(source: paulickreport.com, benoit photo)

Front-running Appealing Tale fought off a rally by Wild Dude to win his first career stakes race in Saturday's Grade 2, $250,000 Pat O'Brien at Del Mar.

Breaking swiftly, Appealing Tale shook off his rivals for a clear early lead under jockey Joe Talamo. Wild Dude moved up to pressure him on the far turn, and the two battled down the stretch, with Appealing Tale finding more to edge past Wild Dude nearing the wire. Indexical and Kobe's Back rounded out the order of finish.

They ran the seven furlongs in 1:21.40 after splits of :23.34, :45.62, and 1:09.28.

Trained by Peter Miller, the 5-year-old Appealing Tale has had his best year to date, with runner-up finishes in the G1 Triple Bend and G2 San Diego Handicap before the Pat O'Brien victory. He is owned by Cecil and Gary Barber.

The Pat O'Brien is a Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” race for the Dirt Mile, giving Appealing Tale an automatic berth into the event.

Bred in Kentucky by Hart Farm, Appealing Tale is by Tale of the Cat out of Appealing Bride (Unbridled's Song).

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