Few willing to challenge Obviously

DEL MAR, Calif. – Only a handful of challengers are expected to face the outstanding turf miler Obviously in the Grade 2, $250,000 Del Mar Mile, which joins the Pacific Classic and Pat O’Brien on Sunday’s card.

Obviously will be seeking to win the Del Mar Mile for the third straight year. He is unbeaten in three starts lifetime at Del Mar, all on turf.

His main rival Sunday is Tom’s Tribute, who won the Grade 1 Eddie Read earlier this meet.

Phil D’Amato, the trainer of Obviously, will try to sweep the weekend’s major grass races here, starting Saturday in the Grade 2, $200,000 Del Mar Handicap with Big John B, a former claimer who comes off a monster win against allowance company over this turf course at 1 3/8 miles, the same surface and distance as the Del Mar Handicap.

His rivals are expected to include Quick Casablanca, second in the San Juan Capistrano on June 29 at Santa Anita in his last start, and Fire With Fire, who beat Quick Casablanca in the Charles Whittingham at Santa Anita on May 24.

The Del Mar Handicap is a Win and You’re In race for the Breeders’ Cup Turf.