Sheer Drama turns tables on House Rules in Royal Delta

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Sheer Drama avenged her unlucky and somewhat controversial setback at the hands of House Rules in the Rampart Stakes a month ago and did so with a flourish, registering a convincing 6 1/2-length victory over the 4-5 favorite in Saturday’s $200,000, Grade 2 Royal Delta Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Sheer Drama was attempting to rally with House Rules when forced to steady after that rival drifted in her path inside the eighth pole of the one-mile Rampart on Feb. 21. Sheer Drama recovered to finish second, but a claim of foul by Joe Bravo against the winner was disallowed by the stewards.

Sheer Drama never left the issue in doubt in the 1 1/16-mile Royal Delta, stalking the early pace of Swinger’s Party before drawing off with complete authority through the stretch under Bravo. House Rules made a mild run at the winner leaving the final bend but proved no match while outlasting Molly Morgan by two lengths to finish second. They were followed by Oasis At Midnight, Tiz Windy, Swinger’s Party, and Flores Island.

Sheer Drama, a homebred 5-year-old daughter of Burning Roma, is trained by David Fawkes for owner-breeder Harold Queen. She completed the distance in 1:43.85 over a fast track and paid $8.

“I don’t know for sure if we would have beaten the other filly last time if we didn’t have to take up like that, but I know we would have given her a real run for her money,” said Fawkes, whose appeal of the stewards decision in the Rampart was also denied. “That filly was awfully good that day but we got taken out of our opportunity and never had the chance to find out.”

Fawkes said he felt getting Sheer Drama back around two turns again was an advantage over House Rules in the rematch.

“Everything has gone well for my filly since the last start and Joe did a super job,” said Fawkes. “Early on, he saved ground around the turn, he never asked her for anything until it was time, and she answered the question. I think two turns was a big help. I knew my filly would handle it and I wasn’t sure if House Rules would.”