Sensitively tries to stretch speed in Rancho Bernardo

DEL MAR, Calif. – The summer-season Del Mar traditions include the predictable Rancho Bernardo Handicap, a Grade 3 race for filly-and-mare sprinters that is a bonanza for favorites and short prices – 15 of the last 16 winners paid $6.20 or less.

Similarly predictable is the 4-year-old speedball Sensitively. She runs as fast as she can for as far as she can. “She’s speed on speed,” trainer Phil D’Amato said.

What will be less certain Wednesday at Del Mar is if Sensitively can carry her speed 6 1/2 furlongs. The filly’s only previous start beyond six furlongs was a last-place debacle while compromised by an internal disorder.

As the 5-2 program favorite, Sensitively has history on her side. Rancho Bernardo favorites have won 10 of the last 16 editions; the second choice won five.

Sensitively faces a small, select field Wednesday, including Pretty N Cool and Enchanting Lady, one-two last month in a Del Mar sprint stakes; Grade 1 route winner Tara’s Tango; and Grade 2 sprint winners Lost Bus and Finest City.

Forwardly placed runners have won most 6 1/2-furlong races – six of 19 were won by the pacesetter, and 16 of 19 were within two lengths of the lead after the first quarter-mile.

The 2015 Rancho Bernardo was won by Taris, third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint; 2014 Rancho Bernardo winner Judy the Beauty won the BC Filly and Mare Sprint; 2013 Rancho Bernardo winner Reneesgotzip finished second in the BC Turf Sprint.

KEY CONTENDERS

Sensitively, by Street Sense
Last 3 Beyers: 99-97-97

◗ The Rancho Bernardo has always been her summer target. After winning three allowance races, she finished second in a stakes two months ago at Santa Anita. D’Amato said she is “training very well; she should be ready to go.” Win or lose, she is the one to catch.

◗ Tyler Baze rides the Street Sense filly, purchased from breeder John Liviakis by Anthony Fanticola and Joseph Scardino prior to her April 7 allowance win. She has won two of three for her new owners and has the top speed figures in the field.

Enchanting Lady, by Tale of the Cat
Last 3 Beyers: 87-73-87

◗ The runner-up finish last out by Enchanting Lady – she rallied from last to finish second – was either a solid comeback prep or an indication that the filly has lost her speed.

Pretty N Cool, by Scat Daddy
Last 3 Beyers: 89-78-67

◗ Her win in the CERF Stakes was her first start in more than six months; she is 3 for 5 at Del Mar. Pretty N Cool is likely to be positioned closest to the pacesetter.

Tara’s Tango, by Unbridled’s Song
Last 3 Beyers: 94-96-94

◗ Although she is the field’s only Grade 1 winner, a win by Tara’s Tango would be a mild surprise. Although she is 2 for 2 at Del Mar, she prefers two turns and is returning from a four-month layoff.

Finest City, by City Zip
Last 3 Beyers: 92-98-99

◗ She benefits from a return to a sprint. Finest City finished third and fourth in routes after winning a Grade 2 sprint in April.

Lost Bus, by Bring the Heat
Last 3 Beyers: 89-94-96

◗ The inside post compromises Lost Bus, who has won three of her last five starts, including a $131.20 upset in the Grade 2 Santa Monica in January at Santa Anita.