Johannes stalks his way to Eddie Read win

DEL MAR, Calif. - Never far from the lead, Johannes had a custom-made journey through Sunday’s Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar to extend his 2024 unbeaten streak to three wins in graded stakes on turf.

The victory moved Johannes closer to the late-season goal of a start in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar on Nov. 2.

Johannes, sent off strongly favored, won the $252,000 Eddie Read Stakes by 2 1/2 lengths over 76-1 Dicey Mo Chara, the longest shot in a highly competitive field of nine.

Ridden by Umberto Rispoli, Johannes stalked pacesetter Balladeer before taking the lead on the turn. Ridden by Abel Cedillo, Balladeer set a slow pace of 24.35 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 48.51 for a half-mile, leading by as many as two lengths.

As the race developed, Rispoli’s confidence grew as Johannes followed 32-1 Balladeer.

“That’s the trip I wanted,” he said. “Turning for home, I pressed the button and he showed the turn of foot that he has.”

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Johannes ($4.20) ran 1 1/8 miles on turf in 1:47.88 and earned a career-high 102 Beyer Speed Figure.

Dicey Mo Chara closed from sixth to finish a half-length in front of 14-1 Balnikhov.

“The winner got my trip,” said Leonard Powell, who trains Dicey Mo Chara.

Balknikov, second in the 2023 Eddie Read, was followed in the order of finish by Master Piece, Easter, Du Jour, Gold Phoenix, Balladeer and There Goes Harvard. Gold Phoenix won the 2023 Eddie Read.

On Sunday, Balniknov closed from last to finish three lengths behind Johannes.

“He had the most interest late,” trainer Phil D’Amato said.

Powell and D’Amato said Dicey Mo Chara and Balnikhov are candidates for the Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap at 1 3/8 miles on turf on Aug. 31.

Johannes, a 4-year-old colt by Nyquist, races for Joe and Debbie McCloskey’s Cuyathy and is trained by Tim Yakteen.

Earlier this year, Johannes won the Grade 3 American Stakes at a mile at Santa Anita on April 4 and the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile on May 27 by closing from farther off the pace.

Yakteen envisioned Johannes racing closer to the front on Sunday.

“It worked out like it looked on paper,” Yakteen said. “You figured Abel would go to the lead.”

Johannes has won 6 of 10 starts and earned $573,859.

Yakteen said the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile on Aug. 31 or the Grade 2 City of Hope Mile at Santa Anita on Sept. 28, both on turf, are a possible next start for Johannes.

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