Major preps for major stakes

There are five stakes at Del Mar from next Friday through Sunday, including races with ramifications for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Sept. 5 and the Breeders’ Cup Saturday program at Keeneland on Nov. 7.

For the first time, Del Mar is hosting a Kentucky Derby prep, the $100,000 Shared Belief Stakes at 1 1/16 miles next Saturday. The race is typically run in late August, but was moved forward to the start of the month this year after the Kentucky Derby was postponed from its traditional spot in early May because of the coronavirus pandemic.

:: Play Del Mar with DRF! Visit our Del Mar shop for DRF PPs, Picks and Clocker Reports:

Honor A. P., winner of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on June 6, heads the probable starters for the Shared Belief.

Next Saturday’s program includes the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes for sprinters. The winner of the $250,000 Crosby receives a fees-paid berth to the BC Sprint on Nov. 7.

Next Sunday’s program is led by the Grade 1 Clement Hirsch Stakes, a $250,000 race for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles. The winner receives a fees-paid berth to the BC Distaff on Nov. 7.