Proletariat © Benoit Photo

Jockey Kyle Frey popped the gate Friday in the featured Caesars Sportsbook Oceanside Handicap, grabbed a short lead early in the $150,000 mile turf test, then never looked back as they scooted to a five and three-quarter length victory in the 81st edition of the 3-year-old feature. It was the highlight of a 10-race card on a picture perfect Del Mar afternoon as the seaside oval kicked off their 87th season of sport.

The winning bay gelding by Raging Bull is trained by Jeff Mullins for owners Dutch Girl Holdings or Irving Ventures. The horse was capturing the third race of his career, but his first stakes tally. The $90,000 winner’s share of the purse pushed his bankroll to $209,400. His final time for the race – 1:33.54 – ties the stakes record.

Finishing second in the miler was Amestoy, Amestoy, Jr. and partners’ Secured Freedom, who had a neck on race favorite Mr. A.P., who is owned by David and Holly Wilson.

Trainer Michael McCarthy sent out three winners on the afternoon and jockeys Umberto Rispoli and Hector I. Berrios rode a pair of firsts on the card. The popular Pick Six wasn’t hit and there will be a carryover $80,363 on Saturday’s 11-race program.

First post Saturday is at 2 p.m.

KYLE FREY (Proletariat, winner) – “He’s always had that speed. It was a matter of getting him to shut down early and wait for it. We’ve been working with him in the mornings and he’s getting better and better. His race today was a real good one, as you just saw.”

JEFF MULLINS (Proletariat, winner)– “This was the only spot there was for him and we knew the horse was a little bit rank going long. Every work Kyle (Frey) worked with him getting him to slow down early and letting him finish strong. I just told him to leave there with loose ends and if he takes you just go ahead and get him to settle. He got him on the lead and he ran around there with ears pricked the whole way and turned it on.” 

FRACTIONS:  :22.49  :46.63  1:10.76  1:22.21  1:33.54

The final time was just 10 one-hundredths off the 22-year-old stakes record. 

The stakes win was the first of the meet for both rider and trainer. 

The stakes win was the first in the Oceanside for Frey, but his seventh overall at Del Mar.

The stakes win was the second in the Oceanside (Soul Driver 2015) for Mullins and his 27th overall at Del Mar.

The winning owners are Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures.