Few willing to face Chasing Aces, Straight Fire in Del Mar Futurity

DEL MAR, Calif. – The Del Mar Debutante on Saturday is the first of four graded stakes that will be run over the final three days of the meet, which ends Labor Day with the Grade 1, $300,000 Del Mar Futurity for 2-year-olds at seven furlongs.

The presence of maiden winners Chasing Aces and Straight Fire – who own the fastest Beyer Speed Figures among 2-year-olds in the country – is expected to keep the Futurity field small. As of Monday, only Klimt and Midnight Pleasure were certain to face them.

By contrast, the $250,000 Del Mar Derby and $200,000 John C. Mabee Stakes – Grade 2 events on the turf Sunday – both are expected to have large fields.

The Derby, at 1 1/8 miles for 3-year-olds, will be topped by recent stakes winners Free Rose, Gold Rush Dancer, and Monster Bea, but there is no standout, so a full field is expected. Others pointing to the race include Arcature, Blackjackcat, Chris and Dave, Curlin Rules, Dressed in Hermes, Ebadan, I’malreadythere, Lucky Bryan, Moonlight Drive, Mr. Roary, Newsman, Path of David, Ralis, and Trojan Nation.

A maximum of 14 can run, with preference first to graded stakes winners, then those who have finished second or third in Grade 1 or Grade 2 stakes.

The Mabee, at 1 1/16 miles for females, will include Sobradora Inc, the unbeaten South American import who captured the Osunitas Stakes on Aug. 7 in her U.S. debut for Simon Callaghan. Her rivals are expected to include Avenge, Elektrum, Finest City, Fresh Feline, Gloryzapper, Majestic Heat, Nancy From Nairobi, Personal Diary, Prize Exhibit, and Queen of The Sand.

There are three other stakes on closing weekend.

On Saturday, maiden winners Big Score, Billy Big, and Ky. Colonel are expected to head the field in the $100,000 Del Mar Juvenile Turf at one mile.

The impressive debut winner With Honors is expected to face Blame It on Alphie, Go Argento, Noble Dancer, and Simmy’s Temple in the $100,000 Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf at one mile on Monday.

Also Monday, the older sprinters All Run, Cautious Giant, Iron Rob, Kafister, Mrazek, and Power Jam are expected to duel in the $75,000 Pirate’s Bounty Stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs.