Kalookan Queen takes Rancho Bernardo

DEL MAR, Calif. - Kona Gold already had secured Del Mar's male sprint title last month. On Sunday, stablemate Kalookan Queen wore the crown among this track's female sprinters, winning the $150,000 Rancho Bernardo Handicap to give trainer Bruce Headley a sweep of Del Mar's sprint divisions.

Kalookan Queen had to outrun her division's pro-tem leader, Go Go, in a stirring stretch duel. They hooked up at the top of the stretch, but Go Go never could get past Kalookan Queen, who held on bravely to win by a head. It was another three lengths back to third-place Warren's Whistle.

Kalookan Queen covered 6 1/2 furlongs on a fast main track in a swift 1:15.52. As the 8-5 second choice in the field of six, she paid $5.20.

Go Go was hampered by a slow start, and she also had to carry a career top weight package of 125 pounds, six more than Kalookan Queen. After her tardy start, she advanced steadily and was lapped on Kalookan Queen entering the far turn.

"She took a step back, but she gathered herself pretty quickly," said Eddie Delahoussaye, who rode Go Go. "The 125 pounds might have made a difference. It does when horses are pretty equal."

Go Go lost for only the second time in her last nine starts. Kalookan Queen had been defeated twice by Go Go earlier this year at Hollywood Park, but came into this race off a victory here July 23 in the restricted Fantastic Girl Stakes. The 5-year-old daughter of Lost Code, who was ridden by Alex Solis, has now won six times in 16 starts for owner Louis Asistio.