With other jockeys taking hold of their horses early in the $102,500 Jimmy Durante Stakes (G3T) for 2-year-old fillies, Juan Hernandez gave his outside-drawn mount Zonda Verde a free rein, allowing her to take command early.
It was an advantage the gray filly, who had not been on the lead in six prior starts, would relish. With plenty in reserve after comfortable fractions of :23.59, :48.08, and 1:12.15 in the mile turf race, she kicked away on the second turn and hit the wire a length in front of wide-racing favorite Lady de Berry . The winner, who returned $23.60 for a $2 wager, was timed in 1:36.02 on a firm turf course.
Holding them ALL off! 🎙️
Zona Verde & @JJHernandezS19 could not be caught in the Grade III Jimmy Durante Stakes. pic.twitter.com/oDd44Mr0Xu
— Del Mar Racetrack (@DelMarRacing) December 2, 2023
Eastern invader Lady de Berry edged show-finisher Yatta and fourth-place Antifona in a tight finish for the minor awards.
“He took a shot and it worked out.”@PhilDamato11 spoke with @FanDuelTVMike after Zona Verde (IRE) won the $100,000 Jimmy Durante Stakes (G3) at @DelMarRacing. pic.twitter.com/073hb6aOxg
— TVG (@TVG) December 2, 2023
Race Record And Pedigree
Phil D’Amato trains the winner for owners Benowitz Family Trust, CYBT, McLean Racing Stables, and Michael Nentwig. They have campaigned her through three starts in California since she was imported from Ireland, where she made her initial four starts. She broke her maiden in her first domestic try at Del Mar in September and then had been sixth in the Oct. 8 Surfer Girl Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.
Bred in Ireland by Knockainey Stud out of the Dark Angel mare Namibie , Zonda Verde is a daughter of Calyx , who stands for €12,500 at Coolmore in Ireland in 2024.
Video: Jimmy Durante S. (G3T)
