Enterprising will continue to face 3-year-olds

DEL MAR, Calif. – Enterprising, who has emerged as the star 3-year-old turf male in Southern California this summer, is likely to stay in his age group this year, according to Craig Bernick of Glen Hill Farm.

Glen Hill bred and races Enterprising, who won the Oceanside Stakes on the July 17 opening day program, and the Grade 3 La Jolla Handicap over 1 1/16 miles on turf Saturday.

Bernick said the $300,000 Del Mar Derby over 1 1/8 miles on turf Aug. 31, is a goal for Enterprising, who is trained by Tom Proctor. Later this year, turf races such as the Twilight Derby at Santa Anita, and the Hollywood Derby, now run at Del Mar in November, will be considered.

“I don’t think he’s a Breeders’ Cup Mile horse this year,” Bernick said. “You have to look at the Del Mar Derby. If he runs well in the Del Mar Derby, we’ve got the [Twilight] Derby and Hollywood Derby.”

In the La Jolla, Enterprising closed with a devastating kick under jockey Mike Smith, rallying from fifth in a field of six to win by 1 1/4 lengths as the 3-2 favorite.

“I thought he was the best horse,” Bernick said. Smith “rode him with a lot of confidence.”