Brad Free's Southern California Horses to Watch for the week of July 3-5, 2026

REXFORD
Trainer: Manuel Badilla
Last race: July 3, 2nd
Finish: 1st by 1/2
Beyer: 88
Veteran sprinter returned to peak form with fast pace-pressing win. Claimed for $20,000 by Badilla from Peter Miller, gelding has won on Del Mar turf, follow any summer claiming sprint.

MONGOLIAN MAX
Trainer: Steve Miyadi
Last race: July 4, 4th
Finish: 5th by 10 1/4
Beyer: 53
Gray gelding favored in $16,000 claiming route, bounced around and lost position early, never made a run. First start in two months was a toss, potential to rebound on the drop at Del Mar.

NAFTIS
Trainer: Genaro Vallejo
Last race: July 4, 9th
Finish: 2nd by 1/2
Beyer: 79
Fast pace foiled front-runner in Cal-bred allowance/optional claiming route race. Sped to led, went fast, collared late. Two turns is a reach, but threat to wire a similar field next time out.

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LOVE OUR FAMILY
Trainer: Gary Stute
Last race: July 5, 2nd
Finish: 3rd by 4 1/2
Beyer: 62
Veteran mare was in a bit too tough in $16,000 claiming route. She set pace and held third in a good comeback, her first start in 2 1/2 months. Can drop for the money at Del Mar.

LIT
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: July 5, 10th
Finish: 1st by 5
Beyer: 73
Debut 3-year-old gelding pressed fast pace, opened up in lane, crushed with plenty in the tank. Sired by Straight Fire, produced by good turf mare Tapwater, Ontario-bred Lit has much upside.

FUMANO’S MAGIC
Trainer: Val Brinkerhoff
Last race: July 5, 10th
Finish: 3rd by head
Beyer: 82
Late-running 3-year-old Cal-bred allowance sprinter saved ground, steadied briefly top of lane, re-rallied, finished well first try vs. older. Improving colt has won at Del Mar, sharp for summer.

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