Italian Rules survives multiple bumps, objection

Italian Rules ($6.80) brushed three times with Pleasure Grounds in the lane and then survived a jockey's objection as he improved his career record to 2 for 2 with a victory in the $65,000 Stinson Beach Stakes for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate Fields.

Italian Rules, who showed good speed in winning his Nov. 30 debut at Hollywood Park, sat third as Ican'tremember and Run Brother Ron dueled through fast early fractions of 21.65 and 44.09 seconds.

As the field turned for home, jockey Kyle Kaenel eased Italian Rules off the rail, brushing with Pleasure Grounds, as Ican'tremember began to come out. Italian Rules split Ican'tremember and Pleasure Grounds, brushing twice more with Pleasure Grounds, then finished strongly to beat Pleasure Grounds by one length in the six-furlong race that was timed in 1:09.56.

Saipan finished third, a head behind Pleasure Grounds, in a four-way photo for second that also included Ican'tremember and the favorite, Moonlit Master.

"I saw Ican'tremember and Run Brother Ron on the lead, and when you look at their connections, you know they like to be forwardly placed," Kaenel said. "They were staying off the rail so my horse didn't feel crowded, and he didn't have to face any kickback."