Soi Phet, Magic Mark could clash at Los Alamitos

DEL MAR, Calif. – Magic Mark and Soi Phet won divisions of the Harry Brubaker Stakes at Del Mar on Wednesday to set up a potential first meeting at Los Alamitos next month. Both are candidates for the $75,000 E.B. Johnston Stakes for California-breds at a mile on Sept. 10.

Soi Phet won the $99,145 first division despite a wide trip throughout the one-mile race under jockey Kent Desormeaux. Soi Phet ($4.20) was four wide on the turn before pulling away in the final furlong to win by 2 1/4 lengths over 15-1 Solid Wager. Soi Phet ran a mile in 1:35.05, the second-fastest time of the meeting at the distance.

“I was so scared because he was going so wide,” trainer Leonard Powell said. “Kent was waiting and waiting, and I was hoping he had something left.”

Powell said the Johnston Stakes is an option for Soi Phet and that “there isn’t much for him” at the fall Santa Anita meet, which follows the Los Alamitos meet.

Soi Phet, an 8-year-old gelding by Tizbud, has won 10 of 47 starts and earned $705,096. Soi Phet races for Paul Viskovich, Gerald Benowitz, and Mathilde Powell. Soi Phet won the McCann’s Mojave Handicap at Santa Anita in June.

Magic Mark ($23) disputed the pace throughout the $100,735 second division to score by 2 1/4 lengths over 18-1 Songforjohnmichael. Ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, Magic Mark was timed in 1:35.55.

Trainer Ron Ellis said being near the front is key for Magic Mark.

“When he gets dirt in his face, he’s not as brave,” Ellis said. “He’s got a high cruising speed. Drayden did an amazing job.”

Magic Mark, 6, races for Dorine and John Lanza. By Benchmark, Magic Mark has won 6 of 16 starts and earned $325,634. Magic Mark won the Bertrando Stakes at Los Alamitos in July 2015.