From DMTC Publicity
DEL MAR, Calif. (July 24, 2016) — Longshot Patriots Rule rallied from last place under jockey Joe Talamo to overhaul Ambitious Brew in the final sixteenth and win Sunday’s $150,690 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar.
“He broke well and I had a beautiful trip,” said Talamo. “I got over to the fence and tried to save all I could. When you’re coming from last, you’re looking for spots to get through. I didn’t want to have to go six wide and lose all that ground. I got lucky with that and he had a good kick late. I like the way this turf course is playing. It’s fair. You can win on the front end, or you can win coming from the back – like I did.”
Boozer was third, a length back of the runner-up and a neck in front of fourth-place Alert Bay in the field of eight California-bred horses. Magic Mark was withdrawn.
Patriots Rule, making his first start in almost a year for owner Charles Garvey and trainer Robertino Diodoro, went to the gate at 16-l and returned $35.80, $12.40 and $6.60. He was seventh in the 2015 renewal of the California Dreamin’. It was the sixth win in 21 starts for the son of Tribal Rule and first money of $85,500 swelled his lifetime bankroll to $421,730.
“Since we gave this horse a well-deserved rest he’s come back working so well,” said Sean Williams, Diodoro’s assistant. “Everything we’ve done with him has been a prep for this and it worked out perfectly. I was a little worried that he was laying a little closer than he usually does but the fractions were a little slower than they usually are. When Joe (Talamo) went to riding him, he just responded. Joe did his homework and rode him real well. ”
Runner-up Ambitious Brew, who took the lead entering the stretch only to get nailed at the wire, paid $6.60 and $4.60, while Boozer returned $4 to show. Time for the mile and one-sixteenth on grass was 1:41.78.