Pulpit Rider gets redemption in Solana Beach
DEL MAR, Calif. -- The $125,000 Solana Beach Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at Del Mar on Saturday was a much better experience for Pulpit Rider than the corresponding race last year.
In 2019, Pulpit Rider was the 9-5 favorite and was disqualified from second to sixth after racing in traffic in the stretch. Saturday, Pulpit Rider was the 11-1 longest shot in a field of five and rallied from last to win by a nose.
“She was much the best last year when she was disqualified,” trainer Mike Puype said on Saturday. “She ran her race today.”
Ridden by Juan Hernandez, Pulpit Rider closed with a wide rally to reach the front in the final strides. Lucky Pulpit edged 6-1 Sedamar, who closed along the rail.
“It was a good ride,” Puype said. “She likes to get out in the middle of the track.”
Pulpit Rider ($24.80) ran a mile on turf in 1:34.46.
Mucho Unusual, the 1-2 favorite, finished third, beaten a half-length. Third in the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes at Santa Anita in May, Mucho Unusual stalked the early pace and led in the stretch, but could not sustain the advantage.
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Cordiality, the 3-1 second choice, finished fourth, followed by Kitty Boom Boom. Big Sweep and Smiling Shirlee were scratched.
Mucho Unusual and Cordiality are trained by Tim Yakteen, who was left disappointed with the outcome.
“I don’t think either fired their best race,” he said.
Pulpit Rider was rested after the Solana Beach Stakes in 2019 and resumed racing until early June, finishing fourth in the Fran’s Valentine Stakes for statebred fillies and mares at Sana Anita. Pulpit Rider was third in a second-condition optional claimer at a mile on turf against open company on July 10, the opening day of the current Del Mar summer meeting.
“She came off a good race last time,” Puype said. “She’s trained forwardly here.”
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Owned by breeders Larry and Marianne Williams, Pulpit Rider is a 5-year-old mare by Lucky Pulpit. Pulpit Rider has won 6 of 24 starts and earned $462,677.
The Solana Beach Stakes was Pulpit Rider’s third stakes win and first since the Campanile Stakes for statebred 3-year-old fillies on turf at Golden Gate Fields in April 2018.