Dhaamer wins Sunset Handicap at Hollywood Park
July 15, 2012INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) - Dhaamer won the $98,000 Sunset Handicap by 3 1/4 lengths Sunday on the closing day of Betfair Hollywood Park's spring-summer meet, giving trainer Mike Mitchell a big victory two weeks after having brain surgery.
Dhaamer ran 1 1/2 miles on the turf in 2:29.13 and paid $2.80 and $2.10 as the 2-5 favorite under Julien Leparoux, who is engaged to Mitchell's daughter Shea.
Romp returned $5, while Quaintly was another 4 1/2 lengths back in third. There was no show wagering after Renegade Storm was scratched.
Mitchell had brain surgery on June 29.
Hall of Famer Bob Baffert won his second consecutive training title with 35 victories, including 11 stakes wins.
Rafael Bejarano won the jockeys' title for the first time with 74 wins and a leading 13 stakes victories.