Drama Unfolds at the Break
The drama began just seconds after the gates flew open. Race favorite Liberation, a sharp debut winner at Santa Anita in May, was slow into stride and soon found herself squeezed and stumbling amid a tight pack. Stewards later determined that Armando Ayuso aboard My Love Caroline impeded Liberation’s path, shutting her off and causing a significant chain reaction.
The result, a disqualification that bumped Jasmina to the top spot, ahead of Lovinger, Moroney or Ryan, et al’s Tapatia Mia in second, and the troubled Liberation salvaging third.
Callaghan and Frey Celebrate Just Reward
“You don’t want to win it like that,” admitted trainer Simon Callaghan, “but she ran a great race. She doesn’t show much in the morning, but she steps up in the afternoon.”
Jockey Kyle Frey, who guided Jasmina through a professional and persistent five-furlong trip, echoed that sentiment. “I thought I had it on the head bob. I was disappointed when I saw the result, but still proud of her. When I saw the video and the numbers started flashing, I got excited. She tried so hard.”
The final time was :59.02, and Jasmina returned $8.20 on a $2 ticket. She earned $57,000 from the $100,500 purse, bringing her career earnings to $85,560 with two wins from three starts.
First Stakes Win of the Meet for Connections
Sunday’s outcome marked the first CTBA Stakes victory for both Callaghan and Frey during the current Del Mar meet. It was Frey’s sixth stakes win at the track and Callaghan’s 18th overall at the seaside oval. The winner is campaigned by Reddam Racing, led by J. Paul Reddam of Laguna Beach, CA.
Fractions for the race were :22.23, :46.20, and :59.02.
What’s Next at the Shore Oval
Racing resumes at Del Mar on Thursday with first post at 2:00 PM. Fans can follow California-bred talent like Jasmina all season long with full coverage and expert insights at RaceBuzz. For more coverage, explore the international racing section of our website.
