Aragorn takes Del Mar BC 'Cap

DEL MAR, Calif. - Aragorn continued his relentless march toward the Breeders' Cup Mile with another spectacular performance on Saturday, when he flew home to record his third straight victory, this time in the Grade 2, $374,000 .

The Del Mar race mirrors the Breeders' Cup Mile in that it is one mile on turf. Aragorn earlier this year won the Shoemaker Breeders' Cup Mile, then most recently recorded a course record when stretched to 1 1/8 miles in the Eddie Read Handicap at Del Mar.

Back at one mile, Aragorn ($2.80) sat third, about two lengths behind, as longshot Wild Buddy sped off to the lead through fractions of 23.21 seconds for the opening quarter-mile, 46.61 seconds for a half-mile, and 1:09.68 for six furlongs.

Jockey Corey Nakatani kept Aragorn on the rail, and when Wild Buddy drifted off the rail at the top of the stretch, Aragorn seized the moment, rallied through the opening, and drew away to win by 1 1/2 lengths. Making up two lengths in the final quarter-mile, Aragorn covered the final quarter-mile in less than 23 seconds for a final time of 1:32.68 on the firm course.

Wild Buddy held on for second, 1 1/4 lengths in front of third-place Hendrix.

Neil Drysdale, who trains Aragorn, said Aragorn would make his next start in the Oak Tree Breeders' Cup Mile on Oct. 7 at Santa Anita, and then the Breeders' Cup Mile on Nov. 4 at Churchill Downs.

"That's the plan," Drysdale said.