Dabster becomes stakes winner in Brubaker

DEL MAR, Calif. – Dabster, purchased for $1 million at a 2-year-olds in training sale in 2016, won his first stakes in Wednesday’s $79,162 Harry Brubaker Stakes at Del Mar.

Trainer Bob Baffert said in a text message from Saratoga on Thursday that he does not have plans for Dabster yet. One logical spot would be the Grade 1 Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita on Sept. 29.

Ridden by Joe Talamo, Dabster disputed the pace throughout the one-mile race and prevailed by 1 1/2 lengths over 7-2 Isotherm.

Dabster was timed in 1:38.64. Talamo said the 4-year-old colt benefited from constant pressure from his three rivals.

“I watched his replays and he likes a dogfight,” Talamo said.

Dabster led by a head over Ike Walker on the backstretch and by the same margin over Isotherm on the turn before taking a clear lead.

Isotherm finished a half-length in front of Ike Walker, who was 3 1/4 lengths in front of the 10-year-old Soi Phet, who faded from contention with a quarter-mile remaining.

Dabster, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Maktoum, has won 4 of 8 starts and earned $192,225.

Dabster was third in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap here July 21 behind Catalina Cruiser, who is entered in Saturday’s Grade 2 Pat O’Brien Stakes at Del Mar.