Tanda tops slim field in Rancho Bernardo

TANDA (Sweetsouthernsaint) got her first win of 2011 in the $150,000

Rancho

Bernardo H. (G3) on Sunday at Del Mar. In her debut for trainer Mike Mitchell,

the four-year-old bay stalked the pace three deep, got to the lead midstretch

and drew clear under some encouragement from jockey Joe Talamo to hold off the late rally

of She's Cheeky (Black Minnaloushe), who finished second. The

nearly 3-2 favorite in the slim field of four returned $4.80 and $3.00,

completing 6 1/2 furlongs on the Polytrack in 1:15 1/5.

Mildly Offensive (Sharp Humor) jumped out front early, leading in splits of

:22 4/5 and :45, but gave way to Tanda as they entered the stretch. After

crossing the wire 1 1/4 lengths clear of She's Cheeky, Tanda got her first win since the

last year's Railbird S. (G3) at Hollywood Park. Her earnings are now $346,626 with

a lifetime record of 12-5-1-3.

She's Cheeky paid $3.80 to place, as there was no show betting in the small

field. Irish Gypsy (Hennessy) was third, with Mildly Offensive fading to

fourth. California Nectar (Stormy Atlantic), Saaneen (Cee's Tizzy) and Jet Blue

Girl (Gimmeawink) were scratched.