Westwood Sets the Tone as Del Mar Hosts Nine-Race Card Highlighted by Rancho Bernardo Handicap
The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club conducted a set of nine races with a major highlighted race, the Rancho Bernardo Handicap, on August 24th, 2025. The afternoon brought a blend of strong finishes, measured tactics, and a touch of flair from both horse and rider.
The racing events began with a Maiden Special Weight over a dirt mile carrying a purse of $100,000. Westwood made the early headlines, powering home under H. Berrios for trainer J. Shirreffs in 1:36.27. Penalty Box, guided by K. Frey for M. McCarthy, finished second, while Harmonique secured third.
The second contest, an Allowance Optional Claiming at 1 1/16 miles on turf with $74,000 at stake, saw Stop the Press seal the win under A. Fresu for P. D’Amato in 1:41.89. The runner-up honors went to Nations Pride, ridden by U. Rispoli for C. Appleby, with Invincible Dancer taking third.
In the third race, an Allowance race over six furlongs on dirt worth $76,000, Mackenzie’s Song stole the spotlight. J. Hernandez, riding for M. Glatt, steered the winner home in 1:09.79. Sir Atticus, under T. Baze for J. Sadler, chased in second, while Righteous Wave completed the top three.
The fourth event of the day, a Maiden Special Weight over 5 furlongs on turf offering $82,000, went to Maltese Falcon. Partnered by K. Desormeaux for L. Powell, the winner finished in 56.22 seconds. Stormwalker, handled by R. Gonzalez for M. Casse, came second, with Masterclass in third.
Attention then turned to a Starter Allowance over one mile on turf for $47,000. American Admiral proved strongest, with G. Franco steering the horse home for trainer J. Wong in 1:35.55. Cool Your Jets, ridden by M. Gutierrez for P. Aguirre, followed in second, and Jungle Cry picked up third.
The sixth race, another Allowance Optional Claiming but on the turf at one mile and worth $74,000, showcased Don’t Fight the Fed. Under T. McCarthy for R. Baltas, the winner clocked 1:34.20. Ice Dancing, with M. Smith riding for R. Mandella, claimed second place, while Sassy Prancer filled out the frame in third.
The day’s feature, the Rancho Bernardo Handicap (Grade 3), carried a prize of $125,000 over 6 ½ furlongs on dirt. Sweet Azteca defended her crown with a flourish, guided confidently by F. Prat for P. D’Amato, crossing the line in 1:16.43. Last Call London, piloted by J. Velazquez for B. Baffert, chased gallantly into second.
In the penultimate race, a Maiden Special Weight contested over one mile on dirt with $82,000 in prize money, El Camino Real triumphed. Ridden by R. Vasquez for J. Sadler, the horse stopped the clock at 1:38.05. Star Dominion, under U. Rispoli for M. McCarthy, finished runner-up.
Closing the card was an Allowance Optional Claiming at 1 1/16 miles on turf, worth $76,000. Royal Patronage signed off the day in style, with J. Hernandez aboard for R. Hess Jr., finishing in 1:42.10. Hong Kong Harry, with F. Prat riding for P. D’Amato, ended second.
The nine-race program reflected the competitive spirit that continues to define racing at Del Mar, with Westwood’s opening strike and Sweet Azteca’s feature win providing the bookends to a lively afternoon.
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