Racing without Lasix in search of a return to dominant form, Besilu Stable's champion racemare Royal Delta cruised to victory by 10 3/4 lengths in the $750,000 Delaware Handicap (gr. I) July 20 at Delaware Park.
The 5-year-old daughter of Empire Maker was never tested on the front end and had already put seven lengths between herself and four rivals after leading through easy fractions-a quarter in :24.19, a half in :47.50, and three-quarters in 1:11.43. She drew off well within her own power under Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith while turning for home alone through a mile in 1:36.29, and was geared down under the line to distance runner-up She's All In by 10 3/4 lengths.
It was a stakes record-setting margin, surpassing the 1960 victory by Quill who won the Delaware Handicap by nine lengths. The prohibitive 2-5 favorite also equaled the record for smallest win payoff in race history; her $2.80 return was matched by three others-Susan's Girl (1975), Optimistic Gal (1976) and Fleet Indian (2006).
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19 июл 2013
