Brad Free's Del Mar horses to watch from week of Sept. 8-10, 2023
RESPECT THE CROWN
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Last race: Sept. 8, 2nd
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 70
Debut 2-year-old filly broke well in turf sprint, void of speed, picked up steam into lane, finished well, and galloped out in front of the field. Very promising debut by daughter of Palace Malice.
WILLA T
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Last race: Sept. 8, 7th
Finish: 3rd by 2 1/4
Beyer: 55
Debut 2-year-old filly lagged in turf route, split rivals in stretch, fast 23.04-second final quarter, impressive kick, and galloped out in front. Oscar Performance filly can win maiden race soon.
E J WON THE CUP
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Last race: Sept. 9, 4th
Finish: 2nd by 3
Beyer: 79
Second-start 2-year-old colt sped to lead, set fast pace, no match for runaway winner Slider, and finished more than three lengths clear of third. Omaha Beach colt the one to catch next out.
LOTERIE
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Sept. 9, 5th
Finish: 2nd by 1
Beyer: 62
Runner-up in turf mile stakes may have been best. Settled in rear, blocked from far turn into lane, fast finish inside, and winner got jump. Potential rematch in Grade 3 Zuma Beach on Oct. 8 at Santa Anita.
CAILIN DANA
Trainer: Sean McCarthy
Last race: Sept. 9, 5th
Finish: 5th by 4 3/4
Beyer: 55
Forced into turf-mile stakes after not drawing into maiden race, sprint-to-route filly ran okay. Forwardly placed, loomed in midstretch, and lost punch. Oscar Performance filly is on the improve.
BIGOFROMFRESNO
Trainer: Dan Blacker
Last race: Sept. 9, 11th
Finish: 5th by 5 1/2
Beyer: 68
Older California-bred maiden improved stretching out and moving to turf. Settled midpack two wide, finished evenly in stretch, and racing into condition. Vronsky gelding’s next start should be his best.
MIRINDA
Trainer: Gary Mandella
Last race: Sept. 10, 2nd
Finish: 1st by 6 1/2
Beyer: 82
Debut 2-year-old filly by Mitole bet to even-money and ran accordingly. Sped to lead and widened late. Ran better than figure, would fit in $175K Golden State Juvenile Fillies on Nov. 3 at Santa Anita.
SAFA
Trainer: Gary Stute
Last race: Sept. 10, 2nd
Finish: 2nd by 6 1/2
Beyer: 66
Ambitiously campaigned 2-year-old filly ran her best race in third start of meet. Chased romping winner Mirinda and finished clear of third. Grazen filly should like turf if given the opportunity.
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.