Red Lark ($40.20) makes Del Mar Oaks her first stakes victory

DEL MAR, Calif. - A $2,500 supplemental fee led to a career-defining win for Red Lark in Saturday’s Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks.

Career-defining at least in what she has accomplished so far.

Red Lark was the only supplemental entry when entries were taken last weekend. Ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, Red Lark ($40.20) rallied from sixth in a field of 11 to win her first stakes in California’s top race of the summer for 3-year-old fillies.

Red Lark finished a length in front of 27-1 California Kook, closing from third in the stretch.

“She was there for me,” Van Dyke said.

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As the race unfolded, Van Dyke said he targeted Warren’s Showtime, who was ridden by Mike Smith, as a runner to stalk in the first half of the race.

“I was in the perfect spot,” Van Dyke said. “I positioned myself behind Mike. I thought she would be a good filly to follow.”

Red Lark, trained by Paddy Gallagher for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, ran 1 1/8 miles on turf in 1:48.64. Red Lark earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 87.

California Kook, who started in her first graded stakes Saturday, finished a half-length in front of Warren’s Showtime, the 7-2 second choice who also had her graded stakes debut in the $252,500 Del Mar Oaks.

Neige Blanche, a recent import from France, finished fourth, followed by Carpe Vinum, Laura’s Light, Guitty, Parkour, Miss Extra, and Aqua Seaform Shame.

Laura’s Light, the winner of four turf stakes since late December, was the 3-2 favorite. Laura’s Light disputed the pace and faded through the stretch, finishing seven lengths behind Red Lark.

Red Lark, a Irish-bred filly by Epaulette, has won 2 of 12 starts and earned $225,000. Imported from Ireland last fall, Red Lark has won 2 of 7 starts this year.

Red Lark beat maidens in her second start in this country at Santa Anita in February and was later fourth in the Grade 3 Honeymoon Stakes against 3-year-old fillies on May 30, a race won by Laura’s Light. Red Lark was second in the Grade 3 Wilshire Stakes against older fillies and mares on June 20.

Red Lark was third by a length behind Carpe Vinum in a first-condition optional claimer for 3-year-old fillies here July 12. Van Dyke rode Red Lark in the Honeymoon, Wilshire, and recent optional claimer and said the July 12 loss left him aggravated.

“Last time, I was bottled up at the three-eighths pole,” he said.

The Del Mar Oaks was Red Lark’s second start at 1 1/8 miles since her maiden race win, which Van Dyke said gave him added confidence.

“I thought we had a good chance,” he said. “Numbers-wise, we fit with these horses.”