Sun Boat flies late in San Diego

DEL MAR, Calif. - Sun Boat, claimed for $50,000 in April, proved his second in the Grade 2 Californian Stakes in June was no fluke when he rallied from last to win Saturdays $300,000 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar.

Among Sun Boats victims in the Grade 2 San Diego was Buzzards Bay, the winner of the Californian, who could only finish eighth of nine as the 3-2 favorite.

The victory put Sun Boat on course for the $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar on Aug. 19, according to trainer Mike Mitchell.

Ridden by Michael Baze, Sun Boat was last with a half-mile to go, and rallied between rivals in the stretch to take the lead passing the eighth pole. He quickly pulled clear to win by a length over Awesome Gem, who finished two lengths in front of 37-1 Salty Humor.

Sun Boat ($15) ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.39. Owned by a partnership that includes Bongo Racing Stable, Sun Boat has won 4 of 12 starts and $314,345. Sun Boat was claimed by his current owners and Mitchell for $50,000 on April 12 and returned to win a $40,000 claimer on May 13 before losing the Californian.

* Kris Sis won her first stakes in the $90,715 Osunitas Handicap for fillies and mares on turf.

Ridden by Baze, Kris Sis raced near the front throughout and finished a length in front of Private Banking. Double Trouble, the even-money favorite, finished third.

Kris Sis ($9) ran 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:41.75.