Taris Wins Comeback in Rancho Bernardo

Taris launched her comeback from injury in handy fashion Aug. 16 at Del Mar, moving past the pacesetter at the quarter pole and coasting to victory the $100,000 Rancho Bernardo Handicap (gr. III) under a hand ride.

 

Sidelined for more than seven months to recover from an ankle injury, 4-year-old Taris was in fine fettle in her first start back, covering 6 1/2 furlongs 1:15.31 with Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens aboard for trainer Simon Callaghan. The win stamped the daughter of Flatter   as a possible contender for the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (gr. I) this fall at Keeneland.

 

Baruta was up to take second, and Uzziel finished third. 

 

Taris, the 11-10 favorite, was making her first start since finishing second to Sam's Sister in the La Brea (gr. I) in December at Santa Anita Park. Sunday's win marked her second start for Coolmore and partners after Callaghan bought her from Darby Dan Farm's agency for $2.35 million at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Novmeber sale. She was previously raced by Commonwealth New Era Racing and trainer Todd Beattie.

 

Taris tracked Wasted At Midnight from second and dispatched that rival on the turn before comfortably holding off Baruta. Sam's Sister was unplaced.

 

Taris has five wins and a second from six career starts that includes her front-running nine-length triumph in the Lexus Raven Run (gr. II) last October at Keeneland. With Sunday's win, her lifetime earnings rose to $395,700.

 

Bred in Kentucky by Claiborne Farm and Adele B. Dilschneider, Taris is out of the winning Theatrical mare Comedy, also the dam of stakes winner Theatre Star (War Front  ).

 

Taris paid $4.20, $2.60, and $2.80 and Baruta returned $3 and $2.80. Uzziel brought $4 show.

 

Wasted At Midnight was fourth, followed by Sam's Sister, Oscar Party and Tesalina to complete the order of finish.