Calder: Pharmstar cruises home

MIAMI - Pharmstar registered an easy 4 3/4-length victory over even-money favorite Blissful Kiss in the $75,000 Desert Vixen Stakes at Calder, the opening leg of the filly division of the Florida Stallion Series.

Pharmstar disputed the early pace with Blissful Kiss, then swung outside and readily ran down Blissful Kiss leaving the eighth pole to win going away. Blissful Kiss was easily second best, finishing five lengths in front of Be Silver. Pharmstar ($5.40), trained by Ralph Ziadie, covered six furlongs in 1:12.79 under Cornelio Velasquez.

Ziadie had to settle for second money in both splits of the $75,000 Dr. Fager. Carey's Gold led throughout to defeat his Royal Lad in the first division. O'Rocky rallied to catch Concorde's Appeal in the second division.

Carey's Gold ($10.60) set a lively pace, and held off a bid from Royal Lad in early stretch before edging off to a two-length triumph. Barnacle Steve, the 3-2 favorite, was bumped at the break and did not beat a horse.

O'Rocky prompted the pace then wore down Concorde's Appeal before drawing off to a 2 3/4-length decision in the second division of the Dr. Fager. Trained by Eddie Plesa Jr., O'Rocky ($22.40) ran six furlongs in 1:13.48.