Supah Blitz Wins by a Nose

Supah Blitz, purchased privately for an undisclosed sum last month by trainer Doug O’Neill for a partnership, paid a quick return on the investment Sunday at Del Mar.

In his first start for his new connections, the 4-year-old Mecke colt defeated Domestic Dispute by a nose in the $250,000 Del Mar Breeders’ Cup Handicap.

Ridden perfectly by jockey Victor Espinoza, the 4-1 third choice in the field of seven was rated off the pace, made a sweeping move to draw clear into the stretch, then managed to hold on to win for the fifth time in 30 races. Supah Blitz, winless in nine previous outings in 2004, completed the mile in the Grade II in 1 minute 35.14 seconds.

The win was the 28th of the meet for O’Neill, who leads the local standings with two days remaining, but his first in a graded stakes.

Looking for his second victory of the year, Domestic Dispute, the 5-2 second choice, finished well for the runner-up spot and was four lengths clear of favored During, who weakened after being part of the pace.

Earlier in the card, Tucked Away, a 5-1 shot ridden by Kent Desormeaux, won the $125,000 Solana Beach Handicap over favored Test The Water by a head.

The 4-year-old Unusual Heat filly is owned by Nico Nierenberg and trained by Pat Gallagher.

*

Mighty Invictus, who had the fastest qualifying time, will break from the rail against nine other 2-year-olds in today’s $1.9-million All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs.

Owned by a partnership and trained by Jack Brooks, Mighty Invictus, a son of Mr Jess Perry, completed his 440-yard trial in 21.41 seconds and he overcame a slow start from the inside post Aug. 19 to defeat Futurity qualifier Dm Shicago by a neck.

Brooks also will saddle Take Off Jess, a two-time winner, as he seeks his record ninth victory in the Grade I. Jacky Martin will ride Mighty Invictus. Jerry Yoakum will handle Take Off Jess.

The field is completed by Have A Coronary, Lasting Episode, Jess Satin, Devons Signature, Ojo Loca, Corona Ease and Separate Secrets, who is owned by Dutch Masters III and trained by Jaime Gomez.