Singletary wins La Jolla

DEL MAR, Calif. - An upset win by Singletary in Saturday's $150,000 La Jolla Handicap at Del Mar led to several milestones.

Singletary ($15.60) finished 1 1-16 miles on turf in 1:40.39, a stakes record for the Grade 3 La Jolla, and gave the Little Red Feather Racing partnership and trainer Don Chatlos their must lucrative and prestigious victories.

Ridden by Patrick Valenzuela, Singletary led throughout the La Jolla, winning by a half-length over Devious Boy. Senor Swinger, the 7-5 favorite, finished third, followed by Fairly Ransom, Sweet Return, Stanley Park and Ministers Wild Cat.

Singletary fought for the lead on the first turn but was clear by 1 1-2 lengths on the backstretch after setting fractions of 23.70 and 47.34 seconds.

Valenzuela said a moderate pace of was the difference, allowing Singletary to hold off the closers in the final furlong.

"With a 47, you can dictate whatever you want," he said.

Singletary will be pointed for the $300,000 Del Mar Derby on Sept. 7, Chatlos said.

A winner of 3 of 9 starts and $240,822, Singletary ended a three-race losing streak in the La Jolla, dating back to the minor Academy Road Stakes at Santa Anita in March. That race was the first stakes win for the partnership and Chatlos, 37.