Curlin's Fox easily wins Sandy Blue Handicap

DEL MAR, Calif. – The talent always has been there with Curlin’s Fox, whom trainer Carla Gaines has held in high regard since before she ever ran. But the 3-year-old filly is a notoriously bad bleeder, and that has interrupted her promising career, twice necessitating brief breaks.

Gaines was anxious prior to the $87,400 Sandy Blue Handicap on Friday at Del Mar because after a fairly mild week of weather here, the temperature and humidity went north. Those often are conditions that play havoc with bleeders, but Curlin’s Fox braved it all and turned in the best race of her life, leading from start to finish while scoring a 4 1/2-length victory in a swift 1:33.25 for one mile on firm turf.

“I was very worried,” Gaines said in the winner’s circle. “She’s so talented, but it’s the hottest, most humid day of the meet.”

Curlin’s Fox ($6.20), with jockey Mike Smith up, set fractions of 22.75 seconds, 45.78, and 1:09.62 en route to the fastest turf mile of the meet.

Singing Kitty held second, a head in front of Havanna Belle. Spirit of Xian, the favorite, was fourth, with European import Princess Charm, who was cold on the board as the third choice, finishing last of five.

Zipessa was scratched in order to run in the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks on Saturday.

Curlin’s Fox, by Curlin and out of the Foxhound mare Foxysox, was bred and is owned by Warren Williamson. She had won twice in five prior starts, both in downhill turf sprints at Santa Anita. She was defeated in her three prior route tries.

“We always thought she’d be a really good miler,” Gaines said. “Unfortunately, she had bleeding episodes going two turns. Was it the two turns or the bleeding? Now we know.”