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 turn. 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, was uneasy from kickback, and was one-paced. Corniche sibling to turf stakes winner Carmelita’s Man 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 to 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 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 was 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.