Prior to beginning her racing career, Winding Way must surely have been a large fan of Zenyatta, for on Sunday she turned in her best impression of the great mare when rallying from nearly ten lengths back to win the $150,000 Rancho Bernardo Handicap (gr. III) at Del Mar.
With Rafael Bejarano aboard, the filly hopped at the start and was away very poorly, but Bejarano was patient and allowed his mount to settle into stride while Sugarinthemorning set a good pace of :22.32 and :45.11. Glamorista and Home Sweet Aspen were right behind her, with Indian Gracey and Moonstruck Maya also fairly close to the pace. There was a 3 1/2-length gap back to Rumor, and another three back to Winding Way.
Turning for home, Sugarinthemorning opened up a decisive lead and appeared to be on her way to victory, passing the eighth pole with a 3 1/2-length advantage. But Winding Way was putting in a terrific rally on the far outside, wearing down horses in a manner remarkably similar to the way Zenyatta used to do it. Sugarinthemorning dug deep in the stretch, but proved no match for Winding Way, who struck the front nearing the finish to win by a gritty half-length, stopping the clock in a sharp 1:15.93.
Rumor rallied to finish third, followed by Indian Gracey, Moonstruck Maya, Glamorista, and Home Sweet Aspen. The winner is owned by Spendthrift Farm and trained by Carla Gaines. Winding Way is now undefeated in three starts, with earnings of $163,800.
-Keelerman
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