Photo:

Benoit Photo / Del Mar

C R K Stable’s Skinner tracked the leaders through the first eight of the nine furlongs of the Native Diver Stakes Saturday at Del Mar, then set sail for home under Hector I. Berrios and outdid two rivals in the lane to come away a one-length victor in the 47th running of the Grade III hundred grander.

The 4-year-old bay colt by top sire Curlin covered the distance on the seaside main track in 1:48.95 and paid his backers $9.00 for each $2 bet. John Shirreffs conditions the winner.

Shirreffs said Berrios gave Skinner, a 4-year-old son of Curin, a perfect ride.

“When you looked at the PP’s there was a lot of speed in the race,” said Shirreffs, who collected his first Native Diver victory and 22nd overall stakes win at Del Mar. “Hector did a great job. He didn’t let them drop back too far. He hustled a little out of the gate then he got a nice position and he waited. He crept up then he went to riding him.”

Berrios said Skinner signaled his readiness in his last workout prior to the race.

“The last time I worked the horse, I felt very, very good,” said Berrios, who notched his first win in the Native Diver and 18th stakes win overall at Del Mar. “I noticed a different horse (today). … I tried to weigh (my options) in the middle (of the race). He moved in the straight and he responded. I noticed, when we got to the front, he was looking around a little, he was watching the other horses. But he is much better; maybe he finally is more comfortable.”

Finishing second in the feature was Bernsen and Rockingham Ranch’s pacesetter Tarantino, who had a head on Calumet Farm’s Mixto.

Skinner picked up a check for $60,000 for his handiwork Saturday and increased his bankroll to $377,300. He’s only won two races in 12 starts in his career, but has been stakes-placed on five occasions, including a second in this same race last year.