Marksman Queen once again proved too tough to catch, using front-running tactics to capture Saturday’s Grade 3, $250,000 Robert G. Dick Memorial Stakes at Delaware Park.

The 5-year-old mare led from start to finish under jockey Jorge Ruiz, digging in late to fend off a hard-charging Spanish Eyes and win by a head, mirroring her pace-controlling triumph in the Keertana Stakes at Churchill Downs in May.

Trained by Graham Motion for owner-breeder Cayton Park Stud, Marksman Queen gave her conditioner a remarkable 10th victory in the Robert G. Dick Memorial, which has been run just 29 times.

“It was an awesome performance by Marksman Queen,” Motion said afterward. “She is such a tenacious and game mare. Jorge [Ruiz] was awesome and did a terrific job with her trip. I am amazed and humbled to win this race a tenth time.”

Breaking sharply from the rail, Marksman Queen quickly assumed command and was able to set a relaxed tempo while racing uncontested through the early stages of the about 1 3/8-mile turf route. She maintained a clear advantage around the first two turns, never facing serious pressure until the far turn, where Parish Lane briefly ranged up before fading.

As Marksman Queen straightened for home, Spanish Eyes, who had trailed early after a slow start, launched a sweeping rally four wide and closed determinedly in the final furlong. But the frontrunner proved resolute, holding on gamely at the wire to prevail by a head in a hand-timed 2:15.85. That time is more than five seconds off the track record.

The bay daughter of Dubawi improved her record to five wins from 17 starts and has now earned over $380,000. She returned $4.60 as the 6-5 favorite. The exacta, with Spanish Eyes off at 3-2, returned $5.80 for a one-dollar wager.

Ruiz had ridden Marksman Queen three times previously without a win, but their breakthrough came at the perfect time. Motion had the race circled on the calendar for her, saying before the start, “The timing of the race and the distance fits. She is coming into the race perfect, so we are excited about her chances.”

Spanish Eyes, who broke slowly, made a wide and sustained rally to nearly catch the winner but settled for second. Boss Lady Bailey ran evenly to finish third, while Parish Lane and Party completed the field. Malibu Beauty scratched earlier in the day.