Kettle Corn upsets Paynter to win San Diego Handicap

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Del Mar, CA (Sports Network) - Kettle Corn, sent off as the 7-2 second pick, edged odds-on favorite Paynter to win Saturday's 72nd running of the $200,000 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar. The 1 1/16-mile stakes is a prep for the $1 million Pacific Classic on Aug. 25.

Paynter, making just his second start in 12 months, went off as the 3-5 favorite in the six-horse field. Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, Paynter pressed pacesetter Batti Man up the backstretch. Kettle Corn, with Victor Espinoza riding, was racing well off the pace and at one point was last.

Trained by John Sadler, Kettle Corn began to move forward entering the far turn. The 6-year-old made a furious rally down the stretch to catch Panyter and post a half-length victory over the 4-year-old favorite.

Batti Man, ridden by Brice Blanc, held on for third followed by Chief Havoc, Liaison and Clubhouse Ride.

The time for the San Diego was 1:41.83 on Del Mar's all-weather main track.

Kettle Corn, third in last year's San Diego, adds $120,000 to his bankroll. Owned by C R K Stable, the 6-year-old notched his eighth career win in 24 starts for $653,111.

In his most recent start, Kettle Corn was second to Game On Dude in the Hollywood Gold Cup to go along with a second in the Mervyn LeRoy Handicap, third in the Native Diver and fourth in the Californian.

Kettle Corn paid $9.20, $3.40 and $2.60. Paynter returned $2.40 and $2.10, and Batti Man paid $6.00 to show.