The Breeders’ Cup weekend may be over, but its echoes still linger across Del Mar. The stars of the West Coast contingent—many trained within earshot of the Pacific surf—returned home with proud performances, fresh memories, and a few sore muscles. For the horsemen and jockeys who represented Del Mar on racing’s grandest stage, the weekend was more than just results—it was validation.
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert once again led the charge. His powerful team of 13 starters brought home two wins, three seconds, and two thirds—a haul that confirmed his barn’s enduring class. Among the highlights were Splendora’s blazing victory in the Filly & Mare Sprint and Nysos’ commanding display in the Dirt Mile. Even in defeat, Citizen Bull’s gallant second in the Dirt Mile had Baffert smiling the morning after.
“That was the best performance of his life,” Baffert said on Sunday, watching Nysos graze under the soft Del Mar sun. “He didn’t look like he was going :45. I’m just glad they all came back well.”
Sadler, McCarthy, and Baltas Proud of Their Performers
It wasn’t just Baffert waving the Del Mar flag. John Sadler added another Breeders’ Cup trophy to his cabinet when Super Corredora delivered in the Juvenile Fillies, while Hector Berrios celebrated his first-ever Breeders’ Cup win in emotional style.
“I’m very excited for this moment,” Berrios said, eyes glistening after the race. “It’s an amazing day for me and my career.”
Trainer Michael McCarthy didn’t get a winner, but his Formidable Man ran the race of his life when chasing home Notable Speech in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. “A huge effort to an incredible horse,” McCarthy reflected. “We did everything but win. To me, he’s the best of what we’ve got here in America.”
Meanwhile, Richard Baltas’ Ag Bullet finished runner-up in the Turf Sprint before heading straight to Keeneland for the upcoming sale. His other hopeful, Sweet Azteca, was scratched at the last minute but is reportedly doing fine.
Mark Glatt’s Dr. Venkman also showed his grit, flying late for third in the Sprint. “He gave a good showing, and we’re happy,” Glatt said.
Jockeys and Handle Figures Reflect a Strong Weekend
Del Mar’s riding colony was well represented, with Juan Hernandez logging three seconds, Antonio Fresu picking up two placings, and Kazushi Kimura guiding Stark Contrast to a close second in the Juvenile Turf.
Financially, the weekend was a triumph: total all-sources handle hit $180 million, the third-highest in Breeders’ Cup history, surpassing last year’s total. Saturday’s crowd of 35,173 ensured Del Mar once again pulsed with electric energy.
Cal-Bred Stars Take the Stage for Week Two
With Breeders’ Cup banners coming down, Del Mar now turns its attention to its own—California-breds—during Week Two of the Bing Crosby Season.
Saturday’s feature, the $100,000 The Chosen Vron Stakes, honors the retired Cal-bred legend whose name now replaces the old Cary Grant title. A total of 13 nominations were received, including Speedy Wilson, last year’s 2-year-old Cal-bred champion from Philip D’Amato’s barn. D’Amato could also send Shea Brennan and Shady Tiger, while Man O Rose, Drop Um, and R Heisman are also under consideration.
Sunday brings the $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes, spotlighting Cal-bred fillies and mares over seven furlongs. A thrilling clash is expected between Grand Slam Smile, the reigning two-time state champion, and Om N Joy, who returns after tackling graded company at Keeneland. Trainer George Papaprodromou’s Sneaker adds further intrigue to the field.
Live racing resumes Friday at 12:30 p.m., promising eight competitive races to usher in the next chapter of the Del Mar meet.
Larry Collmus Returns to the Booth for Bing Crosby Season
After calling his 14th Breeders’ Cup, race caller Larry Collmus barely had time to catch his breath before preparing for another Del Mar season.
“Sunday is always the question mark,” Collmus admitted with a laugh. “You wonder how the voice will hold up—but you get through it.”
He’ll shift from million-dollar races to maiden claimers with ease. “Someone who owns a $10,000 claimer deserves an exciting call too,” he said. “I don’t want every race to sound like the Breeders’ Cup Classic, but I’ll still give it my all.”
Settled comfortably near the seaside track he now knows like the back of his hand, Collmus is looking forward to a more relaxed three-day-a-week schedule. “It’ll be fun,” he added simply.
Cooling Out
Trainer Baffert, ever the sports fan, wound down from Breeders’ Cup frenzy by catching the Dodgers’ thrilling 5–4 World Series clincher over Toronto in extra innings. Sunday’s workouts saw Speedy Wilson, Shea Brennan, R. Heisman, and Tarantino all stretch their legs impressively—early hints of another exciting weekend at Del Mar.
For more updates, visit RaceBuzz for complete coverage, or explore official event details at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
