Unapologetic © Benoit Photo

Distance-loving Unapologetic, smartly handled by jockey Geovanni Franco, rallied on the rail turning into the stretch to take command and win Del Mar’s featured event on Thursday’s program.

Last in the early stages of the mile and three-eighths marathon over the infield Jimmy Durante grass course, Unapologetic responded to Franco’s urging when called upon entering the stretch and went on to win by a length and one-half in 2:15.31 for the distance.

Unapologetic, 5-2 second choice in the betting, is a six-year-old gelding by Temple City owned by the partnership of Allen Racing, Acker and Bloom and trained by Bill Spawr.

Red King, the 7-5 favorite under Aaron Gryder, was runner-up, a neck in front of Big Buzz in the field of seven older horses. Fourth was Ground Attack.

Unapologetic returned $7.20, $3.60 and $2.80 after his seventh score in 32 career efforts. Red King paid $2.80 and $2.40, while Big Buzz returned $3.60.

Franco also won Thursday’s fourth astride Khairiya for a $4.60 payoff. Also doubling was Rafael Bejarano, a winner on Scarlet ($3.20) in the third and Time for Suzzie ($7.20) in the fifth.