Illuminant may run twice in turf stakes at Del Mar

ARCADIA, Calif. – Illuminant, the winner of the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes for fillies and mares on turf Monday, may have two starts in Grade 2 stakes on turf during the Del Mar summer meeting that runs from July 15 to Sept. 5.

Trainer Michael McCarthy said on Thursday that he prefers to give Illuminant approximately six weeks between races. Under that schedule, Illuminant could run in the $200,000 Yellow Ribbon Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on July 16 and the $200,000 John C. Mabee Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on Sept. 4.

“She seems to be pretty good with about six weeks between races,” McCarthy said. “That sets us up for the start at Del Mar. I hope she stays healthy and we can go from there.”

Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Illuminant won her first stakes in the $301,035 Gamely at 1 1/8 miles. A 4-year-old filly by Quality Road, Illuminant has won 4 of 11 starts and earned $327,650.