Arabic Song captures Osunitas

DEL MAR, Calif. - Arabic Song won her first stakes in Wednesday's $79,975 Osunitas Handicap at Del Mar, benefiting from an ideal trip under jockey Corey Nakatani and overcoming the trouble that plagued some runners.

Arabic Song ($21.20) ran 1 1-16 miles on turf in 1:40.61. The final time was only three-fifth's of a second off the course record on a surface that has played fast throughout the meeting.

Arabic Song, never farther back than fourth, engaged pacesetter Belleski in early stretch and won by a half-length. Spring Star, the 8-5 favorite, finished third. She overcame trouble in the opening furlong and stalked Belleski on the backstretch before fading from contention in early stretch.

When the field crossed from the infield chute onto the main turf course, Southern Oasis leapt into the air and veered out, bothering Spring Star and the longshot Voz de Colegiala.

Arabic Song was racing to the inside and avoided the trouble.

The victory was her since an allowance race at Hollywood Park in May 2002, ending a seven-race losing streak.

During that span, she finished second in the Grade 2 Honeymoon Breeders' Cup Handicap at Hollywood Park and third in the Grade 3 San Clemente Handicap over this course.

"She was running with some nice fillies," trainer Neil Drysdale said.

Owned by Anthony Speelman, Arabic Song, 4, has won 4 of 15 starts and $218,323. Drysdale said Arabic Song will be considered for the $150,000 Palomar Breeders' Cup Handicap over 1 1-16 miles on Sept. 7.