Ike Walker © Benoit Photo

Ike Walker, a strong second choice in the betting at 2-1 under jockey Flavien Prat, surged to the lead entering the stretch and cruised to a three and three-quarter length triumph in the one-mile feature Thursday at Del Mar.

General Ike outfinished 8-5 favored Kristi’s Copilot by a head for runner-up honors, with Pioneerof the West fourth in the field of five older Thoroughbreds. Jonny’s Choice and Kristo were scratched.

Ike Walker, a son of Bellamy Road trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, ran the distance in 1:37.57 and returned $6, $3.20 and $2.20 after scoring his ninth victory in 32 career outings. General Ike paid $3.40 and $2.80, while Kristi’s Copilot returned $2.40 to show.

Talented apprentice Evin Roman continued to prosper at Del Mar this summer as he booted in three winners to expand his lead in the jockey standings. The 19-year-old from Puerto Rico won the first, fifth and sixth races to bring his victory total to 15 thus far this Del Mar season, four in front of Rafael Bejarano and Prat.