Uzziel wins first graded stakes in Goldikova, vanned off as precaution

DEL MAR, Calif. – Uzziel won her first graded stakes Sunday in the $200,250 Goldikova Stakes at Del Mar, but the victory was overshadowed when she was vanned from the winner’s circle to the test barn because of concern over her right foreleg.

Track veterinarian Chuck Jenkins observed Uzziel walking near the winner’s circle before the filly was vanned off.

“It doesn’t look serious,” Jenkins said. “We did it as a precaution.”

Uzziel ($15.40) led throughout the Grade 2 Goldikova at a mile on turf, winning by 2 1/4 lengths over the 5-1 Queen of The Sand. Gender Agenda finished third and was followed by the even-money favorite Elektrum, Stormy Lucy, and Living The Life.

Uzziel was timed in 1:34.77.

Jockey Kent Desormeaux rode Uzziel for his brother, Keith, who has trained the 4-year-old filly since the start of this year. Kent Desormeaux said Uzziel was a patient filly in the Goldikova, a contrast to her last start when she was part of a speed duel in the Grade 3 L.A. Woman Stakes for female sprinters at Santa Anita and finished second.

“She let me ride her,” said Desormeaux. “Last time, she was aggressive. She tries so hard. The only time she gets beat is when they outrun her.”

Uzziel has won 6 of 20 starts and earned $457,488. Owned by breeders James and Tammy McKenney, Uzziel has won four stakes.

By Harlington, Uzziel’s first three stakes wins were in sprints, including the Santa Paula Stakes at Santa Anita and the Beverly Lewis Stakes at Los Alamitos in 2014, when she was trained by Mike Puype. In September, Uzziel won the CERF Stakes at six furlongs here in her first stakes win for Keith Desormeaux.