Brad Free's Del Mar Horses to Watch for week of July 17-19, 2026

HABEAS
Trainer: Brian Koriner
Last race: July 17, 1st
Finish: 2nd by 2 1/2
Beyer: 75
Claiming veteran chased fast fractions in dirt mile, got best of pacesetting favorite, then was worn down in lane. Habeas has won running two turns, but is best at one . Worth following in sprint.

ROSA’S MIRACLE
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: July 17, 5th
Finish: 8th by 6
Beyer: 38
Debut 2-year-old filly was not quick, raced greenly while uneasy from kickback, and was one-paced. Corniche filly is a sibling to turf stakes winner Carmelita’s Man. She has trained better than she ran. Follow when she moves to turf.

MR. A. P.
Trainer: Vladimir Cerin
Last race: July 17, 8th
Finish: 3rd by 6
Beyer: 84
Grade 1-placed 3-year-old made first start in eight months in turf stakes, chased strong pace, finished evenly. Handles turf and dirt and is eligible for entry-level allowance. Promising comeback effort.

HOLMBY
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race; July 18, 4th
Finish: 1st by 2 1/4
Beyer: 74
Debut 2-year-old Corniche filly broke well, pressed pace, was always comfortable, and cruised in fast five furlongs in 57.33. She would be among the favorites if she runs back Aug. 9 in Grade 3 Sorrento.

DASH
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: July 18, 4th
Finish: 4th by 7 3/4
Beyer: 53
Debut 2-year-old Cyberknife filly tossed head and was off slowly, looked uncomfortable taking dirt, then finished well. This was a terrific career launch by sibling to Del Mar Oaks winner Velocity.

HOWIE’S LAW
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: July 19, 1st
Finish: 1st by 7 1/2
Beyer: 99
Comebacker in $50,000 maiden-claiming sprint trounced rivals. Sped to lead, coasted along, crushed. Has all his conditions, including non-winners of two starter. Looks tough right back.

GABRIEL’S GIFT
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: July 19, 8th
Finish: 2nd by 7 1/4
Beyer: 59
Debut 3-year-old was off slowly, veered in, climbed from the kickback spray, made a middle move to midpack, split rivals, then went evenly late in a very promising debut. Follow in Cal-bred maiden sprint.

ATITLAN
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: July 19, 9th
Finish: 4th by 1 1/2
Beyer: 91
A mile was too short for Grade 2 turf winner. Comebacker trailed field, had a rail trip, then finished well in a solid prep race. Would be a contender in Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap at 1 3/8 miles on Aug. 29.