Give Praise, ridden by Laffit Pincay, Jr.
Give Praise, who dropped down to the maiden claiming ranks for her first win at Hollywood Park in July, closed through the stretch to win the $150,000 Sorrento Stakes (gr. II) Sunday at Del Mar. With Laffit Pincay Jr. in the irons, the 2-year-old daughter of Pioneering completed the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17.88 while running over a fast track.Post time favorite Fort Lauderdale led the field out of the chute but was soon passed by Lazer Storm, who blitzed the opening quarter in :21.80. Fort Lauderdale stalked that rival while in second place, moved up while racing wide on the turn, and took the lead at the top of the stretch. As at the beginning of the race, Fort Lauderdale's lead did not last long as Give Praise swept by soon after to win by 3 1/2 lengths at the wire. Sea Reel finished second, three lengths ahead of Fort Lauderdale. Madame Roar came home fourth, followed by Rachel's Viva, Lazer Storm, and Some Style.Give Praise is trained by James Chapman and was bred in Ohio by Michelle Hubbs. The oddly marked gray/roan earned $90,000 for owners Chapman or Parker or Tsujimoto with the win, her second from three career starts. Sent off at just over 8-1, Give Praise returned $18.20, $6.20, and $3. The $1 exacta combination paid $34.90. (Chart, Equibase)
