Del Mar: Mrazek impressive in Graduation victory

DEL MAR, Calif. -- Mrazek’s status is rising this summer among owners Paul and Zillah Reddam’s 2-year-olds.

Wednesday at Del Mar, Mrazek won his first stakes in the $100,000 Graduation Stakes for California-breds, leading throughout to score a convincing victory by 3 1/4 lengths. The win left Mrazek on schedule for the $150,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for Cal-breds on Sept. 4, with a possible audible on Labor Day weekend.

The Reddams run Nyquist in Saturday’s $200,000 Best Pal Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs, and if that colt does not run to expectations Mrazek could be considered for the $300,000 Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 7.

"We’ve got to get past the Best Pal,” Paul Reddam said. “We’re thinking Nyquist is our best horse. If he faltered, I could see [Mrazek] in the Futurity.”

In the Graduation at 5 1/2 furlongs, jockey Mario Gutierrez had Mrazek away well and in front narrowly after a quarter-mile in 22.47 seconds. Pressured early by Xingontothebone, Mrazek extended his advantage around the turn and led by 2 1/2 lengths with a furlong remaining. Mrazek pulled clear to win over Ralis, a colt also owned by the Reddams. Doug O’Neill trains Mrazek and Ralis, who are by Square Eddie.

Mrazek ($3.20) ran 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:03.77.

“This was impressive,” Paul Reddam said. “For running on the front end, this race set up for him.”

Ralis finished 5 1/4 lengths in front of Swiss Minister, a 24-1 shot. Viviendo El Sueno finished fourth, followed by Getoffmyback and Xingontothebone. Viviendo El Sueno stumbled a few strides away from the gate, essentially losing all chance.

Mrazek has won 2 of 4 starts and earned $135,810. He beat maidens in his debut at Santa Anita in May and was second to stablemate Found Money in the Santa Anita Juvenile on June 21 and second to Swipe in the Summer Juvenile Championship at Los Alamitos on July 12. Swipe is a contender in the Best Pal Stakes.