The $1 million Delaware Handicap (G2) is the highlight of Delaware�s racing season. A field of nine older fillies and mares went to the gate in this 1 1/4 mile trip around the main track. New York-bred Fleet Indian was sent off as the 2-5 favorite over 3-1 La Reason, with a three-horse entry owned by Fitzhugh LLC the co-third choice at 7-1. Regular rider Jose Santos was aboard the Todd Pletcher-trained favorite and the highweight carrying 120 pounds.
Fleet Indian broke alertly out of the rail post position, and easily took the lead after a brief duel with Take A Check first time past the stands. Fleet Indian shook off Take A Check after a quarter in 23.94, and Santos kept her on a ground-saving trip through easy fractions of 48.21 and 1:12.55 while a length clear of the pack. Turning for home, Santos allowed Fleet Indian to surge ahead and she did, pulling away by 2 1/2 lengths at the top of the stretch. Through the lane, Fleet Indian stretched her lead to win by 5 1/2 lengths at the line over the late-closing Dynamic Deputy in 2:02.08 over the fast track. Take A Check was third and Sticky was fourth.
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