Dabster © Benoit Photo

Dabster, the 3-5 betting choice under jockey Joe Talamo, gamely fought back when challenged in the stretch for a hard-earned victory Wednesday in the featured $79,162  Harry F. Brubaker Stakes at Del Mar.

Dabster, a Kentucky-bred four-year-old son of Curlin owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum and trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, prevailed by a length and one-half over Isotherm, with Ike Walker third and Soi Phet fourth and last. The field was reduced to a quartet with the scratching of Mubtaahij and Grecian Fire.

Dabster, heavily favored after his third-place behind Catalina Cruiser in the San Diego Handicap last month, stepped the mile over the main dirt track in 1:38.64 and returned $3.40 and $2.40. It was his fourth win in eight starts and first prize of $47,640 increased the colt’s earnings to $192,425. Isotherm, who was ridden by Geovanni Franco, paid $3.60 to place. Because of the small field, show wagering was not offered.

Drayden Van Dyke, who rode a record-tying seven winners Sunday, won with his first two mounts Wednesday to extend his skein of consecutive victories to five, having won the final three races Sunday. However, his streak ended in the day’s eighth race when he was second aboard favored Don’t Stalk Me.

There were four perfect tickets in the Pick Six and each paid $11,651.