Mrs. Astor Poised to Shine in Friday’s CTT & TOC Stakes

Mrs. Astor Del Mar Stakes Return in CTT & TOC Turf Challenge

DEL MAR, CA — Mrs. Astor, a mare whose name has become synonymous with turf class in Southern California, returns to the seaside oval on Friday for the 28th running of the $100,000 CTT & TOC Stakes at Del Mar. The mile-and-three-eighths turf marathon has drawn a competitive lineup of 11 fillies and mares, but all eyes will be on the 5-year-old daughter of Lookin At Lucky.

The Jonathan Thomas-trained mare made her West Coast debut last November, capturing the G3 Red Carpet Stakes at Del Mar. Since then, she has added three more victories, including the G3 Robert J. Frankel at Santa Anita, and a pair of $100,000 turf marathons — the Santa Barbara and the Possibly Perfect. Her lone blemish in that stretch was a runner-up finish in the G3 Santa Ana in March.

“She loves working on the turf at Del Mar,” said assistant trainer Chelsie Raabe. “She’s been working lights out, and we’ve been very happy with her.”

Thomas and his team have kept Mrs. Astor in California since her 2024 arrival, a decision that has paid dividends with consistent results and multiple graded stakes wins. Raabe credits the mare’s professionalism for her longevity and form. “She’s very easy to train, and we’ve had her long enough to know exactly what she likes,” Raabe explained. “She’s just as consistent in the morning as she is in the afternoon.”

With her resume, questions about a possible Breeders’ Cup appearance have naturally surfaced. Raabe was noncommittal but acknowledged it’s a target for many connections at this time of year.

Familiar Rivals Await

Among her challengers are three entrants from the Philip D’Amato barn, including Starry Heavens, who finished second to Mrs. Astor in the Santa Barbara and just missed in the Possibly Perfect. D’Amato is hopeful the Irish-bred mare can turn the tables. “She’s tactical, which is important on this turf course,” D’Amato noted.

D’Amato also sends out Kentucky Gal, another Irish-bred who was fourth in that tight Possibly Perfect finish, and Sun of Hill, a Brazilian-bred who will be ridden by Tyler Gaffalione.

Defending champion Sunset Glory is also back after a mixed 2025 campaign. She opened the year with a Santa Anita allowance win but was well beaten in the Osunitas Stakes on Del Mar’s opening weekend.

CTT & TOC Stakes Field (Rail Out)

Hopeful (Kyle Frey, 8-1)
Nadette (Mike Smith, 15-1)
Mrs. Astor (Umberto Rispoli, 5/2)
Sunset Glory (Kazushi Kimura, 5-1)
Khinjani (Tyler Baze, 15-1)
Kentucky Gal (4-1)
Starry Heavens (6-1)
Sun Of Hill (12-1)
Sakura Blossom (Diego Herrera, 20-1)
Alpha Belle (Hector I. Berrios, 15-1)
Venganza (Mirco Demuro, 20-1)

Del Mar Standings Update

The week leading into the race saw major shifts in the Del Mar jockey and trainer standings. Juan Hernandez dominated with an 11-win week, including a six-win day, pushing his total to 26 victories. Bob Baffert surged to the top of the trainer standings with 14 wins after a strong showing from his 2-year-olds, sweeping both the G3 Best Pal and G3 Sorrento Stakes.

Morning Line Maker’s Insight

John Lies, Del Mar’s morning line oddsmaker, continues to shape wagering perceptions. Lies emphasized that morning line odds are not predictions of winners but reflections of anticipated betting patterns. “Sometimes you have to make a horse the favorite even if you personally don’t like their chances,” he explained.

The CTT & TOC Stakes is Race 6 on Friday’s eight-race card, with a probable post time of 5:30 p.m. Fans will be watching closely to see if Mrs. Astor can extend her winning streak and solidify her position as one of California’s top turf mares.