Patriotic Diamond shines in Generous Portion Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. – Patriotic Diamond was a troubled second in her career debut against California-bred maidens on Aug. 15. Trainer Patrick Biancone saw enough from that gutty performance to try Patriotic Diamond in Friday’s $150,750 Generous Portion Stakes for 2-year-old California-bred fillies at Del Mar.

Patriotic Diamond performed to expectations, closing from fifth in a field of nine to win the six-furlong race by 1 1/4 lengths.

Bettors expected as much. Patriotic Diamond was the second choice, paying $5.80.

Biancone said Patriotic Diamond will show more ability in future starts.

“She will need more distance,” he said. “Six furlongs was perfect today.”

Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, Patriotic Diamond was as low as even-money with 25 minutes to post. Breaking from the outside post, Patriotic Diamond was fifth on the backstretch. Racing wide on the turn, she was second with a furlong remaining, chasing stretch leader Just Google Me, a 19-1 shot.

Patriotic Diamond’s momentum carried her to the front in the final furlong. She was timed in 1:11.05.

“We learned last time that she will come from behind,” Biancone said. “When you have the best rider in town, you don’t give too many instructions. We took a gamble, and she reacted very well.”

Just Google Me, who finished third behind Obey in the CTBA Stakes on July 31, held second, finishing 4 3/4 lengths clear of Later My Love, who was second in the CTBA Stakes. Sambamzajammin was fourth, followed by Obey, Run for Retts, My Palmilla, Cajun Cookin, and Swiss Affair.

Obey was beaten for the first time in her three-race career. Sent off as the 8-5 favorite, she was third on the backstretch but was not a factor in the final quarter-mile.

Patriotic Diamond races for Diamond 100 Racing Club, which is led by Kin Hui. The filly is by Hat Trick and was bred by Hui. Patriotic Diamond earned $85,500 in the Generous Portion and has banked $99,500 from her two starts.