Lady of Shamrock wins the 2012 Del Mar Oaks

August 18, 2012

The $300,000 Del Mar Oaks (G1) was the feature race at Del Mar on Saturday afternoon. A field of 9 three-year-old fillies went to post in this 1 1/8 mile turf feature, with American Oaks (G1) and Providencia Stakes (G3) winner Lady of Shamrock sent off as the even-money favorite over 5-2 second choice Eden's Moon, winner of the San Clemente Handicap (G2) last out at Del Mar after finishing a close second in the Hollywood Oaks (G2) at Betfair Hollywood Park, and 6-1 third choice My Gi Gi, second in the American Oaks at Hollywood after winning the Honeymoon Handicap (G2).

Eden's Moon with Rafael Bejarano, and 11-1 fourth choice Best Present Ever with Garrett Gomez, battled for the lead for the first 3/4 mile through fractions of 23.67, 47.12, and 1:10.89 over the firm Jimmy Durante course, while as many as 2 1/2 lengths in front of 22-1 Mary Fildes and jockey David Flores stalking in third. Entering the stretch, the lead pair tired as 25-1 Open Water gained a short lead through 1 mile in 1:34.71. Lady of Shamrock, last for the first 3/4 mile under regular rider Mike Smith, unleashed a 6 wide rally late to win by 1/2 a length over 43-1 longest shot Stormy Lucy in 1:46.30, just 4/100 second off the stakes record set in 2004. It was another 2 1/2 lengths back to second-longest shot Open Water third.

Results chart from DRF

Lady of Shamrock in the winner's circle

Winning jockey Mike Smith said, "I liked where I was all the way around. We were last early, but she was under a long hold and running easy. She's one of those fillies with such a wicked turn of foot that you have to be careful. If you niggle on her a little bit, she goes from last to first right now. You've got to trust her. Taking the overland was no problem. No problem at all with her."

Lady of Shamrock in the paddock

Winning trainer John Sadler said, "We got a little pace, but when you're even money and you're running from the back it's always a little gut-wrenching. I saw :23, :47, I was feeling good. The last time she closed into a :50 half. Very nice ride. A little wide, but when you're on the best horse you don't want to get in trouble.We thought she was the best horse and she lived up to the billing today.

We're going to look at the (Rodeo Drive Stakes, former Yellow Ribbon) or the Queen Elizabeth II (Keeneland) and probably pick one of those. She's very good at Santa Anita, so we'll probably be leaning on staying home."

Jockey Martin Pedroza said, "I almost shocked the world. When I turned for home, I thought I was the winner. She was running so good. Then that other filly (Lady of Shamrock) came by us. I said to my filly: ‘Come on, momma, come on. Let's go back.' But the other filly was too tough. Just too tough."

Jockey Agapito Delgadillo said, "I had a clean trip. It was a good try for her. The other two in front of us were just faster today."