. "Yes, we're looking to run in the Princess Rooney. From the beginning we thought this filly had great possibilities to reach the highest levels."

Dearest covered the 6 1/2 furlongs 1:16.80. Ballet Diva was second while Little Pricilla was third.

Ridden by Gulfstream's leading rider Emisael Jaramillo, Dearest, third in the Davona Dale (G2) Feb. 27, stalked the multiple-stakes winner Ballet Diva through a :22.71 opening quarter before drawing alongside the pacesetter after a half in :45.53. By the time the two entered the stretch, Dearest had a length lead and was adding to that advantage with every stride.