On a memorable afternoon of top-class racing at Del Mar on Saturday, Listenupshance announced himself among America’s leading sprinters by landing the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes with a determined display. Stepping into Grade 1 company for the first time, the four-year-old gelding produced a brave stretch run before holding off a late challenge to prevail by the narrowest of margins.
Del Mar Bing Crosby Stakes 2026.
Owned by Great Friends Stables and Run Fast Racing, Listenupshance continued his remarkable rise through the ranks with the biggest victory of his career. Ridden by Emisael Jaramillo and trained by Doug O’Neill, the son of Shancelot covered six furlongs in a swift 1:09.33, earning the winner’s share of the $401,500 purse.
After breaking without securing the early lead, Listenupshance settled just behind the front-running pace before moving smoothly into contention approaching the stretch. Once asked for his effort, he quickened impressively to gain command, then dug deep over the closing strides to repel the fast-finishing Maximum Bourbon, who was beaten by a nose.
Maximum Bourbon produced a strong performance to finish second, with Moonlight staying on for third. Eight runners contested the prestigious sprint.
The victory carried additional significance as the Bing Crosby Stakes serves as an automatic qualifying race for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, securing Listenupshance a place in the Grade 1 championship event scheduled for October at Keeneland.
The success also marked an important milestone for both connections. Jaramillo celebrated his first stakes victory at Del Mar, while O’Neill recorded his 50th stakes success at the Southern California venue, adding another landmark achievement to his long-standing association with the track.
Earlier on the programme, Baltic Fire produced a determined performance to capture the $100,000 Osunitas Stakes. The five-year-old mare, owned by BAG Racing Stables and WSS Racing, was guided by Kyle Frey and trained by Jeff Mullins, completing one mile on turf in 1:34.01 while holding on by a neck.
Another closely fought finish came in the $100,000 Daisycutter Handicap, where Amorita prevailed by a whisker. Trained by Richard Mandella and ridden by Antonio Fresu, the filly covered five furlongs on turf in a sharp 56.38 seconds to add another feature success to the afternoon’s card.
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