Brad Free's Del Mar Horses to Watch for week of Aug. 21-24, 2025

INTO THE HALL
Trainer: John Shirreffs
Last race: Aug. 21, 1st
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 74
Comeback maiden dueled through hot pace first start in three months, worn down by favorite. Into Mischief filly will be tough in next maiden dirt race.

AVOCADO LAKE
Trainer: Carla Gaines
Last race: Aug. 21, 4th
Finish: 4th by 3 1/2
Beyer: 36
Debut 2-year-old filly was well-bet off strong works, battled in traffic, never got a breather, tired. Sired by Om, she has more ability than her speed figure indicates.

TERRAPIN FLYER
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Last race: Aug. 22, 3rd
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/4
Beyer: NA
Debut 2-year-old by Bolt d’Oro broke slowly, next to last, heavy traffic into stretch, finished well. Solid effort, maidens from this stable generally improve with racing.

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CATMANSUE
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Aug. 22, 5th
Finish: 1st by 1/2
Beyer: 83
First time in for a claim tag, 4-year-old sprinter chased pace, wore down favorite, inched clear late. Timely claim by O’Neill from Bob Hess Jr., follow up the ladder.

INTREPIDO
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Last race: Aug. 23, 1st
Finish: 1st by 3 1/4
Beyer: 84
Maiden 2-year-old stretched to a mile, dominated. Sped to lead, easy pace, strong to wire. Likely contender in Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes on Oct. 4 at Santa Anita.

PENALTY BOX
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: Aug. 24, 1st
Finish: 2nd by 3 1/4
Beyer: 82
Maiden 3-year-old tucked inside in dirt mile, ran up on a rival’s heels midway through far turn, steadied, evenly late. Curious trip by even-money favorite, must follow.

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