From DMTC Publicity
DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 8, 2021) — Sons of stallion Stay Thirsty finished 1-2-3 as Lovingier, London or Zondlo’s Rock N Rye scampered home by four and a quarter lengths in Sunday’s $100,000 Graduation Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar, then had to withstand a rider’s objection before he was made the official winner of the five and one-half furlong dash for California-bred juveniles.
The race originally had six youngsters entered, but two scratches reduced the field to four and cancelled show betting. The winner covered the distance in 1:05.77.
Umberto Rispoli rode Rock N Rye, who is trained by Walther Solis. The Stay Thirsty colt was bred by co-owner Terry Lovingier. The dark bay or brown juvenile picked up a check for $57,000 and increased his earnings to $100,920.
“This horse is getting better each start and I think as he continues to mature he’ll be able to handle longer distances,” said Solis.
Finishing second in the stakes was McMahon or Rudy’s Trip to Spain and running third was Mr. T’s Thirsty, also owned by Lovingier along with his partner Templeton Horses.
Rock N Rye, the odds-on favorite, paid $3.40 and $2.20. Trip to Spain returned $2.60.
“My horse was very professional today,” said Rispoli. “Very mature for a 2-year-old. Once I got him to switch leads it was all good from there.”
Rider Kyle Frey on Trip to Spain lodged his objection because Rock N Rye crossed over in front of him just inside the eighth pole. The stewards took a quick look at the replay and then stated the incident did not warrant a disqualification.