A vibrant afternoon begins
The card opens at 2:00 p.m. with a six-furlong dirt claimer for fillies and mares three and up. Names like Putt for Dough (J: R. Gonzalez) and I’m a Risque Girl (J: S. Carmona) headline a competitive group of eight, promising a lively start. Just half an hour later, the turf comes alive with a five-furlong allowance optional claimer worth $81,000. Here, sharp turf sprinters including Golden Ale (J: R. Gonzalez), Kangaroo Court (J: A. Ayuso), and Sharp Aza Tack (J: M. Demuro) square off in what looks to be a blistering dash.
Youth on display
The juvenile spotlight arrives in the third race at 3:02 p.m., where two-year-olds stretch out over 5 ½ furlongs on dirt. Promising runners such as Falcon Jet (J: M. Smith) and Litmus Test (J: J. Hernandez) will test their early speed. Not long after, fillies get their chance on turf in a one-mile maiden special weight. A full field includes Kizazi (J: A. Ayuso), Got the Ring (J: T. Gaffalione), and Tiz Grace (J: H. Berrios), suggesting the mile will provide a stern test of both pace and stamina.
Middle card intrigue
At 4:03 p.m., another dirt claiming contest for fillies and mares unfolds, before the focus shifts back to the lawn. The sixth race, a $81,000 allowance optional claimer over 1 1/16 miles, has drawn an international flavor, with Sakura Flavor (IRE) (J: D. Van Dyke) and Gypsy Woman (IRE) (J: A. Fresu) clashing with domestic hopes like Shy Ann (J: M. Demuro). Each entry brings a mix of tactical speed and finishing kick, making the stretch run one to savor.
California pride takes the spotlight in the seventh race, a $100,000 maiden special weight for Cal-bred or Cal-sired two-year-olds. Nine hopefuls line up, led by He’s Got Fire (J: D. Van Dyke), Ocean Bear (J: U. Rispoli), and Arisaka (J: A. Fresu), all aiming to break through under the watchful Del Mar crowd.
The Del Mar Oaks 2025 main event
The heart of the day arrives at 5:33 p.m. with the Del Mar Oaks Presented by Keeneland Sales Stakes. A $300,000 turf feature over nine furlongs, it has attracted a deep and balanced field. Among the standouts are the European imports Slick (IRE) (J: M. Demuro), Take A Breath (GB) (J: H. Berrios), and Lush Lips (GB) (J: T. Gaffalione), each bringing proven stamina and class. Local challengers such as Velocity (J: R. Gonzalez) and Will Then (J: J. Hernandez) will look to deny the shippers, while Miso Phansy (J: A. Ayuso) adds further intrigue with her turn of foot.
As tradition dictates, the Del Mar Oaks at Del Mar Racecourse not only crowns a summer queen of the turf but also acts as a stepping stone toward fall’s major racing festivals. The blend of international flair and California talent ensures this year’s edition will be one to remember.
Closing out the day
The undercard concludes with two more competitive events. A one-mile dirt claimer at 6:03 p.m. sees hardened campaigners like Get Her Number (J: T. Gaffalione) and Zimba Warrior (J: E. Maldonado) face off. Finally, at 6:32 p.m., the curtain falls with a turf maiden special weight at 1 1/16 miles, featuring Starwood (J: M. Demuro), Toes (J: A. Ayuso), and Gathered (J: J. Hernandez) among a competitive closing field.
Looking ahead
With its perfect blend of maidens, claimers, and high-stakes drama, the August 16 card captures everything that makes Del Mar’s summer meet special. The Del Mar Oaks at Del Mar Racecourse sits firmly at the center of the action, offering not just $300,000 in prize money but also the chance for one filly to etch her name into the seaside track’s rich history.
For more insights into U.S. turf features, revisit RaceBuzz’s international news coverage. Additional information on Del Mar’s summer meet can be found at the official Del Mar Thoroughbred Club website.
