From DMTC Publicity
DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 24, 2019) — Scoring his fourth consecutive victory, even-money favored Fashionably Fast resisted the stretch challenge of Oliver to register a half-length triumph in the featured $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles on Sunday at Del Mar.
Always prominent under regular pilot Tiago Pereira, Fashionably Fast took the lead in upper stretch and prevailed gamely in 1:22.13 for the seven furlongs. Oliver, the lone three-year-old in a field of five older California-bred runners, was a clear second, a length and one-half ahead of third-place Ultimate Bango, with Grinning Tiger fourth and longshot Shades of Victory fifth and last. Withdrawn from the sprint was Rick’s Dream.
Fashionably Fast, a four-year-old gelded son of Lucky Pulpit, was bred by the Harris Farms of John Harris who co-owns the horse with partners Per Antonsen and Paul Nicoletti. Dean Pederson is the trainer.
“Him maturing quite a bit has played a big roll (in his four straight wins), and obviously taking the blinkers off has helped,” said Pederson. “It helps him feel a little more relaxed in his running style. He’s a handy horse you can place where you want to and he has been a godsend to us. He has been a remarkable horse over a short period of time for us.”
Fashionably Fast was a two-time winner last summer at Del Mar and in October won the Harris Farms Stakes at the Fresno Fair.
He returned $4.20, $2.40 and $2.10 to his backers Sunday and first money of $60,000 increased his earnings to $302,745. It was his fifth win in 14 career starts. Runner-up Oliver paid $3 and $2.20, while Ultimate Bango returned $2.40 to show.
There were no perfect tickets in the Pick Six Sunday, so a carryover of $51,254 will be in effect when racing resumes Friday with a first post of 12:30 p.m.