Obviously continues to work toward comeback

DEL MAR, Calif. – He’s not quite yet ready, but Obviously, the brilliant turf miler, is likely just a few works away from returning to action, and there is the distinct possibility he could attempt to win the Grade 2, $200,000 Del Mar Mile for the third time in four years on Aug. 23.

Obviously has not raced since last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile, finishing fifth after leading a world-class field with a furlong to go. He is up to five furlongs in his workouts, including a turf drill in 1:01.60 on Sunday.

“He’s close,” said his trainer, Phil D’Amato. “Two more works, probably. But I’m going to wait until he tells me he’s ready.”

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When he’s ready, he’s quite good. Obviously, now 7, is a multiple graded stakes winner in this country, including two wins in the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile. He won the Del Mar Mile in both 2012 and 2013, and was heavily favored to win it last year, but lost his best chance with a poor start that caused him to rush up and set a blistering pace he could not sustain.

D’Amato said the Del Mar Mile is among the possibilities for Obviously, depending on how he progresses over the next few weeks.

“When I run him, I want him fit enough to win off the bench,” D’Amato said.