Attima captures San Clemente

DEL MAR, Calif. - The absence of an early challenge gave the frontrunning Attima her second graded stakes win of the year in Saturday's $150,000 at Del Mar.

The win restored Attima's reputation as a promising 3-year-old filly after a last-place finish in the American Oaks at Hollywood Park on July 2.

Attima ($4.20) won the Grade 2 San Clemente by 1 1-4 lengths, finishing a mile on turf in 1:34.65. Ridden by Victor Espinoza, Attima led by a half-length over Lake Marina through early fractions of 22.59 and 47.06 seconds, had a one-length advantage in early stretch and quickened noticeably late.

Espinoza was surprised he was not threatened on the lead. "When I hit the first turn, I thought this is it," he said. "She was doing it so easy."

Sol Mi Fa and Soothsay finished second and third in the field of eight 3-year-old fillies. Both are trained by Jim Cassidy.

Attima is owned by Anthony Fanticola and Joseph Scardino and trained by Julio Canani. She has won 4 of 9 starts and $252,676. She won her first stakes in the Grade 2 Honeymoon Breeders' Cup Handicap at Hollywood Park on June 4.