Summer Soiree claims the Del Mar Oaks title just when other fillies were closing in
The Del Mar Oaks was one of the most awaited racing events as it was unique in nature as far as the combination of competition was concerned, it was more of fillies against one another and those also top of the league ones!!
However, 21 August marked the first grade victory for Summer Soiree.
It was a 1 1/8 miles distance, grade 1 race for 3-year olds, putting Summer Soiree in the first position, followed by Star Billing and Nereid.
The last moments particularly were heart throbbing as all the three were no less than nose to nose, Gabriel felt almost threatened as he reached the wire just by a half-length very closely being followed by Nereid and Cambina. However the Bay filly did not
let the ever urging Gabriel down.
“My first ride here. Wonderful,” Saez said of Del Mar. “I couldn’t want more than this.”
Under training by Graham Motion, Summer Soiree raced the distance in a rapid 1:46:46 on firm turf making it her fifth win from 11 career starts.
Being able to win one of six starts at two, Summer Soiree really has come into her own at three. With her previous trainer, Larry Jones she won her debut by 9 ¾ lengths in 2010.
Her ownership came into the hands of Team Valor after her Bourbonette Oaks win and since then she has graced the partnership with two wins from three starts, including a Grade 1 win.
The first horse that Summer shot past was Dynamo who before this only ran for quarter-mile. She took command swiftly and enjoyed the edge while stepping six furlongs in a quick 1:10:22. At this point Star Billing made into second with Nereid and Cambina
chasing close behind.
That sent a clear signal as to who was in the lead and will stay there.
Summer Soiree’s performance in this race is being held compatible with that of Boiling Springs.
"We were hoping she would relax a little bit so he could wait a bit more," he said. But she got pretty headstrong, I guess, so he had to go.”
Fifth lifetime victory in the total of 11 brought her earnings to $357,660. This being her trainer’s first stakes win at Del Mar.
Tags: