Del Mar: Heleonor Rugby Wins CTBA

Christian Santiago Reyes, 21-year-old jockey from San Juan,  Puerto Rico who enjoyed a successful  season at Del Mar last summer when he was eighth in the final standings, notched his second victory in the $100,000 C.T.B.A. Stakes for California-bred two-year-old fillies with a decisive triumph aboard Heleonor Rugby Friday.

Successful in the event a year ago on Swiss Wild Cat, Santiago Reyes guided Heleonor Rugby to a 1 1/4 length triumph over 7-5 second choice Willa B Awesome, with 6-5  favored Roar Baby Roar third in the small field of four fillies. Gogi was withdrawn from the original line-up.

Heleonor Rugby, a daughter of Tribal Rule owned by Coudelaria Jessica and trained by A.C. Avila, ran the 51/2 furlongs in 1:05.25 and returned $7.80 and $3.40. Runner-up Willa B Awesome paid $3 to place. Because of the small field, there was no show betting.

The victory was the second in four starts for Heleonor Rugby and first money of $60,000 increased the filly’s career earnings to $110,500.

Because there were no perfect tickets Friday, Saturday’s ten-race program will feature a pick six carryover of  $104,078. Saturday’s pick six will be conducted on races five through ten. Post time for the first race is 2 p.m.