Doc Yco Cheeks © Benoit Photo

Under a well-judged ride by jockey Rafael Bejarano, even-money favored Doc Yco Cheeks forged to the lead in the final strides to win Del Mar’s feature race Friday at one mile over the infield grass course. 

Doc Yco Cheeks, a three-year-old daughter of Unusual Heat owned by Alesia and Ciaglia and trained by Peter Eurton, scored by a hard-earned half-length over 3-1 second choice Rose Dunn, with 45-1 outsider Brahms Command a close-up third, a neck behind the runner-up. Fourth was Lucky Ms Jones in the field of eight California-bred fillies and mares.

Doc Yco Cheeks scored her second victory in three starts and returned $4, $2.60 and $2.40. Rose Dunn, who was piloted by Flavien Prat, paid $3.20 and $2.80, while Brahms Command, with Edwin Maldonado, returned $11.80 to show.

Time for the distance was 1:36.62.

Abel Cedillo and apprentice J.C. Diaz had saddle doubles, while trainers Vladimir Cerin and Richard Baltas also won twice on the eight-race program.

Racing resumes Saturday featuring the Grade III $100,000 Bob Hope Stakes for two-year-olds at seven furlongs. Post time for the first race is 12:30 p.m.