DEL MAR, Calif. - Rumor got the best of the head-bob against Salty Sarah after a thrilling stretch duel and came away with the nose victory in the $95,130 CERF Stakes for female sprinters on Wednesday at Del Mar. Rumor ($5), the favorite despite being one of only two 3-year-olds in the seven-horse field, ranged up outside Salty Sarah turning into the stretch, had about a neck in front with a furlong remaining, and then had to stave off a late bid from Salty Sarah, who re-rallied along the inside. Givine was another 1 1/4 lengths back in third. Rumor was timed in 1:09.45 for six furlongs on Polytrack. Rumor, a daughter of Indian Charlie, was making her stakes debut following a second-place finish in a strong second-level allowance earlier this meet. Garrett Gomez rode Rumor for Richard Mandella, who trains Rumor for owners Ramona Bass and Adele Dilschneider. She has 3 wins and 3 seconds in 6 starts