Yearly Report Pays Delaware Oaks Dividends

Golden Eagle Farm's Yearly Report and jockey Jerry Bailey repelled upset-minded Ender's Sister in deep stretch to win the $500,000 Delaware Oaks (gr. II) Saturday at Delaware Park.

A 3-year-old bay California-bred daughter of General Meeting, Yearly Report enjoyed her fifth and most lucrative victory as a prohibitive 2-5 favorite in the field 10. It was her fourth straight stakes win.

She squirted away from pacesetter Richetta to lead by a couple of lengths at the top of the stretch and threatened to break the race open. But Ender's Sister, a 9-1 shot ridden by Cornelio Velasquez, flew off the turn on the outside to engage for the lead. As Ender's Sister threatened to take command, Bailey asked for more from Yearly Report, and she gradually pulled away under brisk handling in the late stages for a one-length triumph. The final time was 1:43 4/5.

"Once she placed herself second in the first turn, it was all over," said Bailey. "I did not do a whole lot to encourage her. She put herself there and she showed she was the class in the race. Once the class of the race gets a trouble free trip, it is pretty much over from there."

Ender's Sister was hung out four or five paths wide throughout.

Richetta carved out the early fractions of :24 1/5 and :48 1/5 as Yearly Report pressured her from the outside. After five furlongs, Yearly Report moved to the leader without urging and led after six furlongs in 1:12 3/5.

Bob Baffert trains the winner, who captured her third grade II victory of the year. She won the Black Eyed Susan (gr. II) at Pimlico in her last start May 14. She romped in the Santa Ynez (gr. II) in January by four lengths at Santa Anita. Her only loss came in December's California Breeders' Championship, when she was second, three lengths behind Silent Sighs.

Baffert is considering the Alabama (gr. I) at Saratoga on Aug. 21 for Yearly Report's next start.

Bred by Mr. and Mrs. John Mabee, Yearly Report is out of the Half a Year mare Fiscal Year. The victory pushed her career earnings to $678,400.

She paid $2.80, $2.40 and $2.10. Ender's Sister returned $3.60 and $2.10, completing a $13.60 exacta. A Lulu Ofa Menifee, ridden by Ramond Dominguez, was $2.10 to show, finishing nine lengths behind the winner.

Hopelessly Devoted, Pilfer, Richetta, Irish Melody and Becky in Pink followed. Strategy and Bending Strings scratched.

(Chart, Equibase)