O'Neill's got 'em coming and going in Real Good Deal

DEL MAR, Calif. – The speed of Ann Arbor Eddie and the late kick of Milton Freewater provide trainer Doug O’Neill with a potent one-two punch Friday at Del Mar in the $150,000 Real Good Deal Stakes for California-bred 3-year-olds going seven furlongs.

Ann Arbor Eddie is the likely favorite. He already is a two-time stakes winner against Cal-breds, and he dips back into the statebred ranks after winning an allowance race against older rivals July 9 at Los Alamitos in his first start in nearly four months. He had finished fifth in the Grade 2 San Felipe before going to the sidelines.

“We tried the big-time horses, and he was coming back in three weeks,” O’Neill said of the San Felipe. “After that failed, we decided to freshen him up, and once he was ready the Los Alamitos race came up.”

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Milton Freewater is cutting back in distance after going long in his last three starts. He is a two-time winner around one turn.

“He’s got a good shot, depending on how the pace sets up,” O’Neill said.

Seven were entered in the Real Good Deal, which goes as race 6 on an eight-race card that begins at 4 p.m. Pacific.

KEY CONTENDERS

Ann Arbor Eddie, by Square Eddie

Last 3 Beyers: 92-71-77

◗ The time off prior to his last race seemed beneficial, as he recorded a career-best Beyer Speed Figure last time.

◗ He was third behind Mastery in the Grade 3 Bob Hope last fall in his only start at Del Mar. After that, he won two straight stakes going two turns against Cal-breds, at Los Alamitos and Santa Anita.

“This race has a big purse, against Cal-breds, and it gives us a lot of options coming out of it,” O’Neill said.

Milton Freewater, by Creative Cause

Last 3 Beyers: 77-85-77

◗ He’s done his best work when he gets a hot pace to run into, and he seems best as a late-running sprinter, with both his victories around one turn.

Edwards Going Left, by Midnight Lute

Last 3 Beyers: 79-85-70

◗ He is 3 for 3 – with one victory via disqualification – since being claimed out of his debut by trainer John Sadler for Kosta and Pete Hronis. This will be his stakes debut.

Mr. Hinx, by Ministers Wild Cat

Last 3 Beyers: 91-79-80

◗ The only two times he has sprinted on the dirt he has been victorious, including in a similar statebred stakes, the Echo Eddie, at Santa Anita in April. This will be his first start at Del Mar.

Elwood J, by Vronsky

Last 3 Beyers: 86-78-82

◗ He should appreciate the cutback in distance and a return to the main track after three straight grass races going long.