Velocity Springs 72-1 Shock in Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks
In one of the most memorable moments of the summer season at Del Mar, Velocity, a lightly raced filly trained by Mike McCarthy, surged through the stretch to capture the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks on Saturday afternoon. The victory not only stunned racing fans but also delivered career milestones for her connections.
The daughter of Nyquist returned a remarkable $72 payout for a $2 win ticket, after completing the 1 1/8-mile turf test in 1:48.45. With a decisive late burst under jockey Ricardo Gonzalez, Velocity prevailed by half a length in the 69th running of the prestigious race.
Velocity Del Mar Oaks Triumph for McCarthy & Gonzalez
For Gonzalez, the ride was a masterclass in patience and precision. Saving ground along the rail for most of the race, he found a narrow seam at the top of the stretch and seized the opportunity. Velocity responded instantly, slipping back to the inside and accelerating past rivals inside the final furlong. She crossed the wire just ahead of Lush Lips, who closed powerfully, and the heavily favored Thought Process, who finished third.
“This is such a fun race, especially here at Del Mar,” Gonzalez said. “I had a wonderful trip and was just waiting for a seam. When it opened, she went right through.”
The win marked only the second Grade 1 success of Gonzalez’s career and his first in the Del Mar Oaks.
A Breakthrough Stakes Victory
For trainer Mike McCarthy, the Oaks triumph showcased his filly’s rapid development. Velocity was making just her fifth career start, already notching her third career victory and first graded stakes win.
“That’s as good of a ride as you’ll ever see,” McCarthy remarked. “She got the perfect trip. A seam opened up on the fence, and Ricardo made the most of it. She’s been thriving here at Del Mar, and I liked everything I saw today.”
Velocity’s share of the $303,000 purse was $180,000, boosting her career earnings to $274,800 for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, headed by local owner Aron Wellman of Rancho Santa Fe.
Results and Race Breakdown
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Winner: Velocity (Ricardo Gonzalez / Mike McCarthy / Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners)
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2nd Place: Lush Lips (Medallion Racing, Weston or Shanahan, et al)
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3rd Place: Thought Process (Estate of Brereton C. Jones, Little Feather Racing, Madaket Stables)
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Fractions: :23.22, :46.98, 1:11.48, 1:36.20, Final 1:48.45
Velocity’s performance not only rewarded her backers with a massive return but also added another feather in the cap of McCarthy, who now has 16 stakes victories at Del Mar.
What’s Next at Del Mar
Racing continues on Sunday at Del Mar, with a first post scheduled for 2 p.m. Fans can expect more high-quality action as the summer meet rolls on, but the memory of Velocity’s upset will surely be a highlight of the season.
Check out all Del Mar race results and schedules here.
For a detailed preview of the 2025 Del Mar Oaks favorites, including Thought Process.
