Bombard, Bowies Hero bound for Del Mar Mile

DEL MAR, Calif. - Bombard and Bowies Hero won different grass stakes for older horses Sunday, but their paths look like they’ll cross next month, as both are intended for the Grade 2, $200,000 Del Mar Mile on Aug. 18.

Bombard, a 6-year-old gelding, won the restricted Wickerr going one mile in his second start since an 11-month layoff necessitated by knee surgery, the third of his career, said his trainer, Richard Mandella.

“I expected him to win first time back,” Mandella said of the Grade 3 American on June 23 at Santa Anita, in which he finished sixth, “but the report card came back and I got an ‘F,’ so I stayed after school and got it right. They could have given me a ‘D.’ I did make an effort. He’s a neat old horse.”

Earlier Sunday, Bowies Hero, 5, won the Grade 2 Eddie Read going 1 1/8 miles, ending a five-race losing streak dating to May 2018.

“That was nice to see,” said his trainer, Phil D’Amato, who said the Del Mar Mile was “the most logical” next spot for Bowies Hero.