Red King gives D'Amato fourth straight Del Mar Handicap triumph

DEL MAR, Calif. – Saturday was one of the hottest days of the year in Southern California, but that orange orb in the sky wasn’t emanating nearly as much warmth as trainer Phil D’Amato, who, despite having a mandatory face cover, couldn’t hide his obvious delight at winning the Grade 2, $203,000 Del Mar Handicap with Red King.

“This one is really special,” he said.

Let’s count the ways: This was the fourth straight year, and the sixth time in the last seven years, that D’Amato had sent out the winner of the 1 3/8-mile grass race, which has added value by being a Win and You’re In for the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Nov. 7 at Keeneland. D’Amato did it with a horse who has now won three straight, beginning with a first-level allowance and including the Grade 3 San Juan Capistrano, both at Santa Anita. In addition, Red King upset odds-on favorite United, whose one-paced style couldn’t quite overcome the daring move jockey Umberto Rispoli made heading into the far turn aboard Red King.

Rispoli, realizing the pace had slowed to a crawl after six furlongs in 1:15.09, took his shot and let Red King roll around horses entering the far turn, hoping he’d be able to carry his rally all the way to the wire.

:: DRF's Del Mar headquarters – Stakes schedule, previews, recaps, past performances, and more

“I was unhappy with the pace. I used to do that overseas when the pace slows,” said Rispoli, who rode in Europe and Hong Kong before coming here, “but you need a horse with stamina.”

Red King, exiting a race at about 1 3/4 miles, has it. He quickly advanced from eighth to second heading around the far turn, had the lead at midstretch after North County Guy began to fade, and was fully extended to hold off United and the late-running Originaire.

“He was looking around,” Rispoli said of Red King.

Red King ($10.60), the second choice of 11, reached the wire first, by a head over 3-5 United, who was a half-length in front of 10-1 Originaire. Proud Pedro was fourth, then came, in order: Oscar Dominguez, Another Mystery, North County Guy, Ward ’n Jerry, Combatant, Big Buzz, and New Year.

Red King was hand-timed in 2:15.75 for 1 3/8 miles on the firm course.

“Umberto timed it perfectly,” said D’Amato, who said he took comfort in Rispoli choosing Red King over Originaire after riding both last time out.

“He thought this horse was climbing the ladder,” D’Amato said.

Red King, 6, an entire son of English Channel, has now won seven times in 28 starts, and the $120,000 first prize brought his career bankroll to just shy of $400,000.

He is owned by a partnership that is headed by Little Red Feather Racing, whose animated managing partner, Billy Koch, was proudly waving a Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In towel after race.

“We’ll see you there,” he shouted to everyone within earshot, probably as far north as Anaheim. “First we’re going to Disneyland. Then we’re going there.”