Texas Ryano Represented by First Winner at Del Mar

It was a sweet exacta Sept. 2 in the sixth race at Del Mar, with Peppermint Flirt  edging out Candy On Top  by a neck.

But the victory was even sweeter for the connections of California stallion Texas Ryano  , as Peppermint Flirt became his first winner.

The 2-year-old filly won at second asking for Masino Racing Stable and trainer Craig Dollase, taking a $72,000 event slated at one mile on firm turf at the seaside track. With Juan Hernandez in the irons, she tracked eighth of nine early, then shifted in while launching a bid three deep at the eighth pole. She outkicked Candy On Top, who pressed the pace throughout, and finished in 1:37.66.

In her first start Aug. 12, Peppermint Flirt was third at the same distance on the same surface. Bred in California by Williamson Racing out of the Artie Schiller  mare Dial a Date, she was a $47,000 purchase by Joe Masino Racing from McCarthy Bloodstock's consignment to the Fasig-Tipton Santa Anita 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale.

Texas Ryano, a grade 2-winning son of Curlin  , was campaigned by Warren B. Williamson and trainer Carla Gaines. His best victory came in the 2016 Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes (G2T) at Del Mar. He entered stud at Ballena Vista Farm in 2018. His advertised fee for 2021 was $3,500.