Sandy Bottom set a blistering pace right from the start and managed to hold on—by the narrowest of margins—to claim an upset victory over the returning stakes star Tamara in the feature race at Del Mar on Friday evening.
Completing the six-furlong race in an impressive time of 1:10.06, jockey Umberto Rispoli deftly controlled Sandy Bottom, securing a nose victory over the heavily favored Tamara, who was sent off at 2-5 odds. This thrilling contest, part of a $79,800 allowance event tailored for fillies and mares aged 3 and older, showcased the prowess of Sandy Bottom, who is trained by Michael McCarthy for owners James and Donna Daniell.
Click here for Del Mar entries and results.
Tamara, owned by her breeder Spendthrift Farm, was making her much-anticipated return to the track after a layoff since November 3, 2023. Under the guidance of veteran jockey Mike Smith, she skillfully maneuvered through a challenging field to position herself for a potential victory but fell just short in the end. Finishing third, 3 1/4 lengths behind, was Anywho, a competitor from Hronis Racing.
The victorious Sandy Bottom was also marking her return, having last raced on October 21, 2023. She remarkably maintained her unbeaten record, now boasting three wins from three lifetime starts, which include the prestigious Anoakia Stakes at Santa Anita last year. This latest victory earned her a winner’s purse of $36,600, pushing her overall earnings to an impressive $140,622. For her supporters, she returned $10.20 for every winning ticket.
Tamara is directly descended from the Hall of Fame runner and racemare Beholder, a notable fact that adds to her pedigree. Under the meticulous care of legendary trainer Richard Mandella, who similarly trained Beholder throughout her illustrious career, Tamara was keenly expected to perform. Beholder had a remarkable five-season tenure filled with victories, winning Grade 1 races at ages 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, including claiming three Breeders’ Cup races and receiving four Eclipse Awards.
What were the key factors that contributed to Sandy Bottom’s successful performance in the race?
**Interview with Umberto Rispoli, Jockey of Sandy Bottom**
**Editor:** Welcome, Umberto. Congratulations on a fantastic win with Sandy Bottom at Del Mar! It was quite a nail-biter. How did you feel as the race progressed?
**Umberto Rispoli:** Thank you! It was an incredible experience. From the start, I knew Sandy Bottom had a lot of energy and speed. I focused on keeping a steady pace and not letting the pressure of Tamara’s reputation affect us. I was confident in my horse.
**Editor:** Sandy Bottom set a blistering pace right from the start. Were you surprised by the early performance, or did you expect that kind of energy?
**Umberto Rispoli:** I had a good feeling about Sandy Bottom’s stamina and speed. When we took off, I pushed just enough to maintain control without overexerting. It was crucial to keep Tamara at bay. Her odds were intimidating, but I trusted my horse entirely.
**Editor:** You were able to hold on for the win by just a nose. What was going through your mind in those final moments?
**Umberto Rispoli:** It was intense! I was focused completely on Sandy Bottom and urging her forward. I could feel Tamara closing in, but I knew we had enough left in the tank. As we crossed the finish line, it was all about that final push. I was thrilled, and honestly, a bit relieved!
**Editor:** This victory certainly marks an upset against a well-favored competitor. What does this win mean for Sandy Bottom’s future potential?
**Umberto Rispoli:** This win opens many doors for Sandy Bottom. It shows she has the ability to compete at a high level, and we can aim for bigger races. She’s just starting to find her stride, and I believe this isn’t the last we’ll see of her in the winner’s circle!
**Editor:** Thank you, Umberto, for your insights and congratulations again on a remarkable race!
**Umberto Rispoli:** Thank you! It was a team effort, and I’m grateful for everyone’s support.