Lu Ravi Wins Delaware Handicap

Fujita Yoshio's 5-year-old mare Lu Ravi won Sunday's $600,900 Delaware Handicap (gr. III) by a length over 1999 Delaware Handicap winner Tap To Music. Silverbulletday, who finished a narrow second to Lu Ravi in the Molly Pitcher Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II) at Monmouth Park earlier this month, came home another two lengths back in third. Lu Ravi returned $6.40, $4.40, and $2.10 and led an exacta worth $31.20.

On a fast track, Lu Ravi led at every call, repulsed a challenge by Silverbulletday with a half-mile to run, and held off the late challenge of Tap To Music, completing the 1 1/4 miles in 2:02.21 under Pat Day. Proud Owner was fourth, followed by Her Halo, Gandria, Saluteloot, and Batuka.

Lu Ravi (A.P. Indy--At the Half, by Seeking the Gold) is trained by Carl Bowman and was bred in Kentucky by W.G. Lyster III. She earned $360,000 for the win to bring her bankroll for the year to $871,000. The bay mare has won 10 of 21 career races, five in graded stakes, including the 1998 Cotillion Handicap (gr. II) and 1998 Fair Grounds Oaks (gr. III). (Chart, Equibase)