Royal Delta Digs Deep in Del 'Cap
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Besilu Stables' Royal Delta held off a late challenger to win the $750,000 Delaware Handicap (gr. II) by a neck at Delaware Park July 21, but it wasn't the nemesis everyone thought she'd face near the wire.
Awesome Maria, who beat the champion 3-year-old filly of 2011 in the Sabin Stakes earlier this year, gave way in the drive after Royal Delta cruised to the lead as expected coming off the turn in the 1 1/4-mile test. But there was 28-1 shot Tiz Miz Sue closing from fifth to reach the hip of the 1-2 favorite, then looming at her girth on the outside, looking like she might even head Royal Delta as they hurtled on down to the line.
It took some stiff left-handed urging from Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, but Royal Delta fought tough like a champion should, and hung on fully extended to get the victory. Highweight in the field under 124 pounds, she was carrying 10 more than the second-place finisher.
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