Grand Slam Smile Headlines Solana Beach Stakes 2025 at Del Mar
Del Mar is set to host a thrilling Sunday card highlighted by the 32nd Solana Beach Stakes, a $150,000 feature for Cal-bred fillies and mares, contested over a mile on the scenic Jimmy Durante Turf Course. This Golden State Series contest has long been a showcase for top California-bred turf talent, and the 2025 edition promises another exciting chapter.
Golden State Series Spotlight
The Solana Beach Stakes is one of eight Cal-bred restricted races staged at Del Mar this summer as part of the prestigious Golden State Series, which offers a total of $3.825 million in purse money across 31 stakes. Designed to reward local breeders and connections, the series has consistently attracted high-quality runners, giving fans an opportunity to see California’s finest horses compete at home.
Grand Slam Smile Seeks Turf Glory
The likely favorite for this year’s Solana Beach is Grand Slam Smile, owned and bred by Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams. The 4-year-old daughter of Smiling Tiger has been a model of consistency across her 13-race career, tallying seven wins and five runner-up finishes while banking $590,620 in earnings. Trained by Sean McCarthy, she will once again team up with her regular jockey William Antongeorgi III.
The Williams family, though based in Idaho, have deep ties to California racing and are no strangers to success in the Solana Beach. They previously captured back-to-back editions of the race with Pulpit Rider in 2020 and 2021, and now look to add another trophy to their collection.
Defending Champion Moment’s Pleasure Returns
One of the most notable challengers is Moment’s Pleasure, the defending Solana Beach Stakes winner. The chestnut filly by Clubhouse Ride, campaigned by Rainmaker Racing and Lewis, enters this year’s race with four victories and four seconds on her record, alongside $315,978 in prize money. Trained by Craig Lewis, she will benefit from the services of Del Mar’s leading rider, Juan Hernandez, who has been in stellar form throughout the meet.
Competitive Field of Eleven
The Solana Beach Stakes has drawn a full field of 11 fillies and mares, ensuring a wide-open and competitive race. From seasoned turf campaigners to rising stars, the lineup promises a battle to remember.
Full Field (with jockeys and morning line odds):
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Miso Phansy (Hector I. Berrios, 15-1)
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Hot Girl Walk (Dryden Van Dyke, 20-1)
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Moment’s Pleasure (Juan Hernandez, 7/2)
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California Rocks (Jose Valdivia Jr., 30-1)
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Only One America (Geovanni Franco, 20-1)
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Prancingthruparis (Armando Ayuso, 4-1)
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Grand Slam Smile (William Antongeorgi III, 5/2)
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Sneaker (Kazushi Kimura, 5-1)
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Dorie Miller (Diego Herrera, 15-1)
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Wink and a Grin (Umberto Rispoli, 12-1)
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Cornelia Fort (Antonio Fresu, 10-1)
With several contenders holding strong chances, bettors and fans alike will be keeping a close eye on which runner asserts dominance in the stretch.
Race Day Details
Sunday’s card at Del Mar features nine races, with first post scheduled for 2 p.m. The Solana Beach Stakes (Race 7) is set to go off at approximately 5 p.m. on the turf.
Racing enthusiasts can look forward to a captivating contest that blends experience, talent, and tradition, all under the backdrop of one of America’s most iconic racetracks.
Full race details and live coverage are available on the Del Mar official website.
For more updates, race previews, and results, visit the RaceBuzz horse racing news section.
