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Del Mar racing resumes on Sunday after Saturday’s card was canceled due to a major Pacific storm system that moved through Southern California. This is only the third time in Del Mar’s 88-year history that racing has been suspended because of weather conditions. The nine-race Sunday card includes the rescheduled Desi Arnaz Stakes for two-year-old fillies, originally planned for Saturday. All races will be run on the main dirt track, as turf races from the canceled Saturday card were converted to dirt surfaces. Track officials consulted with the CHRB, CTT, and TOC before deciding to go ahead with Sunday racing, although concerns remain about transportation for horses and personnel from Santa Anita, which experienced even heavier rainfall.
Weather and Track Conditions
The main track at Del Mar is expected to be rated sloppy to muddy for early races, with a potential improvement to good condition as the day progresses. Track superintendent Dennis Moore rolled and sealed the track after Friday’s card to protect the racing surface from the heaviest rainfall on Saturday. Morning line odds and handicapping must consider that horses have mostly been stabled at Santa Anita during the storm period, which could create shipping and preparation challenges. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 60s, with cloudy skies and a decreasing chance of additional precipitation as the day goes on.
Post position statistics for the current Del Mar fall meet show fairly even results across posts one through nine, with win percentages around 12 percent for both sprints and routes. However, horses starting from post position 10 or higher face a clear disadvantage, with win rates declining sharply. On the dirt, speed horses racing within two lengths of the early leader have dominated sprint races, representing nearly half of all winners, while closers coming from four or more lengths back win less than 10 percent of the time.
Race 1 – Maiden Claiming
Post Time
12:30 PM
Pace Analysis
This six-furlong maiden claiming sprint for California-bred or California-sired runners should see moderate early pace with Fire Mountain and Irish Element likely pressing from the start. The $50,000 claiming level and sloppy track conditions will test the resolve of these first-time winners. Expect tactical speed to be rewarded over pure closing ability given Del Mar’s sprint bias.
Key Contenders
Irish Element makes his third career start for the Doug O’Neill barn and draws a favorable inside post six. The son of Mastery showed improved speed figures in his most recent effort at Santa Anita and benefits from the ride of Abel Lezcano, who has been riding confidently at the meet. Fire Mountain brings experience with four career starts for Peter Eurton and gets the services of hot rider Tiago Pereira. His recent works suggest he’s ready for the extra furlong, and Eurton’s barn has been running well at the meet.
Quality Gold represents the Edwin Alvarez stable and draws an advantageous middle post. Tyler Baze takes the mount, bringing 18 starts at the meet to his credit. This colt has shown consistent speed figures in morning workouts and should appreciate the added distance after racing primarily at five furlongs.
Secondary Choices
Charmz Away comes from the Luis Mendez barn, which has multiple entries in this opener. Adrian Escobedo rides, and while the gelding lacks a strong pattern line, the connections have been aggressive at the meet. Warren’s Hot Rod makes his second start off a layoff for trainer Craig Lewis, whose stable has shown competency with California-breds. Diego Herrera stays aboard after a decent debut effort.
Pace Analysis
Solo Gano and Fire Mountain figure to contest the early lead, which could compromise both if they engage in a speed duel. Irish Element can sit a ground-saving trip just off the pace while Quality Gold has the tactical speed to secure position from post five. The race shape favors a horse with tactical speed rating to secure good position early and sustain the drive to the wire.
Selections
Win: Irish Element
Place: Quality Gold
Show: Fire Mountain
Race 2 – Claiming
Post Time
1:00 PM
Pace Analysis
This 5.5-furlong claiming sprint for two-year-olds at the $25,000 level should feature honest early fractions with Chase N Ryan and Stanford Dropout expected to show early speed. The abbreviated distance puts a premium on breaking alertly and securing favorable position within the first furlong.
Key Contenders
My Moroni returns for the Luis Mendez stable with Edwin Maldonado riding. Maldonado has four wins from 13 starts at the meet and has shown an excellent feel for rating horses in sprint races. My Moroni’s tactical speed will serve him well at this distance, and the inside post two assignment allows for a ground-saving journey. Donde Esta Jefe trains for Doug O’Neill, whose barn has been firing with regularity. Edgar Payeras takes the mount on this filly, who drops from maiden special weight company and figures to appreciate the class relief. The rail-skimming trip from post five could prove advantageous.
Secondary Choices
Chase N Ryan has tactical speed for Steve Knapp but draws the rail, which requires a perfect break. Kazushi Kimura has been riding capably at the meet and should have this one forwardly placed. Eielson represents the Craig Dollase stable and has shown improving speed figures. Armando Aguilar stays aboard after a decent prior effort.
Longshots
Stanford Dropout stretches out in distance for Brian Koriner, who has hit at 25 percent with his limited Del Mar starters. Ayuso takes the mount from the outside post, which is less concerning at the sprint distance. The colt has shown sufficient early speed to be competitive if the pace unfolds favorably.
Selections
Win: My Moroni
Place: Donde Esta Jefe
Show: Chase N Ryan
Race 3 – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time
1:30 PM
Pace Analysis
This one-mile maiden special weight for California-bred two-year-olds should develop into a contentious pace scenario with multiple horses capable of pressing. The added distance will test stamina and breeding, factors that become magnified on an off track. Smoovin Saturday and Rocky Colavito figure to show tactical speed while Passion D Oro could press if allowed to dictate terms.
Key Contenders
Rocky Colavito represents the Philip D’Amato barn, which has been patient with this gelding’s development. Umberto Rispoli takes the mount, bringing experience and savvy to the assignment. The son of Hoppertunity should appreciate the added distance, and the pedigree suggests he will handle an off track. The post four draw provides tactical flexibility. Smoovin Saturday comes from the Michael McCarthy barn and gets the services of Tiago Pereira, who has been riding with exceptional timing at Del Mar. This colt has shown steady improvement in morning workouts and the breeding suggests route potential.
Passion D Oro trains for Antonio Garcia and draws inside post three with Abel Lezcano riding. The colt has displayed tactical speed in workouts and should be forwardly placed from the break. The Garcia barn has been selective with their starters, and this entry suggests confidence in the horse’s readiness.
Secondary Choices
John Metcalfe represents Craig Lewis and gets Juan Hernandez, the leading rider at the meet with five wins from 28 starts. The outside post five is less than ideal, but Hernandez’s positioning skills can overcome the disadvantage. Booked Clubhouse was recently highlighted in handicapping spot plays, suggesting professional attention to this entry for trainer Sean McCarthy.
Longshots
Wasted Warrior makes his debut for Mike Puype with Mirco Demuro riding. The son of Creative Cause shows solid morning workouts, but the lack of racing experience and rail post create questions. Start the Ride was scratched from a prior engagement due to veterinary concerns, raising uncertainty about current form.
Selections
Win: Rocky Colavito
Place: Smoovin Saturday
Show: Passion D Oro
Race 4 – Claiming
Post Time
2:00 PM
Pace Analysis
This 6.5-furlong claiming event for three-year-olds at the $25,000 level should see moderate pace with Western Freedom and Pokerknightatvees likely showing early speed. The added half-furlong allows horses with late kick to be competitive if the pace becomes pressing.
Key Contenders
Western Freedom ships from Santa Anita for Mark Glatt, who has two wins from 19 starts at the meet. Kazushi Kimura takes the assignment from the outside post seven. The son of American Freedom has shown consistent speed figures and should appreciate the slight distance stretch. Glass of Jameson trains for Peter Eurton and draws post four with Antonio Fresu aboard. Fresu has been riding with confidence at the meet, and the Eurton barn has been competitive with their claiming stock. This gelding has tactical speed to secure position and rating ability to finish.
Secondary Choices
Bazooka Charlie makes his first start since being claimed by Steven Miyadi. Tyler Baze rides from post one, which could prove advantageous if he breaks alertly and secures the rail-skimming trip. Don’t Fly Stand By represents Librado Barocio, whose stable has shown competence with claiming-level horses. David Cohen takes the mount and the post five draw provides options.
Longshots
Last Call Zondlo trains for Craig Dollase and has Armando Ayuso riding from post six. The breeding suggests distance potential, and if the pace unfolds quickly, this one could be lurking late at a price.
Selections
Win: Western Freedom
Place: Glass of Jameson
Show: Bazooka Charlie
Race 5 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Post Time
2:30 PM
Pace Analysis
This 6.5-furlong allowance optional claiming event for fillies and mares should feature contested pace with multiple horses showing early speed. Brilliantly, Mawu, and Deep Blue all possess tactical speed that could lead to honest fractions. The race shape suggests that horses capable of rating off the pace while maintaining striking position will have an advantage.
Key Contenders
Brilliantly trains for Bob Baffert and gets Flavien Prat, one of the nation’s leading riders. The three-year-old filly has shown consistent speed figures and benefits from the optional claiming condition that allows Baffert to protect her value. The post four draw is ideal for a filly with tactical speed, and Prat’s ability to save ground and time moves perfectly suits this race shape. Mawu is stablemate to Brilliantly in the Baffert barn and gets Juan Hernandez, the leading rider at the meet. The post three assignment and Hernandez’s hot hand make this a formidable entry. Handicappers have identified both Baffert fillies as key contenders given their superior speed figures and rider assignments.
Magnificat represents Richard Mandella and draws post five with Mirco Demuro riding. Demuro has been riding confidently at the meet, and the Mandella stable is firing with purpose. This filly has shown tactical speed and should be positioned within striking distance throughout.
Secondary Choices
Artisma trains for Richard Baltas and gets Edwin Maldonado from the outside post nine. While the post is less than ideal, Maldonado has shown excellent judgment in working out troubled trips. The filly has consistent form and represents value at morning line odds. Deep Blue comes from Dan Blacker’s barn with Armando Ayuso riding. The post six draw and tactical speed suggest she will be involved early.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario suggests that early speed will be contested, creating the possibility for a closer to make an impact. However, Del Mar sprint bias favors horses on or near the lead, making tactical speed and positioning critical factors.
Selections
Win: Brilliantly
Place: Mawu
Show: Magnificat
Race 6 – Maiden Claiming
Post Time
3:00 PM
Pace Analysis
This 5.5-furlong maiden claiming sprint for California-bred two-year-old fillies features an 11-horse field that will test the starting gate and early positioning. Cotta Ride and Final Table Lady figure to show early speed while several others will attempt to press. The abbreviated distance and large field create potential for traffic problems and wide trips.
Key Contenders
Just a Hunch draws the far outside post 11 but gets Ricardo Gonzalez and represents Philip D’Amato, whose stable has been competitive at the meet. The filly has shown improving workout patterns, and the D’Amato barn excels with two-year-olds. Cammy’s Girl makes her debut for Dan Blacker with Tiago Pereira riding from post one. The rail draw requires a sharp break, but Pereira has been riding with exceptional timing. Blacker has shown competence developing California-bred juveniles.
Gogotiz trains for Isidro Tamayo and gets Mirco Demuro from post 10. While the outside post is disadvantageous, Demuro’s experience can overcome the obstacle if the filly shows sufficient early speed.
Secondary Choices
Tammy Baby comes from Jeff Bonde’s barn with Kyle Frey riding from post two. The inside draw suits a filly with tactical speed, and Bonde has been patient with his two-year-old fillies. Duchess Cat was listed as also-eligible for a prior engagement, suggesting the connections are actively seeking spots. Tyler Baze rides for Edwin Alvarez from post seven.
Longshots
Gracies Gem represents George Papaprodromou with Umberto Rispoli aboard from post eight. The connections have been selective with entries, suggesting confidence. E Nang draws post four with a five-pound apprentice allowance for Alfredo Bautista, which could provide a critical edge in a competitive maiden claiming event.
Selections
Win: Just a Hunch
Place: Cammy’s Girl
Show: Gogotiz
Race 7 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Post Time
3:30 PM
Pace Analysis
This 6.5-furlong allowance optional claiming event for California-bred three-year-olds and upward should feature moderate pace with Berlin Wall and Silver I Am likely showing early speed. The $20,000 claiming option creates opportunity for trainers to move horses up or protect them depending on form.
Key Contenders
Silver I Am represents Philip D’Amato and gets Kazushi Kimura from post five. The D’Amato barn has been competitive at the meet, and this gelding has shown tactical speed sufficient to secure position. Mr. Disrespectful trains for Craig Dollase and gets Juan Hernandez from post four. The leading rider at the meet provides significant advantage, and the allowance weight relief makes this entry formidable.
Cullen J comes from Richard Baltas with Antonio Fresu riding from post eight. The outside assignment is less than ideal, but Fresu has shown capability working out troubled trips. The Baltas stable has been competitive with allowance-level stock.
Secondary Choices
Berlin Wall trains for Steve Knapp and gets Tiago Pereira from post seven. The colt has tactical speed and should be forwardly placed. Kerry Gold represents Daniel Azcarate with Armando Aguilar riding from post three. The inside draw suits a horse with early speed.
Longshots
Our Bucky Charm makes his return for Sean Williams with Diego Herrera aboard from the outside post nine. The six-year-old gelding has experience but faces younger, faster competition. Tiger in My Tank represents Librado Barocio with Kyle Frey riding from the rail post. The inside draw could prove advantageous if he breaks cleanly.
Selections
Win: Silver I Am
Place: Mr. Disrespectful
Show: Cullen J
Race 8 – Desi Arnaz Stakes
Post Time
4:00 PM
Pace Analysis
The $100,000 Desi Arnaz Stakes features a compact six-horse field of two-year-old fillies stretching out to seven furlongs on the main track. Himika, Revera, and Stuffy Mist all exited the Anoakia Stakes at Santa Anita on October 19, creating a direct form link. The pace should be moderate with several fillies showing tactical speed, making position and rating ability critical factors. The added distance from recent efforts will test stamina and breeding.
Key Contenders
Himika towers over this field for Bob Baffert with Juan Hernandez riding. The Curlin filly dominated the Anoakia Stakes by 4.25 lengths over Revera and Stuffy Mist, establishing herself as the clear class of this group. Her 5-3-0-0 record includes victories in the Grade III Sorrento Stakes at Del Mar, demonstrating her affinity for the track. Handicappers universally identify Himika as the horse to beat, noting that she simply needs to replicate her Anoakia performance to collect her second stakes victory at Del Mar. The Juan Hernandez connection has been dominant, as the rider has piloted her to all three career victories.
Revera emerges as the primary threat for John Sadler with Antonio Fresu aboard. The Lexitonian filly chased Himika home in the Anoakia and previously crushed maiden company at Del Mar by 5.5 lengths, demonstrating her ability to handle the track. Fresu has been excellent at the meet with a 36 percent strike rate in 14 mounts, and the tactical speed profile suggests she will track Himika throughout before launching a stretch challenge.
Bourbon and Ginger represents Richard Mandella and gets Mirco Demuro, who has been riding with confidence. The filly makes her stakes debut but has shown steady improvement through allowance company. The Mandella barn excels with developing two-year-old fillies, and this one has the breeding to handle the seven-furlong distance.
Secondary Choices
Stuffy Mist finished third in the Anoakia Stakes and returns for Victor Garcia with Tyler Baze riding. The filly has yet to show her best but represents honest effort and could factor if the pace unfolds favorably. Heaven’s Bolt trains for Richard Baltas with Kazushi Kimura aboard. The Baltas stable has been competitive with juvenile fillies, though this represents a significant class test.
Longshots
Cosmic Heat rounds out the field for Peter Eurton with Hector Berrios riding. The filly faces a substantial class test but has shown sufficient early speed to be involved through the early stages.
Selections
Win: Himika
Place: Revera
Show: Bourbon and Ginger
Race 9 – Starter Allowance
Post Time
4:30 PM
Pace Analysis
This one-mile starter allowance for horses that have run for $16,000 or less in 2024-2025 features a full field of 12 runners. Joint Venture and Trusty Rusty figure to show early speed while several others will attempt to press. The distance and off-track conditions will test stamina and provide opportunity for closers if the pace becomes contentious.
Key Contenders
Trusty Rusty represents Robert Hess Jr with Juan Hernandez aboard from post 11. The leading rider at the meet provides significant advantage despite the outside post, and Hernandez has shown exceptional ability to overcome difficult draws. The gelding has tactical speed sufficient to secure position and should be positioned to strike in the stretch. Veritas Aequitas trains for Mark Rheinford and gets Kyle Frey from post five. The middle post draw provides tactical flexibility, and Frey has been riding competently at the meet. This gelding has shown consistent form through the condition.
Maniatic represents George Papaprodromou and gets Umberto Rispoli from the outside post 12. The Irish-bred gelding brings international form and has shown ability to handle various track conditions. Rispoli’s experience navigating traffic and timing moves could prove decisive from the challenging post.
Secondary Choices
Feel the Magic was scratched from a prior engagement due to veterinary concerns but returns for Jose Valdez with Kazushi Kimura riding from post 10. The gelding has tactical speed and experience, though the recent scratch raises form questions. Impossible Task trains for Leonard Powell with Mirco Demuro aboard from post nine. The eight-year-old gelding brings extensive experience and has shown ability to close from off the pace.
Longshots
Great King brings French form for Francisco Rodriguez with Antonio Fresu riding from post six. The seven-year-old gelding has tactical speed and the middle post draw provides options. Cody Boy was re-entered after missing a prior engagement, suggesting connections are actively seeking competitive spots. Tiago Pereira rides for Javier Sierra from the rail post.
Selections
Win: Trusty Rusty
Place: Veritas Aequitas
Show: Maniatic
Jockey Notes and Insights
Juan Hernandez leads all riders at the Del Mar fall meet with five victories from 28 starts for an 18 percent win rate and 54 percent in-the-money percentage. His partnership with trainer Bob Baffert has been particularly potent, as evidenced by his mount on Himika in the Desi Arnaz Stakes. Hernandez demonstrates exceptional timing and positioning skills, making him especially dangerous on horses with tactical speed. His mounts in Race 3, Race 5, Race 7, and Race 9 deserve significant consideration.
Flavien Prat ranks among the nation’s leading riders and brings championship-level skill to his Del Mar mounts. His three wins from 24 starts at the meet reflect selective booking rather than lack of ability. Prat excels at rating horses in traffic and timing stretch moves, skills that prove invaluable on horses with closing kick. His mount on Brilliantly in Race 5 for Bob Baffert represents a formidable combination.
Edwin Maldonado has four victories from just 13 starts at the meet for a 31 percent strike rate, demonstrating exceptional efficiency. His ability to work out troubled trips and maintain composure in traffic makes him particularly effective at Del Mar’s competitive meet. Maldonado rides My Moroni in Race 2 and Artisma in Race 5, both representing value opportunities.
Tiago Pereira has been riding with exceptional timing throughout the meet, particularly excelling on horses making routing debuts or stretching out in distance. His mounts for successful connections like Peter Eurton and Michael McCarthy deserve attention. Umberto Rispoli brings international experience and has shown ability to overcome difficult post positions through savvy race riding.
Tyler Baze, Mirco Demuro, and Antonio Fresu represent veteran presence with strong recent form. Fresu particularly stands out with excellent statistics on his limited Del Mar mounts and draws live mounts throughout the card.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Bob Baffert maintains championship form with 29 starts producing a 34 percent win rate and 62 percent in-the-money percentage at Del Mar. His two-year-old fillies Himika, Brilliantly, and Mawu represent the stable’s strength, with all three entered on Sunday’s card. The Baffert operation excels at identifying stakes-quality juveniles early in their careers and has shown particular effectiveness at Del Mar over multiple decades.
Doug O’Neill has multiple starters on the card and brings extensive Del Mar experience. The barn has been competitive with maiden and allowance-level horses and shows particular skill developing California-bred runners. His entries in Race 1 and Race 2 warrant attention given the stable’s recent form.
Philip D’Amato trains 23 horses at the meet with two wins, one second, and two thirds for a 22 percent in-the-money rate. While the win percentage appears modest, the barn has been competitive in allowance and maiden special weight company. His entries Rocky Colavito in Race 3, Silver I Am in Race 7, and Just a Hunch in Race 6 all represent logical contenders based on recent form cycles.
Richard Mandella and Richard Baltas both bring championship pedigrees to their Del Mar operations. Mandella particularly excels with fillies and mares in allowance company, while Baltas shows versatility across various claiming and allowance levels. Craig Dollase, Peter Eurton, and Mark Glatt represent competent second-tier operations with live entries throughout the card.
Smaller stables like Craig Lewis, Steve Knapp, and Sean McCarthy have shown selective placement of horses in winnable spots, making their entries worthy of handicapping attention despite limited stable size.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The off-track conditions and competitive nature of Sunday’s card create numerous opportunities for value-conscious handicappers. Focus on trainers with proven ability to prepare horses for sloppy track conditions and jockeys with strong recent form at the meet.
Race 3 presents opportunity to build horizontal wagers around Rocky Colavito and Smoovin Saturday, both of whom should appreciate the added distance and possess breeding suggesting wet-track competency. Race 5 offers chance to key the Baffert fillies Brilliantly and Mawu in exacta and trifecta combinations while using Magnificat and Artisma underneath for value.
The Desi Arnaz Stakes in Race 8 appears a single-horse dominance scenario with Himika, but using Revera and Bourbon and Ginger in exotic wagers provides protection if the favorite falters. The 4-3-2 exacta offers modest value while the 4-3-2-1 superfecta could produce generous returns given Stuffy Mist’s third-place finish in the Anoakia.
Multi-race wagers should focus on using Juan Hernandez mounts as key horses in pick-3, pick-4, and pick-5 combinations. His mounts in Races 3, 5, 7, and 9 all represent logical singles or dual-horse combinations. Consider spreading in Race 6 given the large field and unpredictable nature of two-year-old maiden claiming events.
Race 9 closing sequence allows for deep-field pick-3 wagers keying Himika in Race 8 while spreading in the competitive starter allowance finale. Using Trusty Rusty, Veritas Aequitas, and Maniatic in trifecta combinations with underneath horses like Feel the Magic and Great King could produce outsized returns.
Daily double opportunities exist connecting Race 7 to Race 8 by keying Himika with multiple horses in the allowance race, then building pick-3 wagers through Race 9. The competitive nature of the starter allowance makes spreading value horses underneath Trusty Rusty strategically sound.
Focus wagering capital on situations where superior horseflesh meets favorable racing conditions rather than chasing longshots in contentious races. The off track favors horses with proven wet-track form or breeding suggesting ability to handle sloppy conditions.
