Brad Free: Del Mar horses to watch for week of July 18-20, 2025
BLAME IT ON ABBY
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: July 18, race 7th
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/2
Beyer: 55
Debut 2-year-old Cal-bred filly by Blame tossed her head taking dirt early, dropped back behind runners, rallied in traffic, finished willingly in a promising first start.
DRULINER
Trainer: Craig Lewis
Last race: July 18, 7th
Finish: 4th by 1 1/2
Beyer: 55
Cal-bred 2-year-old maiden filly showed improved speed second out. Sandwiched between rivals, she waited on turn, finished okay. Wants longer than five furlongs.
IRON MAN CAL
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: July 18, 8th
Finish: 2nd by 1/2
Beyer: 81
Oceanside Stakes favorite bobbled and was away slowly. Raced near back, big rally inside, 22.94 final quarter. He was best. Figures as a contender in Grade 2 Del Mar Derby on Aug. 31.
LYLE THE CROCODILE
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: July 18, 8th
Finish: 3rd by 3/4
Beyer: 81
Hopped at start to get away poorly, lost position, rallied wide, finished well after losing considerable ground into stretch. Eligible for first allowance, also fits in stakes.
BENNY AND THE JET
Trainer: Craig Lewis
Last race: July 19, 4th
Finish: 5th by 9 1/4
Beyer: 43
Debut 2-year-old Cal-bred colt broke from rail, was green while taking dirt and uncomfortable much of the trip, finished evenly. Clubhouse Ride colt wants longer than five furlongs.
COUNTERBALANCE
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: July 19, 6th
Finish: 4th by 3
Beyer: 55
Outstanding debut by 2-year-old filly who wants longer than five furlongs. Outrun, saved ground, finished well, galloped out super. Caravaggio filly might be very good.
THIRSTY REBEL
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: July 19, 8th
Finish: 1st by 3 3/4
Beyer: 68
Favored first out in sprint for Cal-bred maiden 2-year-olds. Tucked inside, took dirt, angled out, crushed, visually impressive. Fits in upcoming Cal-bred juvenile stakes.
QUEEN MAXIMA
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Last race: July 20, 9th
Finish: 6th by 2 3/4
Beyer: 87
Top-class turf sprinter saved ground in turf mile, was blocked in stretch with nowhere no run. Inconclusive effort by Grade 3 sprint winner. She might prefer one turn anyway.
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