While Crush Spebrate was unable to capture the Gr. I Clark Handicap over at CD, five year old The Force Awakens was able to stay just off the pace against a quickened 1:09 and one three quarter time to close down the lane and win by a length at 9-2 odds. This would be Diablo Diablo’s 81st Graded title.

• Seabiscuit Handicap ( Gr. II ) Purse $200.000
• Del Mar Race Track- For Three years old and Up
• One Mile and a sixteenth – Turf Course

Having not been able to capture a trip to the winners circle since last October, The Force Awakens and jockey T C Baze worked the magic needed to earn his third Graded title of his career, and move his career earnings in excess of $1,000.000. This was his 22nd attempt against graded company runners, and after his runner-up finish in last seasons Seabiscuit, his victory on Saturday was bitter sweet for his trainer. The mile and a sixteenth distance has been rewarding for this bay horse, earning a record of 7 ( 3-2-0 ), with two coming against Graded runners.

While racing in the quicker paced Gr. II Knickerbocker two starts ago, Lets Do It Big Boy ( RNP Stables ) was able to close up late in time to win that event by a nose. Using the same style of running style for this event, the five year old gelding attempted the same style in this affair and managed to get to within a length of the eventual winner. While he only has one victory in 14 starts this season, it seems obvious he needs some faster earlier pace fractions for him to run his best races.

Rounding out the trifecta payout would be Aml Racing’s Butter Ball who attempted a former racing style at getting to the front early, then hopefully hang on to that lead till the wire and take home a victory. The four year old has been productive with four wins in nine starts this year, and this quicker pace left little in the tank for him to complete the task.

Rounding out the finishers in order of placing would be Creme Fraiche ( Maxmillion Farm) who could not improve on his two length distance out down the lane. Fifth was Laffin Jamie ( High Voltage ) who made up some ground late, but still struggles to find his second win of the year. Maxmillion Farm’s other entry of The Duke Of Phooey would place sixth after he tried to stay in the hunt early, but faded late. Seventh on back were Siberian Prince ( Sir Daniel Martin ), Grayte King ( Gdp Inc ) and Portal ( Nakamura Stables ).

Track: Firm
Time: :23  :46  1:09¹  1:39¹

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 6 – 3 Paid 56.10
$1 Trifecta: 6 – 3 – 9 Paid 204.70

Scratched: None

Duffer

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES