Brisque Wins Escondido Handicap at Del Mar in His Second U.S. Start

Australian-bred Brisque, ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye, won the $83,150 Escondido Handicap by 1 1/2 lengths over favored Pleasant Variety Saturday on the turf at Del Mar.

Brisque , who at 116 was carrying three fewer pounds than the top-weighted Pleasant Variety, charged between two rivals in the upper stretch to take command and was timed in 2:16 for 1 3/8 miles.

It was the first U.S. victory for the 6-year-old horse, who finished third in his American debut at Hollywood Park a month ago.

Brisque was sent off as the third choice of the crowd of 20,801 and returned $9.80, $4.60 and $3.20.

Pleasant Variety, the 8-5 favorite ridden by Laffit Pincay, paid $3.40 and $2.40. Putting, with Chris McCarron up, was another two lengths back and paid $2.80.