Fairly Ransom best in Del Mar Derby

DEL MAR, Calif. - Fairly Ransom arrived from France in late spring with Saturday's $300,000 Del Mar Derby as a long-term goal.

With the benefit of two prep races over the course for experience, Fairly Ransom ran his best race in the Grade 2 , setting a stakes record of 1:46.45 for 1 1-8 miles on a firm turf course.

After the race, trainer Ron McAnally said Fairly Ransom will be pointed for the $600,000 Hollywood Derby over 1 1-4 miles on Nov. 30. The opposition has been warned.

Fairly Ransom gave owner Arnold Zetcher his most lucrative win in the Del Mar Derby. Despite a second in a division of the Oceanside Stakes and a fourth in the La Jolla Handicap, Zetcher and McAnally were confident of Fairly Ransom's chances in the Del Mar Derby.

"We knew he was knocking on the door," Zetcher said. "The first time it looked like he would be there but he came out slow. It was great to see him pull away. What a feeling."

Ridden by Alex Solis, Fairly Ransom was well-placed throughout. For the first six furlongs, Solis kept Fairly Ransom in third while racing along the inside.

"He broke sharp and had a great spot with him all the way around," Solis said.

Turning for home, Fairly Ransom challenged pacesetter Singletary for the lead. Fairly Ransom reached the front in the final furlong and won by 1 1-4 lengths over Devious Boy. Sweet Return, trained by McAnally, closed from fifth to finish third.

Senor Swinger, the 9-5 favorite, finished fourth in the field of nine.