The air at Del Mar will carry more than sea salt and suspense this Friday as a field of promising juveniles take to the turf in the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes, a $200,000 contest that marks one of the most heartfelt features on Breeders’ Cup Friday.
For many in the sport, this race holds emotional weight beyond the purse — celebrating the industry’s commitment to second chances for retired racehorses. But for the nine two-year-olds lined up, it’s all about making a name of their own on the grass.
Baffert and Prat Unite Behind Plutarch
At the heart of the buildup stands Plutarch, the early favorite and a colt who’s been knocking at the door. Trained by Bob Baffert and partnered with Flavien Prat, the Into Mischief youngster has twice finished runner-up at the same distance at Del Mar. This time, connections are confident he can turn silver into gold.
Baffert, who rarely sends juveniles to the turf without intent, has long admired the colt’s professionalism. “He’s got the right attitude and a turn of foot that fits Del Mar,” said a stable insider. “He’s been maturing with every run.”
Conducted, Proton, and Dr. Agne Lead the Charge
Among those hoping to spoil the party is Conducted (3-1), trained by O. J. Jauregui and ridden by Hector Berrios. The bay colt enters off a smooth victory at Santa Anita earlier this month, showing both stamina and tactical speed that could serve him well here.
Also hovering near the top of the market are Proton and Dr. Agne, each priced at 5-1. Proton, a son of Graham Motion’s patient touch, has already claimed two wins at a mile and a sixteenth and now gains the services of John Velazquez, a Hall of Famer who knows Del Mar’s turf intricacies better than most.
Dr. Agne, handled by Cherie DeVaux and ridden by Jose Ortiz, boasts strong juvenile form and a competitive spirit that should keep him in the mix throughout.
Outsider Italio Looks to Defy the Odds
The longshot of the lineup, Italio (30-1), represents the Marcia Stortz stable. A California-bred who has done his best work in short dirt sprints, Italio faces an entirely new challenge here — a mile on turf. Yet, for connections chasing a dream, Breeders’ Cup week has a habit of turning outsiders into stories worth retelling.
Stakes Action Early on Breeders’ Cup Friday
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes is set as Race 2, with a scheduled post time of 12:10 PM. With the mix of pedigrees, proven talent, and raw potential in the field, this early contest could set the tone for an unforgettable afternoon at Del Mar.
Read more race previews and updates on RaceBuzz.
