Tucked Away upsets Clement Hirsch Handicap

DEL MAR, Calif. - Tucked Away, who has spent most of her career racing in state-bred stakes, won the most prestigious event of her 29-race career in Sunday's $300,000 at Del Mar.

Tucked Away ($40.40) rallied from sixth to finish a nose in front of Hollywood Story, the 5-2 favorite. Valentine Dancer finished third in the field of eight fillies and mares.

Ridden by Alex Solis, Tucked Away finished 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.82.

The Grade 2 Hirsch was Tucked Away's first win outside of state-bred company.

The race was filled with incidents before and during the running.

Girl Warrior and Santa Candida broke through the gate before the start, but were allowed to start.

Tucked Away survived an eight-minute inquiry to keep the win. The stewards reviewed an incident at the top of the stretch when 19-1 Muir Beach was forced to check when Tucked Away drifted to the outside and into Muir Beach's path. The stewards ruled that the incident was a chain reaction caused by Star Parade, who had moved off the rail.

Tucked Away trailed pacesetter Alphabet Kisses by as many as 12 lengths in the first half-mile. It was not until the final turn that Tucked Away and Hollywood Story, who was seventh early, began closing ground.

In the stretch, Tucked Away and Hollywood Story reached contention while racing wide.

Tucked Away, 5, races for Nico Nierenberg and trainer Paddy Gallagher. A California-bred, she has won 5 of 29 starts and $582,956. Tucked Away is scheduled to be sold in November at Keeneland.