Emmy Darling Wins Del Mar Feature
Ike and Dawn Thrash's Florida-bred Emmy Darling, a major stakes winner two summers ago when she won the Landaluce Stakes at Hollywood Park, took command after the break and never looked back in accounting for Del Mar's feature Thursday, a one-mile event for older fillies and mares.
Well-rated on the lead by jockey Martin Garcia, Emmy Darling held off the stretch challenge of longshot Washington Bridge to win by a length in 1:38.07 for the once-around. Madel was third, with Pure Class fourth. Made for Magic, the 6-5 favorite, faded in the stretch to be fifth.
Emmy Darling, a four-year-old daughter of Graeme Hall trained by John Sadler, was stakes placed at Del Mar as a juvenile in 2008, being awarded third by disqualification in the Sorrento Stakes. She later was tenth to Stardom Bound in the Del Mar Debutante.
Sent postward at 3-1 Thursday, Emmy Darling paid $8.60, $5 and $3.40 after her fifth triumph in 20 starts. Washington Bridge paid $11 and $6, while Madel returned $3.80 to show.
Emmy Darling was haltered from the optional claiming race for $62,500 by trainer Doug O'Neill on behalf of Desperado Stables, The Vinery and STD Racing Stable. Also claimed for $62,500 was the favorite, Made for Magic, by trainer Rafael DeLeon.
On an afternoon when upsets were the norm, most notably a $134.80 surprise by Ralphie' Ole' in the fifth race, there were no perfect tickets in the Pick Six.. Thus, Friday's Pick Six wager will have a carryover of $117,330. Post time for the first of eight races is 3:30 p.m.
Attendance Thursday was 10,121.