Stellar Wind Dominant in Torrey Pines

Hronis Racing's Stellar Wind heavily outclassed the rest of the $100,000 Torrey Pines Stakes (gr. III) field on paper and showed it on the track at Del Mar Aug. 30 with an easy victory.



Now a four-time graded winner—including her score in this year's Santa Anita Oaks (gr. I)—the 3-year-old daughter of Curlin   sat just off the pace, took command in the final turn of the mile dirt event and pulled away to win by 4 1/4 lengths under jockey Victor Espinoza.



Big Book, who came into the Torrey Pines undefeated in three starts, ran well to finish second and Rattataptap came in third, 3 1/4 lengths back.



Longshot Ultimate Holiday shot to the lead early, running the first quarter in :23.02 while Stellar Wind sat in third on the rail. Possibly concerned with being boxed in, Espinoza pushed the filly exiting the first turn to get out of the tight spot and improved to second through a half in :46.83. Stellar Wind took over to cover six furlongs in 1:11.35 and cruised to hit the wire in 1:36.43 for trainer John Sadler.



Off as the 1-2 favorite, the winner paid $3, $2.20, and $2.10 across the board. Big Book brought $3.20 and $2.40. Rattataptap delivered $2.40 to show.



Roksana made mild gains to come in fourth, followed by Ultimate Holiday and Hone In to complete the order of finish.



Bred in Virginia by Keswick Stables and Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, Stellar Wind is out of the Malibu Moon   mare Evening Star. She now has a 5-0-1 record from seven starts, with a bankroll of $553,200.