All eyes on United in Del Mar Handicap

DEL MAR, Calif. – United was a 51-1 shot last fall when he nearly upset eventual Horse of the Year Bricks and Mortar in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, but he doesn’t sneak up on anyone anymore. He’s 3 for 3 this year, never has been higher than 7-5, and will be strongly favored again on Saturday when he seeks to keep his perfect 2020 record intact in the Grade 2, $200,000 Del Mar Handicap at 1 3/8 miles on the grass.

The Del Mar Handicap is a Win and You’re In for the Breeders’ Cup Turf, to be held at Keeneland on Nov. 7.

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The Del Mar Handicap, race 8 on the card, drew a surprisingly large field of 11. United drew the rail, with regular rider Flavien Prat. He carries 126 pounds, and will concede from three to nine pounds to his rivals.

United has already won two Grade 2 stakes this year at 1 1/4 miles, and earlier this meet won the another Grade 2, the Eddie Read, shortening up to 1 1/8 miles. If they couldn’t beat him at a distance probably short of preferred, this seems a taller task for his rivals.

“He’s gotten more professional as we’ve gone along,” said his trainer, Richard Mandella, who said he “hopes I can get him as good as he was” for the Breeders’ Cup.”

“He’s doing great,” Mandella said.

United is doing so well that Mandella briefly entertained the thought of running him in another race on Saturday, the Pacific Classic on dirt. But the risk-reward didn’t pencil out, so United will remain on turf, as he has for all 11 races since Mandella took over as his trainer.

Combatant is 0 for 8 on turf and tries it anew after getting off poorly in the San Diego, a prep for the Pacific Classic. Combatant won the Santa Anita Handicap earlier this year, but with stablemate Higher Power defending his title in the Pacific Classic, this was chosen as the spot as trainer John Sadler and owners Kosta and Pete Hronis try to divide and conquer.

“He’s by Scat Daddy, and he stays, so we want to give him a try at a mile and three-eighths,” Sadler said.

Red King and Ward ’n Jerry are making their first starts since finishing first and third on June 21 in the San Juan Capistrano.

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Proud Pedro was a winner over this course and at this distance in a second-level allowance last time out, defeating North County Guy.

Oscar Dominguez upset United in the Hollywood Turf Cup here last fall in United’s first start following the Breeders’ Cup, but United is unbeaten since then.

Originaire chased United in both the Whittingham and Eddie Read in his last two starts, but his best races have come at shorter distances with pace to run into.

The longshots Another Mystery, Big Buzz, and New Year complete the field.