Pure Tactics proves capable as miler

DEL MAR, Calif. – The question of whether Pure Tactics is a turf sprinter or a miler was answered in Wednesday’s $86,350 Wickerr Stakes at Del Mar. The 6-year-old horse can be called both.

Now, owner Doug Cole and trainer Doug O’Neill face a decision on which race to try in August. The options include the $80,000 Green Flash Handicap at five furlongs Aug. 19 or the $200,000 Del Mar Mile on Aug. 23.

The Grade 2 Del Mar Mile would seem a logical spot after the Wickerr.

Pure Tactics ($9.40) closed from fifth in a field of 10 to win by a head over the pacesetting Winning Prize, the winner of the Grade 1 Frank Kilroe Mile at Santa Anita in March 2014. Wilkinson, in his first start since Labor Day weekend in 2013, finished third, a nose behind Winning Prize.

Ridden by Flavien Prat, Pure Tactics ran a mile on turf in 1:34.78. Prat had Pure Tactics in third with a furlong to go and closed well with a wide run to reach the front in time. Prat thought the margin of victory was greater.

“I thought I won by a neck,” he said. “I had a good trip. He’s very easy to ride.”

Pure Tactics has won 10 of 25 starts and earned $431,106. The Wickerr Stakes was his fifth stakes win and his fourth in California. He won the Barksdale Stakes at Louisiana Downs in 2013.