Fast-Paced Turf Opener
The day begins with a Maiden Special Weight over 5 furlongs on turf, offering an $80,000 purse for maidens aged three and up. Expect sparks to fly as Reno (J: J. Hernandez, T: P. Eurton) looks to assert early dominance, with Burning Rubber (J: K. Frey, T: S. McCarthy) and Septembersixtyfour (J: K. Kimura, T: M. Puype) in hot pursuit. Doc Bovie (J: M. Smith, T: R. Mandella), Gandalf (J: H. Berrios, T: J. Sadler), and Springs (J: A. Fresu, T: J. Sadler) round out a field where quick starts and clean trips will be decisive.
Middle-Distance Claimers on Dirt
The second contest switches to the dirt for a one-mile claiming race, with $28,000 on the line for fillies and mares who’ve yet to secure two victories. Among the standout entries, Blue Fashion (J: H. Berrios, T: M. Polanco) will meet stiff opposition from A Kitten for Sue (J: F. Monroy, T: S. Ledezma) and Auratium (J: J. Hernandez, T: M. McCarthy). Keep an eye on Leopardess (GB) (J: T. Baze, T: R. Hess, Jr.) and Be a Goldfish (J: A. Fresu, T: I. Kruljac), both with tactical speed that could prove decisive in the stretch.
Speed on the Lawn
The turf action returns with a sharp 5-furlong claiming dash for three-year-old fillies, boasting a $60,000 purse. Approval Rating (J: A. Espinoza, T: O. Jauregui) and Tight Squeeze (J: H. Berrios, T: J. Sadler) headline a deep field that includes Special Look (J: K. Kimura, T: J. Hollendorfer) and Polythene Pam (J: K. Frey, T: L. Barocio). International flavor arrives with How Lovely (IRE) (J: A. Fresu, T: D. O’Neill) and Fondest Dream (GB) (J: D. Van Dyke, T: R. Baltas), both well-versed in European turf styles.
Fillies and Mares Battling for Breakthroughs
Race four is a dirt Maiden Special Weight over 5 ½ furlongs for fillies and mares who’ve started for $12,500 or less, carrying a $23,000 purse. Mia Mac (J: C. Herrera, T: M. Stortz) leads a competitive cast including A. P’s Lucky Charm (J: S. Carmona, T: J. Valdez) and Rebelexis (J: G. Franco, T: A. Psarras). Smiling Rapper (J: T. Baze, T: B. McLean) and Rockford Peach (J: R. Gonzalez, T: G. Papaprodromou) could also spring surprises.
Allowance Optional Claiming on Turf
The fifth race returns to the turf for a 5-furlong Allowance Optional Claiming worth $81,000. Ballyvaughan Gig (J: R. Silvera, T: I. Tamayo) and Potito (J: T. Gaffalione, T: C. Gaines) bring speed, while Cullen J (J: A. Fresu, T: R. Baltas) and Case Hit (J: U. Rispoli, T: P. Miller) add closing power. Piper’s Causeway (J: A. Aguilar, T: J. Uranga) could upset if the pace collapses late.
Hard-Knocking Claimers in the Late Afternoon
At 4:37 pm, a $23,000 claiming race for three-year-olds and upward unfolds over the dirt. Attila the Dun (J: D. Herrera, T: J. Uranga) and Howbeit (J: K. Frey, T: J. Hernandez, Jr.) will battle against proven grinders like Blue Cheese Olive (J: W. Antongeorgi III, T: S. Knapp) and Gavea (J: R. Silvera, T: S. Miyadi). Watch for Street Talker (J: T. Baze, T: R. Hanson) to flash late speed.
Stamina Test Over 1 3/8 Miles
The second last race is an Allowance Optional Claiming on the turf at 1 3/8 miles for an $81,000 purse. Eternal Reign (IRE) (J: J. Hernandez, T: P. D’Amato) and Thebestisyettobe (IRE) (J: A. Fresu, T: P. D’Amato) offer European staying power. Defiance (J: M. Demuro, T: R. Mandella) and Atia (J: K. Kimura, T: M. McCarthy) add depth to a tactical contest.
Closing Drama Under the Setting Sun
The day’s racing closes with a $30,000 Maiden Claiming at 1 1/16 miles on dirt. Cano for the Win (J: A. Fresu, T: G. Papaprodromou) and Booming Bernardo (J: C. Herrera, T: M. Stortz) are well-fancied, while Serenader (J: W. Antongeorgi III, T: D. O’Neill) and Tapit Dynasty (J: R. Silvera, T: P. Aguirre) could light up the tote board.
Fans can expect Del Mar Racecourse to deliver its trademark mix of high-quality racing, oceanfront ambiance, and passionate crowds. For global coverage beyond California, explore RaceBuzz’s International Racing section for the latest from tracks around the world.
