Brandothebartender catches Indian Peak for California Dreamin' win

DEL MAR, Calif. - Brandothebartender was cruising along toward the back of the field in Sunday’s $152,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes at Del Mar when the race complexion changed rapidly with three furlongs remaining.

Jockey Flavien Prat aboard Indian Peak urged his mount from eighth place to the lead in a little more than 100 yards. Suddenly, Brandothebartender had a target on the turn.

Brandothebartender, ridden by Umberto Rispoli, was fifth on the turn and third in the stretch. Closing steadily, Brandothebartender caught Indian Peak in the final sixteenth to win by a half-length for his third stakes win of 2021, all against California-breds.

“I knew Flavien had a horse that could win the race,” Rispoli said. “He had to make that move.

:: DRF's Del Mar headquarters – Stakes schedule, previews, recaps, past performances, and more

“He opened up and I went with him.”

Brandothebartender ($11.40) ran 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:42.55.

Indian Peak (5-1) finished second, 1 3/4 lengths in front of 7-2 North County Guy. Wound Tight, who was second to early stretch, finished fourth, followed by Margot’s Boy, Galilean, Secret Club, Ward ‘n Jerry, Desmond Doss, and Unbridled Ethos.

Brandothebartender is an 8-year-old gelding in the midst of his best season. Owned by Flawless Racing, Brian Flanagan and Michael Jarvis and trained by Craig Dollase, Brandothebartender won the Sensational Star Stakes at six furlongs on turf at Santa Anita on March 21 and the Crystal Water Stakes at a mile on turf at the same venue on April 24.

“He’s such a fighter in the lane and he did it again,” Dollase sadi. “He’s 8 and he doesn’t know it.”

Brandothebartender has won 9 of 46 starts and has earned $772,864. This year, Brandothebartender has won 3 of 9 starts and earned $269,540.