Chiming Strikes in Yerba Buena for Frankel

Castleton Lyons' Irish-bred Chiming, winner of just two of 22 races, captured Saturday's $107,500 Yerba Buena Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. IIIT) for fillies and mares at Bay Meadows.

Ridden by Corey Nakatani for trainer Bobby Frankel, Chiming, a 5-year-old Danehill mare making her second start in the United States, steamed home 3 1/2 lengths ahead of Noches De Rosa in time of 1:45 2/5 for the 1 1/8-mile test on a firm turf.

Chiming tracked the pace set by Notting Hill, who went :24 3/5 and 1:11 3/5 before Lindsay Jean, who was in second early, pulled to the front in the stretch after an opening mile in 1:36. Down the lane, Lindsay Jean, with Chad Schvaneveldt in the irons, was 1 1/2 length clear of Chiming, who came off the rail to chase Lindsay Jean at the quarter pole. She edged to the outside for her winning charge.

Noches De Rosa, with G.F. Almeida aloft, was along late to take second by three lengths over Lindsay Jean, but provided no threat to the winner. Turtle Bow, the 3-2 favorite ridden by Russell Baze, was fourth after failing to fire in the stretch.

Chiming was coming off a second-place showing in a one-mile optional claiming event on the Hollywood Park turf May 2, her only U.S. start after coming over from Ireland. The victory was worth $55,000, pushing his career bankroll to $137,924 with a line of 23-3-4-4.

The 4-1 third choice in a field of seven, the winner paid $10, $4.60 and $3.20. Noches De Rosa returned $3.80 and $2.80. Lindsay Jean's show price was $3.

(Chart, Equibase)