Balnikhov points to Del Mar Derby

DEL MAR, Calif. – Balnikhov, who won the first stakes of his career in Friday’s $104,000 Oceanside Stakes at Del Mar, is unlikely to race again until the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby on Sept. 3.

Trainer Phil D’Amato stressed before the Oceanside Stakes that Balnikhov needs time between races and said Saturday that the six-week gap to the $300,000 Del Mar Derby will be beneficial.

“He likes to run fresh,” D’Amato said. “We can give him some time to his next race.”

The Del Mar Derby at 1 1/8 miles on turf is the track’s leading race of the summer meeting for 3-year-olds.

Balnikhov overcame traffic on the final turn to win the Oceanside Stakes by 1 1/2 lengths under jockey Umberto Rispoli.

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Balnikhov was the 3-1 second choice. Mackinnon, the even-money favorite, was well-positioned in early stretch, but did not pose a threat in the final furlong, finishing fourth by 2 3/4 lengths. The Oceanside was Mackinnon’s first start since February.

Trainer Doug O’Neill said Saturday that Mackinnon will be pointed to the Del Mar Derby.

“I think you have to chalk it up to needing the race,” O’Neill said. “The winner is a nice horse.”