Golden Gate Fields: Marks Mine survives early, late pressure to win Camilla Urso

ALBANY, Calif. -- Even-money favorite Marks Mine was pressured early and challenged late but proved best as she captured the $59,400 Camilla Urso Stakes at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday.

The 4-year-old Marks Mine ($4), a daughter of Benchmark, was caught in an early pace duel while inside Fast and Foxy but had her head in front at both the half-mile pole and quarter pole. She put Fast and Foxy away before entering the stretch as she pulled clear of the field.

Happybirthdaybaby, who had won three straight since being claimed by trainer Jerry Hollendorfer last Nov. 11, came charging up to make a race of it under Russell Baze. She quickly cut into Marks Mine's margin, but Marks Mine had enough left under Frank Alvarado to hold on by a half-length while running six furlongs in 1:09.89. Minds Eyes was third, another three lengths back.

"She's a versatile filly who runs her heart out every time," said trainer Steve Specht.

"I told Frank if they're hell-bound for the lead, to back off, but when he tried to let the other filly [Fast and Foxy] go on to get over, the other filly slowed down, too. I wasn't worried about that one, but I was a little concerned someone could come running late."

Alvarado wasn't worried. "I could hear Russell coming, but I wasn't worried because I know my filly always tries hard,” Alvarado said. “I always try to save some horse for the final sixteenth. My filly finished strong."

Baze, whose streak of seven consecutive Golden Gate stakes wins was snapped, said he thought he had a chance to run down the winner but his filly ducked in after he hit her with his whip.

Marks Mine earned $39,400 for the victory to lift her career earnings to $363,854 with her eighth win in 16 starts for owner-breeders Larry and Marianne Williams. She has 5 wins and 2 seconds in 7 starts locally.