Exclusive Partner Wins Del Mar Feature Race

DEL MAR — Exclusive Partner, ridden by Laffit Pincay, fought off a late challenge Monday to win the $40,000 feature race at Del Mar by three-quarters of a length.

Rich Earth, with Chris McCarron aboard, finished second, 1 lengths in front of Skip Out Front, ridden by Gary Stevens.

Exclusive Partner covered the 1 1/16 miles on a firm turf course in 1:42 2/5 and earned $22,000 for the victory in a race for 3-year-olds and up.

Sent off as the 4-1 choice, Exclusive Partner paid $9.80, $4.20 and $2.60. Rich Earth returned $4.60 and $2.60, and Skip Out Front paid $2.20 to show.

Carrying 119 pounds, Exclusive Partner set the pace and turned back a bid from Skip Out Front nearing the stretch, remaining in front through the drive while being hard ridden.

Rich Earth, carrying 119, made a move at the stretch but was unable to overtake the winner. Skip Out Front, carrying 115, moved up readily to bid for the lead between calls approaching the stretch but lacked the needed response.