It was hard to miss the grin on trainer Phil D’Amato’s face as he leaned over the rail, patting the gray mare who had carried him here before. Sweet Azteca, the fleet-footed daughter of Sharp Azteca, has made Del Mar her stage before — and she’s back again, bidding to defend her crown in Sunday’s Rancho Bernardo Handicap.
The homebred star of Pamela Ziebarth has been nearly flawless, winning six of eight starts, including last year’s Rancho Bernardo by an emphatic seven lengths. Her latest run came after a nine-month break, yet she returned sharp as ever, powering home in the Great Lady M Stakes at Los Alamitos on July 5. Jockey Juan Hernandez, entrusted with 126 pounds, will once again partner the mare, conceding her rivals between seven and 12 pounds.
Sweet Azteca Headlines Rancho Bernardo Handicap Field
Though the field is short, the competition adds intrigue. Chief among them is Chismosa, Jaime Renella’s seasoned 5-year-old, boasting a bankroll of $624,750 from 26 starts. She reunites with Kyle Frey, who has partnered her in recent outings.
Perhaps the most fascinating contender is Formula Rossa, lightly raced but unbeaten in two starts. The Mark Glatt-trained chestnut steps into stakes company for the first time, with Antonio Fresu in the irons, carrying the promise of youthful momentum against the proven older mares.
Rounding out the lineup are Dontellourwives, an outsider at 20-1 with Diego Herrera up, and Visually, a 15-1 shot for Armando Ayuso.
The Rancho Bernardo Handicap, carrying a $100,000 purse over six and a half furlongs, goes as the second race on Sunday’s card, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. The summer crowd at Del Mar will watch closely to see if Sweet Azteca’s speed and class can once again light up the stretch.
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