DEL MAR, Calif. -- Blackdoun remained unbeaten after two starts in the United States with a convincing late rally in Saturday's $150,000 La Jolla Handicap at Del Mar.
The victory came 3 1-2 weeks after he won his American debut in a division of the Oceanside Stakes. Trained by Julio Canani for Marsha Naify and Woodside Farm, Blackdoun will be pointed for a sweep of Del Mar's turf stakes for 3-year-olds in the $400,000 Del Mar Derby on Sept. 6.
In the Grade 3 La Jolla, Blackdoun stayed near the rail throughout the 1 1-16 miles. Ridden by Corey Nakatani, Blackdoun was sixth on the final turn, and rallied between horses in early stretch to take the lead under a hand ride. He accelerated quickly in the final furlong.
Blackdoun was timed in 1:41.03, winning by three-quarters of a length over Semi Lost. Bedmar, a 41-1 shot, finished third, and was followed by Sujimoto, Laura's Lucky Boy, Austin Barber and Unrivalled.
Blackdoun has won 5 of 13 starts and $237,765. He was a minor stakes winner in France earlier this year.