Diamondsandpearls, away for over a year, wins Los Alamitos feature

Making her first start in more than a year, Diamondsandpearls was successful in her return in the $48,345 feature Sunday at Los Alamitos.

Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert for Phoenix Thoroughbred III, the 3-year-old Congrats filly stalked the quick pace set by Naughty Sophie and Kentan Road, gained the lead with less than an eighth of a mile to run and prevailed by 1 ½ lengths.

The win was the second in three starts for Diamondsandpearls, who was purchased for $1.7 million in March of last year.

Out of the Dixie Union mare Azalea Belle, the 2-1 favorite was ridden by Joe Talamo and completed the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:03.01 in her first race since she finished a distant fourth in the Grade 2 Sorrento Stakes more than 13 months ago.

She paid $6.80, $4.40 and $3.20 and the $27,000 payday increased her earnings to $71,400.

Tyfosha, the 7-2 third choice who removed the blinkers after wearing them in her previous start at Del Mar Aug. 24, returned $4.40 and $3.60 while finishing a half-length in front of 11-1 shot Late ‘n Left. The show price on Late ‘n Left was $5.80

Racing resumes Thursday at Los Alamitos with a post time change. The new post time is 2 p.m. after it was 1 p.m. for the first four days of the Los Angeles County Fair meet.

There is also an addition to the wagering menu as a second Pick 5 will be offered for the remainder of the meet, which continues through Sunday, Sept. 23. The 50-cent minimum bet will be on the final five races.