Rhythem On Stage © Benoit Photo

Irvin Racing Stable’s Rhythem On Stage kicked it into gear for jockey Umberto Rispoli inside the eighth pole and came away a winner in the starter allowance sprint that served as the feature on the Friday evening card at Del Mar.

The 4-year-old gelding came from sixth in the eight-horse field to finish up a half-length best in the five and a half furlong dash in a final time of :57.87 on the Jimmy durante Turf Course. He is trained by veteran Carla Gaines.

Finishing second in the dash was Guernsey or Osborne’s Belmont Bill, who was three-quarters of a length better than pacesetter Western Grit, owned by Richard Barton.

The winner, a son of the Speightstown stallion Uptown Rythem, earned a first prize of $28,800 and increased his career earnings to $135,080.

As the second choice in the wagering, Rhythem On Stage returned $7.80 for each $2 invested in his chances.

Del Mar will present a star-studded card tomorrow beginning at 1:30 p.m. There will be 11 races presented with five of them graded stakes, including the $1-million, Grade I FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic.