Unbridled Juan turns tables on Dr Blarney in Delp Memorial

Unbridled Juan came up three-quarters of a length short of catching Dr Blarney in the Governor's Day Handicap at Delaware Park 2 1/2 weeks ago while getting two pounds. But on Wednesday at Delaware, Unbridled Juan proved strongest in the stretch of the Buddy Delp Memorial Stakes to turn the tables at equal weights by 1 1/4 lengths.

Dr Blarney was sent off at even money in the 1 1/16-mile Delp and looked like he had things under control early, stalking the pace of Grasshoppin and Honor the Fleet while three wide. Unbridled Juan was unhurried by jockey Alex Cintron while racing several lengths back while also out from the rail.

On the far turn, Grasshoppin dropped back as Dr Blarney and Honor the Fleet vied for control and Unbridled Juan commenced his rally. Both Dr Blarney and Unbridled Juan both came wide into the stretch with Unbridled Juan edging away in the final furlong.

"We had a perfect trip today," Cintron said. "In his last race, it really cost him the race when he hopped coming out of the gate. Also that day the track was fast and speed-favoring, and he was one of the few horses that made up a lot of ground."

A 6-year-old Stronach Stables homebred by Unbridled's Song, Unbridled Juan paid $12 as the co-third choice in the six-horse field with Grasshoppin. Both horses had $3,873 wagered on them, a few hundred more than Call Me Kenny. Monongahela was sent off as the second choice at 9-2.

Unbridled Juan, who is based at Laurel Park with trainer Jose Corrales, was timed in 1:43.65. The win was the sixth of his career from 25 starts and the second victory in his last three races. The Delp is the first stakes win for Unbridled Juan.

The Delp put an end to a perfect season for Dr Blarney, who came into the race 6 for 6 in 2018. Monongahela rallied from last to finish third, 2 1/2 lengths farther back. Honor the Fleet was fourth.

In the mile and 70-yard Governors Day Handicap on Sept. 29, Dr Blarney carried 126 pounds, two more than Unbridled Juan. On Wednesday, they both carried 123.