Eunomia has emerged from her impressive Group 1 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes victory in excellent condition and is now on course for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff after securing an automatic berth through the prestigious “Win and You’re In” contest at Del Mar.
Eunomia Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
The daughter of Tiz the Law produced a composed and determined performance on Saturday, settling just behind an early battle between defending race winner Seismic Beauty and Simply Joking before making her move around the home turn. Once Seismic Beauty faded, Eunomia engaged Simply Joking in a prolonged duel before edging clear inside the final sixteenth of a mile. She then held off the fast-finishing Om N Joy to secure her first Grade 1 success and one of the biggest victories of her career.
The result not only added a coveted top-level triumph to Eunomia’s record but also guaranteed her a place in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff later this year. The mare reportedly came through the race in excellent order and is expected to return to her Saratoga base before connections decide whether to race again or head directly to the championship event.
Runner-up Om N Joy also enhanced her reputation with a strong late surge after making up significant ground in the closing stages. Her performance suggested there is another major victory within reach, and another attempt to qualify for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff is expected, with the Grade 2 Zenyatta Stakes at Santa Anita emerging as the most likely target.
Away from the feature race, California-bred veteran On the Whim added another chapter to his consistent record by capturing the $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes. Leading throughout, he resisted determined challenges in a blanket finish to hand trainer Dean Pederson a fourth victory in the race in the past five editions.
The son of Acclamation had previously won the same contest two years ago and returned after missing last year’s renewal to once again underline his affinity for the Del Mar circuit. Pederson’s remarkable record in the race now includes victories with Carmelita’s Man in consecutive years before On the Whim reclaimed the title.
Attention is already shifting toward Del Mar’s next major attraction, the Grade 1 Pacific Classic on August 22, with trainer Michael McCarthy considering Malarchuk among his possible runners. The five-year-old finished second in the Hollywood Gold Cup at Santa Anita and remains under consideration as connections evaluate their options ahead of nominations.
The prospective Pacific Classic field continues to grow and could feature leading names including Nysos, Knightsbridge, Forged Steel, Mc Vay, Subsanador, Full Serrano, Finger and The Goat, promising another high-quality renewal of California’s premier summer contest.
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has also returned for Del Mar’s summer meeting as he bids to defend his training championship. Having secured consecutive titles in the previous two seasons, Baffert once again brings a powerful team headed by promising juveniles and established graded performers.
Among his headline contenders is Grade 1 winner Nysos, who remains on track for the Pacific Classic after an encouraging workout since arriving at Del Mar. Nevada Beach, Imagination and Desert Gate are also part of Baffert’s strong summer squad as he targets further success at one of his most successful race meetings.
The coming week promises another busy programme at Del Mar, beginning with Friday’s Graduation Stakes for California-bred juveniles. Saturday features the Grade 3 Best Pal Stakes for two-year-olds alongside the Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon for fillies and mares, while Sunday’s Grade 3 Sorrento Stakes will showcase the next generation of juvenile fillies on the road toward the Del Mar Debutante.
Eunomia’s victory has provided one of the standout performances of the Del Mar summer meeting so far, firmly placing her among the leading contenders for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff and adding further intrigue to the months ahead.
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