Obey leads throughout CTBA Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. – Obey, the winner of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes at Del Mar on Friday, is a 2-year-old who does not act her age. This has been highly beneficial this summer.

Obey is uneaten in two starts. She scored a hard-fought win in the CTBA Stakes for California-bred fillies, holding off a stubborn contender in Later My Love to win by three-quarters of a length.

“She’s a mature filly,” trainer Sam Scolamieri said. “She acts like she’s 3. You show her something new, and she acts like she’s done it all the time.”

Obey ($9.20) ran 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04.59. Ridden by Tiago Pereira, Obey fought for the lead throughout, which surprised Scolamieri.

“I didn’t think she’d show that much speed,” he said.

Obey set early fractions of 21.74 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 45.69 for the first half-mile.

Later My Love, a 41-1 outsider, was second throughout and finished 5 3/4 lengths in front of Just Google Me, a 12-1 outsider.

Ibelievewewillwin was fourth, followed by Baby Bea Scattin, Reckless Charm, Aiming Straight, Marquee Cat, She’s a Classic, and My Palmilla. Reckless Charm was the 5-2 favorite.

My Palmilla, the winner of a maiden race here on opening day July 16, was pulled up in early stretch but did cross the wire. Jockey Joe Talamo told the stewards that My Palmilla “took a bad step” in early stretch. Sambamzajammin did not finish after breaking awkwardly and bucking after the start.

Obey, by Desert Code, won her debut in a maiden race at Santa Anita on June 25, leading throughout to score by 2 3/4 lengths. She has earned $90,600.

The CTBA Stakes was the first stakes win for the 61-year-old Scolamieri since Our Summer Bid won the Grade 3 Las Flores Stakes at Santa Anita in 1997.

Scolamieri, who is based at the San Luis Rey Downs training center in northern San Diego County, said Obey will be considered for the $150,000 Generous Portion Stakes for 2-year-old California-bred fillies at six furlongs on Aug. 28.