Uzziel takes command to win CERF Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. – Uzziel loves racing on Sept. 6.

In 2014, she won the Beverly Lewis Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos on that day. On Saturday, she won for the first time since the Lewis in the $84,750 CERF Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar.

Ridden by Kent Desormeaux for his brother, Keith, Uzziel ($17.80) closed from fifth in a field of eight to win the six-furlong race by 4 1/4 lengths in 1:09.09.

“That was a strong race, and she did it powerfully and ran past the wire,” Keith Desormeaux said.

Uzziel was in front in early stretch and in command of the race by 1 1/2 lengths with a furlong to go. Ben’s Duchess, the only 3-year-old in the field, finished second, a half-length in front of pacesetter Amaranth, an 8-1 shot.

Ramona’s Wildcat finished fourth, followed by Clearly Confused, Baruta, Velvet Mesquite, and Tribal Gal. Baruta was the 8-5 favorite but was not a factor in the stretch.

Uzziel, a 4-year-old filly by Harlington, races for breeders James and Tammy McKenney. Uzziel has won 5 of 18 starts and earned $317,488. In the last year, she has run in seven stakes, finishing second in the Grade 2 Santa Maria Stakes in February, second to the two-time champion Beholder in the Santa Lucia Stakes in April, and third in the Grade 3 Rancho Bernardo Handicap here Aug. 16.

Keith Desormeaux said Uzziel may be considered for the $100,000 L.A. Woman Stakes for fillies and mares at 6 1/2 furlongs Oct. 4.