Spendarella has a ball in Del Mar Oaks, pulls away to win by 4 1/2

DEL MAR, Calif. – Denied by the best 3-year-old filly in Europe of winning at the Group 1 level at Royal Ascot, Spendarella on Saturday at Del Mar laid claim to being the best 3-year-old turf filly in the United States with a dominating victory in the Grade 1, $304,000 Del Mar Oaks.

Spendarella, given a perfect slot trip by Tyler Gaffalione, surged past the leaders coming off the final bend of the 1 1/8-mile grass race and widened through the lane, crossing the finish 4 1/2 lengths to the good of Bellabel. She was as emphatic in victory here as Inspiral was in defeating Spendarella when Spendarella finished second in her prior start in the Coronation.

“Shows how good Inspiral is, right?” said Alice Clapham, the assistant to Spendarella’s trainer, Graham Motion.

Spendarella is plenty good herself. She won her first three starts, twice in graded company, before going to Royal Ascot, and on Saturday shipped anew, this time to the west, and extended her range to 1 1/8 miles. She gave Motion a sweep of the stakes the past two days here after he won the CTT and TOC on Friday with Sister Otoole.

“At least we know she can get a mile and an eighth now,” Clapham said as she awaited Spendarella to return to the winner’s circle. “Tyler was so patient with her. He slipped in behind those two, found the sweet spot.”

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Gracelund Gray and Cairo Memories volleyed for the early lead. Spendarella, starting from post 10 in the 13-horse field, was able to gradually angle over coming out of the infield chute and into the first turn, and by the time the horses turned up the backside she was in the clear, behind the two leaders and with daylight to the remaining rivals.

“She broke alertly,” Gaffalione said. “Graham and I had spoken earlier in the week and we thought there was speed and she could sit off the pace. Once we were out of the chute she dropped the bit and was really comfortable, just waiting on my cue.”

Spendarella left no doubt as to the result. She polished off 1 1/8 miles on the firm course in 1:47.09, getting a Beyer Speed Figure of 91. As the 6-5 favorite, she paid $4.40 to win.

Cairo Memories faded to third, 1 1/4 lengths behind Bellabel, then came, in order, Tezzaray, Ballet Dancing, Lucky Girl, Lady Clementine, Sixteen Arches, Island of Love, Txope, Gold Dragon Queen, Lady T, and Gracelund Gray. Rhea Moon was scratched.

Spendarella, by Karakontie out of the Unusual Heat mare Spanish Bunny, was bred and is owned by Gainesway Thoroughbreds. She only debuted in February, and won a maiden race at Gulfstream Park before capturing the Grade 3 Herecomesthebride at Gulfstream and the Grade 2 Appalachian at Keeneland.

Spendarella is now 4 for 5, and the $180,000 winner’s share on Saturday increased her earnings to $596,459.