Del Mar’s grandstands were electric Monday as Full Serrano, the Argentine-bred superstar who captured the imagination of U.S. racing fans in 2024, returned to the paddock after a long layoff. Trainer John Sadler watched with a mixture of pride and cautious optimism as the six-year-old pranced and stretched before the start. “He’s doing very well,” Sadler said. “A mile on dirt is the perfect conditions for him.” After missing the calendar since a December setback, today marks the first step in his journey back toward championship glory.
Full Serrano’s story in the United States has been one of highs and near misses. His U.S. debut at Del Mar was a commanding wire-to-wire victory in an entry-level allowance race, announcing his arrival to American racing. The Pacific Classic saw him lead into the sixteenth pole, only to be caught by the longshot Mixto in a heartbreaking finish. Sadler and owner Kosta Hronis endured the disappointment for two months, only to be rewarded with Full Serrano’s electrifying victory in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile later that year.
Monday’s second-level allowance race is part of a carefully plotted three-race plan designed to prep Full Serrano for another Breeders’ Cup campaign. “It’s the start of a three-race process,” Sadler explained. “This one, a race at Santa Anita, and then he’ll be ready for the Breeders’ Cup, I’m hoping.”
Contenders to Watch
The field of six features several compelling rivals. Two Rivers Over, trained by Doug O’Neill, brings both class and resilience to the gate. After winning the G2 Godolphin Mile in Dubai, the son of Tamarkuz faced a string of health challenges, including an eye ulcer and a knee infection. “He’s back now, both eyes are fine, and he’s doing well,” O’Neill said. With a perfect 2-for-2 record at Del Mar, he remains a serious threat.
Packs a Wahlop, the 2022 G3 Juvenile Turf Stakes winner and recent G2 Charles Whittingham runner-up, adds further depth to the lineup. Other entrants include Il Bellator, American Admiral, and Ghazaaly. With post positions set, the race promises a tactical battle:
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Packs a Wahlop (Tyler Baze, 6-1)
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Il Bellator (Cristobal Herrera, 10-1)
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Two Rivers Over (Edwin Maldonado, 4-1)
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American Admiral (Kazushi Kimura, 8-1)
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Ghazaaly (Kyle Frey, 15-1)
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Full Serrano (Juan Hernandez, 3/5)
Jockeys and Trainers in the Spotlight
Beyond the horses, Del Mar’s jockey and trainer battles are heating up. Juan Hernandez leads the summer riding title with 38 wins, narrowly ahead of Antonio Fresu at 35. Both have been trading victories relentlessly, thrilling fans with their skill and strategy. Hernandez also leads in stakes wins with seven and earnings of $2,808,212, while Fresu is close behind with $2,462,062.
On the trainer side, Bob Baffert holds a slight edge with 19 wins, but Mark Glatt and Phil D’Amato remain close contenders, particularly in stakes victories. D’Amato claimed three stakes wins over the past weekend, including two on Pacific Classic Day, keeping the battle tight. Owners, too, are vying for supremacy, with Mia Familia Racing Stables holding six victories, followed closely by Muir Hut Stables, Nick Alexander, and Giddy Up JR.
Looking Ahead: Del Mar’s Summer Finale
Del Mar’s summer meet reaches its climax next weekend, with the spotlight turning to the best 2-year-olds on the grounds. Saturday’s G1 Debutante and Sunday’s G1 Del Mar Futurity will crown the top juveniles, setting the stage for Breeders’ Cup appearances and potential Triple Crown trajectories. Stakes action includes the G2 John C. Mabee and Juvenile Fillies Turf, featuring top fillies and mares vying for early-season glory.
Monday’s race marks more than a comeback for Full Serrano. It’s a chance for fans to see a champion returning to form, a test for a carefully laid campaign, and a reminder of the stories that make Del Mar racing so compelling. With a competitive field, top jockeys, and a high-stakes atmosphere, the stage is set for an exciting first leg in the champion’s 2025 campaign.
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