Del Mar will stage one of its notable California-bred contests on Friday when a field of 11 three-year-olds lines up for the 39th running of the Real Good Deal Stakes. The seven-furlong event, carrying a purse of $150,000, will be the second Golden State offering of the summer meeting at the seaside track.
The race is scheduled as the seventh event on an eight-race programme, with an approximate post time of 5:00 PM. The contest has attracted a competitive group of young runners, with several promising California-breds looking to make their mark over the Del Mar sprint distance.
The Real Good Deal Stakes 2026 will bring together a full field of 11 Cal-bred three-year-olds at Del Mar, with Pavlovian expected to attract significant attention following his recent appearances against stronger company.
Owned by Reddam Racing, Pavlovian arrives after competing in three open graded stakes races, including a start in the Kentucky Derby. The gray colt by Pavel displayed early pace in that classic event before fading in the latter stages, but his experience against elite opposition adds depth to his credentials for Friday’s assignment.
Trained by Doug O’Neill, Pavlovian will be partnered by jockey Edwin Maldonado and will break from Post 8 in the seven-furlong chute. The homebred has shown the ability to handle demanding company and will look to return to winning form in this California-bred feature.
Among the other leading contenders are Harris Farm’s homebred Start the Ride and Legacy Ranch’s homebred Courtside Action. Start the Ride will begin from the outside post, while Courtside Action has drawn the inside No. 1 position, creating an interesting tactical setup for the seven-furlong journey.
The Real Good Deal Stakes has long provided a platform for California-bred three-year-olds to showcase their talent, and Friday’s renewal promises another competitive chapter in the race’s history.
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