Laura’s Light Outclasses Field in San Clemente

DEL MAR, CA – Gary Barber’s multiple graded stakes winner Laura’s Light added yet another impressive tally to her resume, outclassing a strong field to win Saturday’s $150,000 San Clemente Stakes (G2) at Del Mar.

Breaking from post 3 under Abel Cedillo as the 6/5 favorite, Laura’s Light was the first one to enter the clubhouse turn, but she soon allowed a hell-bent Cheermeister to set the tempo onto the backstretch.

Cheermeister posted opening fractions of :22.46 and :46.15 while Laura’s Light kept closest watch, waiting until entering the far turn to make her move. Taking command near the top of the stretch, Laura’s Light kicked clear from her Peter Miller stablemate She’s So Special and withstood late pushes from Guitty and Warren’s Showtime to win by 3/4 of a length.

Laura’s Light completed the firm turf mile in a final time of 1:34.16.

“Oh, boy; she was ready today,” Cedillo said. “This filly, you can do what you want with her. She’ll go to the lead, she’ll let me take a hold. She’s just there. You love to ride horses like that. This was a tough race today; some good horses in there. But my filly was ready and I felt strong. She ran a great race.”

Guitty’s wide rally in the stretch got her second by a 1/2-length over Warren’s Showtime, who nipped She’s So Special by a nose for third.

Croughavouke was fifth ahead of Applecross, and behind them came Cheermeister, Over Attracted, Little Bird, and Lazy Daisy to complete the order of finish.

Mind Out was scratched.

Laura’s Light’s win was her second straight following the 1 1/8-mile Honeymoon Stakes (G3) and fourth stakes score overall. The 3-year-old Constitution filly improved her record to 7-5-1-0 with $304,370 earned.

“They were flying early and I was a little worried being that close to the fast pace, but she’s all heart,” Miller said. “She’s just special. Her last race was a mile and 1/8, which was stretching her. … I think she’s better at a mile, but I think she ran every bit as well today as she did last time.”

Laura’s Light returned $4.40 to win, $3 to place, and $2.60 to show. Guitty brought back $12.80 to place and $6.60 to show, while Warren’s Showtime paid $3.80 to show.