Hystericalady runs away with Delaware Handicap

The Del 'Cap has been designated as a "Win and You're In" Breeders' Cup Challenge race with the winner automatically qualifying for the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic at Santa Anita on Friday, October 24.

Last year Hystericalady finished a neck behind Ginger Punch in the 1 1/8 mile Breeders' Cup Distaff at Monmouth Park.

Ridden by Garrett Gomez, Hystericalady pressed the pace in the Del 'Cap set by Lemon Drop Mom. Running in third was Buy the Barrel with Spring Waltz in fourth.

Defending champ Unbridled Belle had problems heading into the first turn and was three or four wide around the turn several lengths from the lead. Earlier, Unbridled Belle flipped over in the paddock.

Up the backstretch the four top runners held their positions in the eight horse field. Around the turn for home Hystericalady took over the lead from Lemon Drop Mom and proceeded to dominate down the stretch.

Hystericalady finished the 71st Del 'Cap four-lengths ahead of second place finisher Lemon Drop Mom with Unbridled Belle rallying for third. Rounding out the order of finish was Spring Waltz, Buy the Barrel, All Smiles, Santa Teresita and Kathleens Reel.

Copper State, Moon Catcher and Over Under were scratched from the race.

The time for the Del 'Cap was 2:02.37 on a fast track.

Hystericalady is trained by co-owner Jerry Hollendorfer and collects $600,000 for the victory. The five-year-old chestnut mare has won half of her 20 career starts for more than $1.8 million.

In her last race she notched a win in the $300,000 Fleur de Lis Handicap at Churchill Downs on June 14 by better than seven-lengths as the 1-2 favorite.

Hystericalady returned $7.00, $4.20 and $2.60. Lemon Drop Mom paid $13.20 and $6.20, Unbridled Belle paid $2.80 to show.

Delaware Park announced this week the selection of five inductees into the Delaware Park Wall of Fame.

The class of 2008 consists of former champion female Damascus, trainer Virgil "Buddy" Raines, retired Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron, Foxcatcher Farms and R.R.M. Carpenter Jr. These inductees were selected by a panel of Delaware Park executives.