Big, accomplished cast set for Del Mar Derby
The Grade 2 Del Mar Derby on Saturday may be the betting race of the track’s summer season. It certainly has the field size required to earn such a distinction.
The $250,000 race at 1 1/8 miles on turf is expected to have a full field of 14, including stakes winners Cathkin Peak, Flashiest, Hudson Ridge, Jimmy Blue Jeans, None Above the Law, Sword Zorro, and Zoffarelli; the stakes-placed Crew Dragon, Hockey Dad, No Foolery Here, and Petruchio; as well as Barraza, Lincoln Hawk, and Optimstic Valor.
Sword Zorro finished first by a nose over Zoffarelli in the Grade 3 La Jolla Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on turf Aug. 8, but was disqualified and placed third for causing interference in the stretch. Flashiest won the Oceanside Stakes at a mile on turf narrowly over Crew Dragon and No Foolery Here on July 16, but was last of 11 in the Grade 1 Saratoga Derby on Aug. 7.
Saturday’s program has 11 races. Post times for the Saturday through Monday programs have been moved forward to 1:30 p.m. Pacific to accommodate a lengthy card before sunset.
Saturday’s card also includes the Grade 2 John Mabee Stakes, a $200,000 race for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on turf. Bodhicitta, Dogtag, Going to Vegas, Maxim Rate, Quiet Secretary, She’s Our Charm, and Tapwater are the expected runners.
The summer meeting closes Monday. The Los Angeles County fair meeting at Los Alamitos runs from Sept. 10-26.