by Tim Nichols

Spring House settled comfortably off the pace through the first mile and eagerly accelerated clear in the lane to win the $250,000 Del Mar Handicap (G2) on Saturday at Del Mar.

Spring House won the 1 3/8-mile turf race by 1 1/2 lengths in a course record time of 2:11.14. The six-year-old gelding broke the previous course record of 2:12.06, set by Laura’s Lucky Boy on August 3, 2005. With the win, Spring House also sealed a starting spot in the Emirates Airlines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) as part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” series.

Sent off as the 7-to-10 favorite off a fourth-place finish in the Eddie Read Handicap (G1) on July 20, Spring House rated in fifth under jockey Corey Nakatani as You Got Me Rocking and American Imperium dueled for the lead.

Spring House raced in fifth, more than six lengths off the pace, as You Got Me Rocking led through three-quarters of a mile in 1:11.04. Spring House moved into contention from the inside at the three-eighths pole as the pacesetters faded.

Runner-up Transduction Gold took a brief lead in early stretch but was no match for the winner as Spring House accelerated clear for the win. You Got Me Rocking held on for third, 3 1/4 lengths behind Transduction Gold.

Out of the Itajara mare Spring Star (Brz), Spring House earned his second career Grade 2 win and third graded stakes victory overall. He captured the San Luis Obispo Handicap (G2) on February 23 at Santa Anita Park.

Spring House increased his earnings to $718,284 and improved to seven wins in 33 starts.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Tim Nichols is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY assistant editor