Brad Free's Del Mar Horses to Watch for week of July 23-26, 2026
PARKER’S CANDY
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Last race: July 23, 2nd
Finish: 2nd by head
Beyer: 77
Comebacker was passively ridden from gate in maiden turf sprint, lagged in last place, lost ground while wide into the lane, then finished well in race won by pacesetter. Sharp comeback for Parker’s Candy.
BRAZORIA
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: July 24, 2nd
Finish: 3rd by 5
Beyer: 74
Debut 4-year-old filly lacked speed in maiden turf sprint, trailed field, split rivals in lane, finished well, galloped out super. Promising debut by Frankel filly who wants more ground.
HE’S GOT FIRE
Trainer: George Papaprodromou
Last race: July 24, 5th
Finish: 3rd by 2 1/4
Beyer: 50
Cal-bred $12,500 maiden-claimer pressed strong fractions, put away pace rivals, led to deep stretch, then was collared by closers. Good try against race shape by He’s Got Fire. Long gone next out?
BARTHOLDY
Trainer: Jose D’Angelo
Last race: July 25, 8th
Finish: 1st by 6 1/2
Beyer: 103
Front-runner sped to lead in second-level allowance dirt mile, set fast pace, and ran them off their feet. Claimed for $100k by D’Angelo from Steve Knapp. Gelding fits in minor stakes anywhere.
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MAXIMUM BOURBON
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: July 25, 10th
Finish: 2nd by nose
Beyer: 104
Midwest transplant has developed in a top-class sprinter. Broke from rail in Grade 1 Bing Crosby, saved ground in third or fourth, angled out, rallied, missed. Excellent try, fits in any sprint stakes.
MOONLIGHT
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: July 25, 10th
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/2
Beyer: 100
Late-runner trailed field in Grade 1 Bing Crosby, rallied outside in a big finish, then galloped out super. Will appreciate stretching out from six furlongs to seven in the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien Stakes on Aug. 29.
DEE SNOOK
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: July 26, 3rd
Finish: 1st by 3/4
Beyer: 62
Maiden 2-year-old turf filly by Sioux Nation improved on the stretch-out. Lagged, angled out, unleashed 23.50 final quarter. Sharp win, a contender in Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf on Sept. 6.
DREAM SEEKER
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Last race: July 26, 3rd
Finish: 3rd by 2 1/2
Beyer: 57
Debut 2-year-old in turf mile raced inside and between rivals, was green in the stretch, finished evenly, then galloped out with run. Promising career launch by Girvin colt, who can improve second time out.