Puglisi Stable's Misty Sixes established herself as one of the early favorites for the $750,000 Delaware Handicap (gr. II) July 18 with an authoritative 2 1/2-length victory Saturday in the $100,000 Obeah Handicap for fillies and mares. Ridden by Mario Pino, Misty Sixes gained the lead right from the gate in the filly and mare route, completing the 1 1/8-mile journey in 1:51.23 on a fast track. Misty Sixes raced off the inner rail in the early going then set moderate fractions of :48.13 for the half mile and 1:12.19 for the six furlongs under rating from Pino. Moving out of the turn Pino asked Misty Sixes for more and the Virginia bred responded, drawing off while under brisk urging. Centaur Farm's Inc's 15-to 1 shot Redoubled Miss, who was prominent much of the way but couldn't gain on the winner in the stretch, finished second, 3 1/2 lengths to the good of Thorn Stable's Nonsuch Bay, the co-high weight at 118 pounds and second choice in the wagering.The win was the third straight over the Delaware Park surface for Misty Sixes, who earned $60,000 for her efforts. The winner's share ran her career earnings to $321,894 as she notched her ninth career win from 21 starts. The Steve Klesaris trainee must now be considered one of the early favorites for the Delaware, Delaware Park's richest stakes race and the highlight of the Festival of Racing weekend of July 17-18. The 11-10 favorite in the field of six, she paid $4.20, $3.40 and $2.40. Redoubled Miss returned $7.60 and $4.40 and Nonsuch Bay $2.40.
(Chart, Equibase)