Senor Buscador on tight schedule for San Diego Handicap

CYPRESS, Calif. – Senor Buscador, winner of the $20 million Saudi Cup in February and third in the $12 million Dubai World Cup in March, is running out of time for a comeback in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar on July 27.

Senor Buscador had three workouts at San Luis Rey Downs training center in June, including a half-mile in 47.80 seconds on June 22. With four weeks remaining before the $300,000 San Diego Handicap at 1 1/16 miles, trainer Todd Fincher said on Saturday that “it’s going to cut close” on whether Senor Buscador will be ready.

“It’s tough,” he said.

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A 6-year-old horse owned by Joe Peacock Jr. of San Antonio, Senor Buscador has won 7 of 19 starts and earned a staggering $12,696,427.

Senor Buscador won the 2023 San Diego Handicap, the most prestigious win of his American career.

Fincher said that if Senor Buscador does not start in the San Diego Handicap that an appearance in the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien Stakes, a $250,000 race at seven furlongs on Aug. 24, is possible.

The winner of the Pat O’Brien receives a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar on Nov. 2.

Senor Buscador was eighth in the 2022 BC Dirt Mile at Keeneland, and seventh in the BC Classic at Santa Anita last November.

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