Immediately after the TVG Pacific Classic Stakes, the final race on a huge Saturday card at Del Mar will also have Breeders’ Cup implications. While the Del Mar Handicap Presented by the Japan Racing Association may not have the star power of the Pacific Classic, a free “Win and You’re In” spot in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series will be on the line when a field of 11 travels 1 3/8 miles on Del Mar’s turf course.
Given a deep, talented field, the turf test promises to be one of the best betting races of the day.
1. Dicey Mo Chara: He didn’t fire in a marathon dirt stakes but should be much more competitive on turf. He was second at 1 1/2 miles on turf in the Grade 3 San Luis Rey Stakes and, with John Velazquez aboard, he’s one to watch from the rail.
JOCKEY: John Velazquez; TRAINER: Leonard Powell
2. Gold Phoenix: He had plenty of trouble last time and still managed to finish third. Getting a jockey switch to Flavien Prat and having Phil D’Amato, who has won six of the last eights runnings of this stakes, makes him a very intriguing play in this spot.
JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Phil D’Amato
3. Gregdar: He was an allowance winner on this turf course in his last start, but he’s unplaced in two graded stakes tries and the distance does not figure to suit him.
JOCKEY: Umberto Rispoli; TRAINER: Phil D’Amato
4. Red King: He won this stakes in 2020, but he’s had a tough time finding the winner’s circle since then. Still, off a second in the San Juan Capistrano Stakes at 1 3/4 miles last time out, he has the kind of experience at the distance that makes him a major player here.
JOCKEY: Hector Berrios; TRAINER: Phil D’Amato
5. Tango Tango Tango: He has a nice turn of foot and might enjoy the slower fractions. But he’s untested at the distance and that lack of experience may come back to haunt him in a strong and seasoned field like this one.
JOCKEY: Declan Cannon; TRAINER: Jack Sisterson
6. Tizamagician: He would be a main threat on dirt, but his lone turf try was not inspiring and we’ll pass on him in this spot despite the class edge he may have in this field.
JOCKEY: Mike Smith; TRAINER: Richard Mandella
7. Order and Law: He’s been claimed twice in his last four starts and, while he’s been popular at the claim box, it’s asking a lot of him to handle a field like this.
JOCKEY: Edwin Maldonado; TRAINER: Bob Hess Jr.
8. Tesero: Has a nice closing kick, but he was seventh in his lone stakes try on turf and the distance seems too demanding for him.
JOCKEY: Joe Bravo; TRAINER: O. J. Jauregui
9. Master Piece: He had some traffic issues but still managed to win the Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes at 1 1/8 miles. He closed fast to finish second in last year’s edition of this race and, with some better racing luck, he can make amends for that setback this time around.
JOCKEY: Abel Cedillo; TRAINER: Michael McCarthy
10. Masteroffoxhounds: He battled on the front end in the Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes and weakened late to finish fifth. The fractions should be easier here but there are several speed horses in this field and that has the potential to make this a tough assignment for him.
JOCKEY: Juan Hernandez; TRAINER: Phil D’Amato
11. Heywoods Beach: He showed some promise on turf at 3, but has run mostly on dirt lately. He was good enough to beat Tizamagician on dirt last time out and with some good turf form in the past, including a win over the surface, he merits a big dose of consideration.
JOCKEY: Ramon Vazquez; TRAINER: John Sadler
THE PICK: Gold Phoenix
LIVE LONGSHOT: Red King
SUPERFECTA: 2-9-4-11
Pick 4
8-2-5-2
8-2-5-2
$334
Pick 5
5/9-8-2-5-2
5/9-8-2-5-2
$796
Pick 6 Jackpot
3-5/9-8-2-5-2
3-5/9-8-2-5-2
$1,802
Place Pick All
10 OF 10
10 OF 10
$2,828
Superfecta
2-9-1-6
2-9-1-6
$140
Super High Five
2-9-1-6-10
2-9-1-6-10
$1,565
Pick 4
8-2-5-2
8-2-5-2
$334
Pick 5
5/9-8-2-5-2
5/9-8-2-5-2
$796
Pick 6 Jackpot
3-5/9-8-2-5-2
3-5/9-8-2-5-2
$1,802
Place Pick All
10 OF 10
10 OF 10
$2,828
Superfecta
2-9-1-6
2-9-1-6
$140
Super High Five
2-9-1-6-10
2-9-1-6-10
$1,565
