Union Strike Denies American Cleopatra in Debutante

Union Strike Victorious in Del Mar Debutante

By: News Team

Several “firsts” were marked off at the conclusion of the $300,000 Gr.1 Del Mar Debutante Stakes. Two-year-old filly Union Strike not only won her first stakes race, she gained her first graded stakes win in just her second start. It was also the first grade 1 win for trainer Shelby Ruis. Additionally, Union Strike became the first black-type stakes winner for Union Rags.

Morganite and Miss Southern Miss bumped at the start but that didn’t stop the former from taking the lead to set the pace. She took the field of seven through fractions of :22.16 and :45.25, followed closely by American Cleopatra, full sister to 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. Morganite began to fade at the top of the stretch and was passed swiftly by American Cleopatra. The latter then hooked up with Champagne Room. Union Strike, ridden by a patient Martin Garcia, sat next to last early in the race but wasted no time in making her move while American Cleopatra and Champagne Room ran together. Union Strike and Garcia swept past the other two and went on to win the seven-furlong race by 2 ½ lengths. The final time was 1:23.22.

Jockey Martin Garcia has worked the filly a handful of times prior to Saturday’s win. Following the race, Garcia mentioned a recent change to the bit she was using may have contributed to her success. “The [assistant starter] suggested we try a different bit on her. The one they were using was too strong. So they made the change and it’s made a big difference. She was a runner today.”

25-year-old trainer Shelbe Ruis could not have been more proud, “We knew what we and we are really excited. She’s a nice filly.” Prior to the race, gate work had raised some concerns, “Her only issue was the gate,” she said. “She broke slowly in her first race, so we worked on it. She gets a little nervous in there, but I think the outside post this time really helped.”

Union Strike is out of the Smart Strike mare Classic Strike, who also produced graded stakes winner Handsome Mike. From two starts, the filly has a first and a second and earnings of $192,600. She may be pointed toward the Chandelier Stakes at Santa Anita Park next month.

Photo: © EverythingEQ.com / Amanda Murphy