Laura's Light tallies a fourth stakes win in Del Mar's San Clemente

Gary Barber's Laura's Light continued her ascent up the female turf ranks with a fourth stakes score and second-straight in graded company in the Grade 2, $150,000 San Clemente Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar on Saturday.

Laura's Light, who won the May 20 Honeymoon (G3) at Santa Anita Park in her most recent start, broke sharp and briefly had the lead in the one-mile San Clemente before being eased back by Abel Cedillo and tracking pacesetter Cheermeister. Following opening splits of :22.46 and :46.15 for the half mile, Laura's Light began to cut into the lead on the second turn and drew on even terms with Cheermeister through six furlongs in 1:10.15.

Laura's Light took a clear lead at the top of the stretch and after a brief challenge She's So Special, the daughter of Constitution kicked clear and crossed the wire about 1 1/2 lengths in front. She's So Special, Laura's Light's stablemate for trainer Peter Miller, flattened out late and was passed by Guitty and Warren's Showtime, who finished second and third, respectively.

“Oh, boy; she was ready today," Cedillo said. "This filly, you can do what you want with her. She’ll go to the lead, she’ll let me take a hold. She’s just there. You love to ride horses like that. This was a tough race today; some good horses in there. But my filly was ready and I felt strong (confident). She ran a great race.”

Sent off the 6-5 favorite, Laura's Light paid $4.40. Final time on a firm course was 1:34.16.

"The pace was hot and we were close to it and it took it's toll...but she ran great," Miller said. "She's all heart. I'm very proud of both my fillies."

"They were flying early and I was a little worried being that close to the fast pace," Miller said. "But she’s all heart. She’s just special. Her last race (Honeymoon) was a mile and an eighth, which was stretching her. We’re certainly going to look at the Del Mar Oaks (Grade 1, 1 1/8 miles, Aug. 22) but I think she’s better at a mile."

Laura's Light was $95,000 purchase at the 2017 Keeneland November breeding stock sale.