Divin Propos (FR) © Benoit Photo
Favored Divin Propos found his best stride late and came away a one-length winner of the allowance feature at Del Mar Thursday, covering the mile and three-eighths marathon in 2:14.94 and returning $6.60 to those who placed a $2 win wager on the 4-year-old gelding.
The winner, owned by Madaket Stables, Panic Stable, et al, was handled nicely by the Italian turf specialist Antonio Fresu. Finishing behind him was Daniell or Daniell’s OffleeNaughty, ridden by another Italian turf specialist in Umberto Rispoli. In the third spot was Blinkers On Racing Stable, et al’s Old Pal, ridden by Hall of Famer Mike Smith.
Phil D’Amato trains the winner, who was capturing the fourth race of his career in his 10th start. He picked up a win share of $46,800 from the purse of $81,808 to improve his total earnings to $133,418. The son of Geroge Vancouver, a French-bred, had done most of his racing in his native land before coming stateside this year.