Country Grammer assigned 125 pounds for San Diego Handicap
DEL MAR, Calif. – Country Grammer, winner of the Dubai World Cup in his last start, has been assigned top weight of 125 pounds for the Grade 2, $300,000 San Diego Handicap on Saturday at Del Mar.
The San Diego, at 1 1/16 miles, is a prep for the biggest race of the meet, the $1 million Pacific Classic at 1 1/4 miles – the World Cup distance – on Sept. 3.
A strong field of older horses is expected for the San Diego, including Mandaloun, best known for being placed first in the 2021 Kentucky Derby following the disqualification of Medina Spirit earlier this year. Mandaloun was assigned 121 pounds, the same as There Goes Harvard, the upset winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup in his last start.
Express Train, who won the Santa Anita Handicap earlier this year, was assigned 123 pounds.
Others expected to run (with weights) are Defunded, Royal Ship, Stilleto Boy, and Tripoli (120 each), Parnelli (117), and Senor Buscador (116).
Royal Ship, third behind There Goes Harvard and Defunded when favored in the Hollywood Gold Cup, worked five furlongs in 59.60 seconds on Monday morning at Del Mar for trainer Richard Mandella in his final prep for the San Diego.