What a Song victorious in Best Pal

DEL MAR, Calif. - What a Song showed on Sunday why is the top-ranked 2-year-old in California.

Remaining unbeaten after three starts, What a Song ($3.60) showed remarkable poise to score an impressive victory in the $150,000 at Del Mar. Ridden by Victor Espinoza, What a Song finished 6 1-2 furlongs in 1:15.64, winning by 2 3-4 lengths over Bashert.

They were the first two finishers in the Hollywood Juvenile Championship last month.

In the Grade 2 Best Pal, What a Song disputed the lead throughout. He led for an opening quarter-mile in 22.48 seconds, was passed briefly by Corazondelcampeon on the backstretch and regained the lead on the turn.

Through the stretch, What a Song pulled clear to win comfortably.

"I could tell he hadn't asked him to run until the quarter-pole," trainer Bob Baffert said. "He's a very gifted horse."

Bashert finished 6 1-2 lengths in front of Plug Me In, a maiden. Corazondelcampeon faded through the stretch.

The field was reduced to four after A.P. Warrior, who was making his stakes debut, was scratched after running off in the post parade.

What a Song gave Baffert a record sixth win in the Best Pal. Owned by Bob and Beverly Lewis, What a Song has earned $179,700.