The opening day of the Del Mar summer meeting will carry extra importance this year as the 81st running of the Oceanside Handicap takes on the role of the track’s main local stepping stone towards the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby.
The traditional turf event for three-year-olds has long been a fixture on Del Mar’s opening-day programme, but changes to the stakes schedule have increased its significance. With the La Jolla Handicap removed from the calendar, the Oceanside now stands as the only Del Mar-based preparation race for the August 23 Del Mar Derby.
Del Mar Oceanside Handicap 2026 is expected to provide a strong test for a talented group of three-year-olds looking to establish themselves on the turf division.
Del Mar racing secretary David Jerkens explained that the decision was made after trainers became increasingly reluctant to run their horses three times within an eight-week period.
“We just felt it was a little bit of overkill,” Jerkens said. “Opening up the Oceanside gives us the opportunity to get a solid field and create a more logical path towards the Derby.”
A field of 12 runners has been entered for the Oceanside, which has received a $50,000 purse increase this year, taking the prize money to $150,000. Five entrants arrive with previous stakes success, but much of the attention surrounds a horse making his first start of the season.
Mr. A. P., who finished just a length behind eventual two-year-old champion Ted Noffey in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, returns after a lengthy break. The son of American Pharoah has not raced since that effort and will make his three-year-old debut for trainer Vladimir Cerin.
The colt’s absence was caused by a knee issue, with a small chip removed before his return to training.
“He has come back as good as ever,” Cerin said. “He has trained really well and I have done enough with him to make sure he is ready.”
Cerin believes the colt has matured during his time away and expects a stronger performer this season.
“He’s a little bit bigger and seems more playful now,” the trainer added. “He is eager to show what he can do.”
The Oceanside will also mark Mr. A. P.’s first attempt on turf, but his trainer is confident the surface should suit him.
“He’s bred for the grass more than the main track,” Cerin said, while acknowledging his previous dirt performances had also been impressive.
Among the major challengers is Unrivaled Time, who already has experience over Del Mar’s Jimmy Durante turf course after winning the Grade 3 Cecil B. DeMille Stakes last autumn. The Leonard Powell-trained colt arrives following a victory in the $125,000 Snow Chief Stakes at Santa Anita.
“He’s still a bit immature, but he has the talent,” Powell said. “He likes the Del Mar course, so hopefully he can do well there again.”
Secured Freedom enters after winning the $100,000 Affirmed Stakes at Santa Anita last month. The son of Practical Joke had previously competed on the Derby trail before a change in equipment helped him return to winning form.
Trainer Tim Yakteen said removing blinkers allowed the colt to settle better and take advantage of a strong pace in his latest victory. The Oceanside will be his first start on turf.
Bust Out, winner of the $100,000 Cinema Stakes at Santa Anita in May, will also be looking to bounce back after finishing fourth in the American Derby at Churchill Downs.
Trainer Michael McCarthy believes the colt can improve with a more positive racing position.
“He ran well, but found himself in a difficult spot,” McCarthy said. “We are looking to have him a little more forwardly placed this time.”
Later Than Planned, a two-time stakes winner trained by Phil D’Amato, adds further depth to the field after victories in the Speakeasy Stakes and John Shear Stakes.
The Oceanside Handicap will be Race 8 on Del Mar’s Friday opening-day card, with an expected post time of 5:30 p.m.
The field from the inside post includes Iriseach (Umberto Rispoli), Secured Freedom (Ramon Vasquez), Unrivaled Time (Armando Ayuso), Proletariat (Kyle Frey), Bust Out (Emisael Jaramillo), Mr. A. P. (Joel Rosario), Tiz All That (Edwin Maldonado), Charlie’s Curlin (Juan Hernandez), Mo Koko (Ricky Gonzalez), One More Freud (Mike Smith), Jordi Bear (Antonio Fresu) and Later Than Planned (Hector I. Berrios).
The race will provide an important early-season indication of which three-year-olds could emerge as leading contenders for the Del Mar Derby later this summer.
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