Del Mar: Summer Hit proves uncatchable in Harry Brubaker Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. - Summer Hit, who was claimed for $12,500 in his debut at Golden Gate Fields in January 2012, won the third stakes of his career in Saturday’s $110,400 Harry Brubaker Stakes at Del Mar.

Summer Hit ($10.60) led throughout the one-mile Brubaker, holding off Wilkinson to win by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:34.99. Liaison, who was scratched from the $1 million Pacific Classic on Aug. 25 in favor of the Brubaker, finished third. Sky Kingdom, second in the Cougar II Handicap on July 26, was fourth as the 5-2 favorite, followed by Clubhouse Ride, Batti Man, and Hawk’s Eyes.

Summer Hit led through the opening quarter-mile in 23.19 seconds, disputed the pace with Batti Man through a half-mile in 46.29 seconds, and took control of the race at the end of the backstretch.

“He ran a big race today,” said winning trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

A 4-year-old gelding by Bertrando, Summer Hit has won 8 of 13 starts and earned $357,255. Summer Hit was acquired privately by Hollendorfer and John Carver after he was claimed from his debut, Hollendorfer said.

Summer Hit won the Silky Sullivan Stakes for California-breds at Golden Gate Fields in June 2012, and the Grade 3 All American Stakes at Golden Gate Fields this past May.