Rangoon Ruby Finishes Fast, Wins Hollywood Park Feature

Irish-bred Rangoon Ruby stormed from last place to win the $81,800 Blue Delight Handicap on the turf Saturday at Hollywood Park.

Ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye and carrying 116 pounds, Rangoon Ruby finished 1 1/2 lengths in front of Sari’s Heroine in the six-furlong test for fillies and mares.

Rangoon Ruby, who trailed the five others in the field until entering the turn for home, was clocked in 1:09 1/5 while winning for the second consecutive time.

Sent off as the third choice in the wagering by the Hollywood Park crowd of 23,754, Rangoon Ruby paid $9, $6 and $2.80. Sari’s Heroine, ridden by Pat Valenzuela, returned $9.40 and $3.20. Tax Dodge, ridden by Gary Stevens, paid $2.40 to show.

The betting favorite, Take My Picture, set the pace but faded in the stretch drive to finish fourth.

Sired by champion European miler Sallust, Rangoon Ruby took the lead with a rush on the outside early in the stretch drive and won going away. Sari’s Heroine led briefly early in the stretch but could not match strides with the winner. Tax Dodge was just off the pace all the way, but lacked a strong finishing kick.