Del Mar will stage an action-packed eight-race programme on Thursday, August 27, with the opening contest scheduled for 2:00 PM Pacific Time. The afternoon features a varied selection of turf and dirt races, bringing together promising young horses, established runners, fillies and mares across a range of distances. The card provides plenty of opportunities for different racing styles to come to the fore, with each race offering its own distinctive challenge.
The highest-prize race on the programme is Race 2, a $100,000 Maiden Special Weight scheduled for 2:30 PM. The one-mile dirt contest is reserved for two-year-old fillies and features a compact field of five promising runners: Lunar Velocity, Sudden Impact, Luxor Magic, Danielle and Ms Liu. The race provides an early opportunity for these young fillies to demonstrate their ability over a mile, with pedigree, preparation and race-day composure likely to play important roles.
Sudden Impact, trained by Michael McCarthy and set to be ridden by Umberto Rispoli, brings an interesting profile to the contest. Lunar Velocity, trained by Peter Miller, and Luxor Magic, from the Doug O’Neill stable, also arrive with notable breeding backgrounds. Danielle and Ms Liu complete the field, creating a closely watched contest among a small group of developing two-year-olds. The mile distance should test both speed and stamina and could provide valuable insight into the future potential of the participants.
The programme begins with Race 1 at 2:00 PM, a $44,000 Maiden Claiming contest over 1 1/16 miles on the turf for three-year-old and older fillies and mares. Eight horses are entered, including Kizazi, Caves, Ronilla, Alyn’s Girl, Jasmine, Molly E, Silkie Sevei and Authentic Grace.
Jasmine, a three-year-old daughter of Bolt d’Oro, is trained by Peter Eurton and carries 121 pounds. Silkie Sevei, trained by Phil D’Amato and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, is another notable entrant. Caves, Ronilla and Alyn’s Girl add further depth, while Molly E, Kizazi and Authentic Grace complete the field. The turf distance should reward horses capable of maintaining a steady rhythm before producing a sustained finish.
Race 2 at 2:30 PM is the day’s feature in terms of prize money. The $100,000 Maiden Special Weight over one mile on dirt is restricted to two-year-old fillies. The compact field makes the contest particularly intriguing, with each runner getting an opportunity to establish an early reputation.
Race 3 at 3:01 PM switches back to the turf for a $80,000 Maiden Special Weight over five furlongs for two-year-olds. King Anunoby, Hoaxer, Sir Rockatan, Movingwithpurpose, San Moritz, Repo Man, Nichols, You Want Some and Jack Em Up are among those entered. The short distance is expected to place considerable emphasis on early pace and positioning, while a strong finishing effort could prove decisive.
At 3:32 PM, Race 4 returns to the dirt for a $60,000 event covering 6 1/2 furlongs for three-year-olds. The field includes Liam Smith, Sendit Mo, Wall Street, Sammy Davis, Opus Uno, L Rankin and Fionello. The intermediate sprint distance should test the runners’ ability to combine early speed with enough stamina to finish strongly.
Race 5 at 4:03 PM is another turf contest, a $44,000 Maiden Claiming race over 1 1/16 miles for fillies and mares. Storm Lady, Velvet Reign, Astronomically, Jet Black Jewel, Golden Hope, Sunny Creed, Cuban Flame and Springline make up the field. The combination of the turf surface and longer distance should make tactical positioning particularly important.
The sixth race at 4:34 PM is a $32,000 dirt event over six furlongs for three-year-olds and older horses. The field features The Big Cheeseola, Ya’ll Come, Kahuna Magic, Novinophobia, Check’s On the Way, Gypsy Tears, Geezer, Swaggish and No More Ding Dongs. The six-furlong trip presents a sharp test of speed and consistency.
Race 7 at 5:05 PM brings another turf challenge, with a $41,000 Starter Optional Claiming event over 1 1/16 miles for fillies and mares aged three and older. Winika, Heavenly Belle, Lady Maryann, Hello Kid O Kid O, Specialty, Interplay, Cat The Confidante, Lanilla, Rehearsal and Shining River are entered. With ten runners, the race could provide a competitive tactical battle across the turf course.
The programme concludes with Race 8 at 5:36 PM, a $31,000 dirt contest over one mile for three-year-olds and older horses that have not won three races. Tee N Off, Stagger Lee, Bowtie Boys, Millbo Baggins, Stay for the Boom, Mio Bambino, Southern Melodee, Court of Appeal, Rhythem On Stage and Tiggrrr Whitworth form the closing field.
Overall, Del Mar’s August 27 card offers a balanced mixture of sprint and distance contests across turf and dirt. The $100,000 second race provides the day’s headline event, particularly because of its promising group of two-year-old fillies. Alongside it, the remaining seven races offer opportunities for developing youngsters and experienced horses alike. From the opening turf contest at 2:00 PM through the final race shortly after 5:30 PM, the programme promises an engaging afternoon of Thoroughbred racing.
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