Bai and Bai comes back a winner

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Bai and Bai ($9.20), making her first start since running second in the $200,000 Melair on April 30, made an explosive move into the lane and won the $69,850 Palo Alto Handicap in her turf debut Saturday at Bay Meadows.

A multiple stakes winner, Bai and Bai had been sidelined with a minor foot problem.

"I guess I had her tight enough," winning trainer Bill Delia said. "I didn't know if I had her tight enough. She's been back seven or eight weeks and only had six works."

Bai and Bai had trouble handling the turf early as she took off a contentious pace battle between Cinderella Liberty and Lilies for Rozie. She moved four wide around the turn, quickly taking control.

She was not seriously challenged through the stretch, winning the 7 1/2-furlong race by 2 1/2 lengths over Corcina in 1:33.35.

"The first part she was slipping, but at the half-mile pole, she got confidence and got on the bit," winning jockey Roberto Gonzalez said.

A $3,200 yearling purchase, Bai and Bai earned $39,325 for her third stakes victory and fifth career win overall. She has earned $244,548 in her 11-race career that includes three second-place finishes and a third in stakes competition.