Fashionably Fast makes it four in a row with Cary Grant victory

DEL MAR, Calif. – Dean Pederson has had plenty of good memories around here over the years. The son of a jockey who won the 1948 Del Mar Derby, Pederson was born in Chula Vista, grew up in Imperial Beach, and in 1981 was in the winner’s circle after the Del Mar Derby as the groom of Juan Barrera.

On Sunday, Pedersen made more Del Mar memories. He got his first stakes win as a trainer at this track when Fashionably Fast captured the $98,000 Cary Grant for California-bred sprinters, the fourth straight victory for Fashionably Fast.

“It’s going to be a good ride home,” said Pederson, who makes his home in the Los Angeles area.

Pederson trains just five runners, all owned wholly or in part by John Harris, who bred Fashionably Fast. Pederson has made the most of them. He has won with seven of 31 starters this year, a testament to what the veteran trainer can do when given the chance.

Fashionably Fast ($4.20) was favored against four rivals owing to his sharp current form. He had won twice at Del Mar during the summer meeting in allowance company, then most recently captured the Harris Farms at the Big Fresno Fair, all since Pederson removed blinkers following a loss as an even-money favorite at Los Alamitos in June.

Fashionably Fast usually stalks the pace, and he again put himself in a forward position under regular rider Tiago Pereira. He sat right off early leader Grinning Tiger through splits of 22.59 seconds for the opening quarter and 44.99 seconds for the half, took the lead in upper stretch, then held off a determined Oliver to prevail by a half-length.

Ultimate Bango was third, another 1 1/2 lengths back, then came Grinning Tiger and Shades of Victory. Rick’s Dream was scratched Sunday morning.

Fashionably Fast covered seven furlongs on the fast main track in 1:22.13.

“He’s matured quite a bit as an individual,” said Pederson, who said he was impressed with the way Fashionably Fast handled a delay while in the paddock.

“He was very composed. He didn’t get rattled,” Pederson said. “Eight months ago he wouldn’t handle that.”

Harris owns Fashionably Fast with Per Antonsen and Paul Nicoletti. Fashionably Fast, 4, is a gelding by Lucky Pulpit. He has now won five times in 14 starts, and the $57,000 winner’s share increased his career earnings to $299,745.