Del Mar: Closing Remarks, Dreamfyre win Saturday stakes

Closing Remarks, a Harris Farms homebred mare, took advantage of a ground-saving ride by Umberto Rispoli to come away with a neck victory Saturday in the Grade 2, $251,000 Yellow Ribbon Handicap at Del Mar.

The winner, a California-bred by the late stallion Vronsky, stayed close throughout the 1 1/16-mile feature. She drove hard through the lane to prove a neck best at the finish. The 5-year-old chestnut who is trained by Carla Gaines captured the fifth victory from the 21st start of her career and picked up a first prize of $150,000 to bring her career earnings to $711,320. 

Finishing second was Spirit and Glory, who was 1 1/4 lengths better than third-place finisher Ganadora.

Closing Remarks, who went off the 2-1 favorite in the field of seven, returned $6.60 to her backers. Her winning time was 1:42.01 in this 71st edition of the stakes.

Dreamfyre scalds rivals in Sorrento

Dreamfyre, owner Dan Eplin’s winner of a minor stakes at Pleasanton, Calif., in her career debut July 9, outfooted a field of six rival fillies in the 55th edition of the Sorrento Stakes (G3), coming away a 3 1/2-length winner under Héctor Berríos.

The daughter of the Kentucky stallion Flameaway made every post a winner in fast splits, finishing up the six-furlong testing in 1:10.52. The stakes victory was the first at Del Mar for Eplin and her trainer, Northern California-based O.J. Jauregui.

Dreamfrye earned a first prize of $120,000 from the total purse of $201,000 and has career earnings of $165,000.

Benedetta finished second, 7 1/4 lengths ahead of Dua.

Dreamfyre, third choice in the wagering, returned $9.20 to her backers.