Fluffy Socks survives inquiry in Jimmy Durante victory

DEL MAR, Calif. - The drama surrounding the win by Fluffy Socks in Saturday’s Grade 3 Jimmy Durante Stakes at Del Mar was not the manner in which the 2-year-old filly rallied through the stretch.

It was whether Fluffy Socks would survive a 10-minute inquiry regarding an incident on the turn.

Fluffy Socks, who was ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., drifted out approaching the quarter-pole, forcing jockey Drayden Van Dyke to check Consternation, who drifted back to last in a field of 10. Fluffy Socks continued to progress in early stretch and took the lead in the final furlong.

Consternation recovered to finish fifth. After a lengthy review, stewards Ron Church, Luis Jauregui, and Kim Sawyer did not change the order of finish in a majority decision. Sawyer argued for a disqualification.

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Jauregui acknowledged that Fluffy Socks drifted out and made contact with Consternation, but that the incident “did not cost” Consternation a better placing.

Ortiz said he heard a rider calling for room on the turn, but maintained that he was not in error.

“I heard someone screaming,” he said. “It was a tight spot on a tight turn. I followed my lane.”

Sent off as the favorite, Fluffy Socks ($5.40) ran a mile on turf in 1:35.35 in a hand-timed race, winning by a half-length. Fluffy Socks earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 77.

Javanica (9-2) closed from seventh in the final quarter-mile to finish second, a neck in front of 8-1 Quattroelle. Javanica closed well through the final sixteenth under jockey Flavien Prat.

“My jockey had nothing to do but sit and wait,” said Eoin Harty, who trains Javanica.

Pizzazz finished fourth, followed by Consternation, Magical Thought, Inner Beauty, Plum Sexy, Nimbrostratus, and Closing Remarks. Polished Lady and Invincible Gal were scratched before race day. Bay Storm was scratched during the post parade on advice of a track veterinarian and was 5-1 at the time.

Fluffy Socks, by the Cacique stallion Slumber, races for Head of Plains Partners and trainer Chad Brown. The $102,500 Durante Stakes was the first graded-stakes win for Fluffy Socks, who won the $150,000 Selima Stakes at Pimlico on Oct. 3 and was second by a nose in the $100,000 Chelsey Flower Stakes at Belmont Park on Nov. 1.

Fluffy Socks has won 3 of 5 starts and has earned $216,880.