Rahy Pulls Away Down the Stretch for Bel Air Victory

Racing over a dirt track for only the third time in his career, Rahy accelerated down the stretch to win the $317,200 Bel Air Handicap by 10 lengths Sunday at Hollywood Park.

Sent off as a 6-5 second choice in the wagering, Rahy finished the mile in 1 minute 33 seconds, with Hot Operator second and the 4-5 favorite Ruhlmann third.

Rahy, a 4-year-old colt ridden by Gary Stevens, won $182,000, more than doubling his previous career total.

The winner paid $4.60, $2.80 and $2.20. Hot Operator, ridden by Robbie Davis, returned $4.80 and $2.40. Ruhlmann, with Laffit Pincay aboard, paid $2.10 to his backers in the crowd of 29,208.

Stevens and Rahy stayed close to early pacesetters Super Surgeon and Mi Preferido, with Ruhlmann fourth. After half a mile, Rahy took over, surging to the front and quickly building his lead to five lengths.

“I didn’t expect Mi Preferido and Super Surgeon to go to the lead,” Stevens said.