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Del Mar opens its Bing Crosby Season on Thursday, October 30, 2025, with an excellent nine-race card headlined by the $100,000 Let It Ride Stakes. Perfect Southern California racing weather is forecast with partly sunny skies, a high of 78°F and low of 58°F, creating ideal conditions for both dirt and turf racing.
Track Conditions
The main track should be fast with the turf course listed as firm. The turf rail is positioned at 30 feet for all grass races, which tends to favor horses with tactical speed who can secure good position along the inside. Track management has worked closely with safety experts to ensure optimal racing surfaces for this important card launching the fall meet.
Race 1 – Maiden Special Weight (1 Mile Turf)
Key Contenders: Medici draws attention as a Philip D’Amato trainee with European breeding making his debut. Kid Charlemagne brings experience from Keeneland and gets the services of John Velazquez for trainer Jonathan Thomas.
Pace Analysis: This appears to be a moderate pace setup with several horses showing tactical speed. The rail position at 30 feet should allow for clean trips for most runners.
Top Selection: Medici appears to have the most upside as a first-time starter for connections that excel with European-bred maidens on turf.
Value Play: Army Man at longer odds could improve significantly in his second career start for Michael McCarthy.
Race 2 – Claiming ($12,500, 5.5F Dirt)
Key Contenders: This claiming sprint features horses dropping in class. Western Freedom and Run Abboudy Run both show recent form that suggests competitiveness at this level.
Pace Analysis: Expect a contested early pace with several speed horses, which should set up well for closers.
Top Selection: Panuco gets the services of Abel Lezcano for Doug O’Neill, who has shown good form with claimers recently.
Longshot: Far Western could offer value if he gets a clean trip from his outside post.
Race 3 – Maiden Special Weight (1 Mile Turf)
This 2-year-old maiden race on the Del Mar turf course presents an intriguing handicapping puzzle with several horses bringing different angles and experience levels to the table.
Key Contenders
Honey’s Choice enters as the 3-1 second choice with solid recent form for the Philip D’Amato stable. In her most recent start on October 4, she “rallied strongly to get the place spot after getting shuffled back in start number two” and “galloped out strongly” according to expert analysis. The D’Amato-Rispoli combination has proven particularly effective with turf runners returning from breaks, posting a 63% win rate with a $3.43 ROI when reuniting with horses off layoffs exceeding 180 days at Del Mar. Her tactical style should work well with the rail positioned at 30 feet.
Born to Rock represents intriguing first-time turf potential for the Michael McCarthy barn with Hall of Fame jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard. As a son of Rock Your World, he brings excellent turf breeding credentials, as his sire started his career 2-for-2 on grass before transitioning successfully to dirt, including wins in both the maiden special weight and Pasadena Stakes on turf at Santa Anita. Rock Your World’s progeny have shown early promise, with first-crop 2-year-olds selling for up to $230,000 at recent sales. The McCarthy-Ortiz Jr. partnership typically targets spots where they feel confident about their chances.
Secondary Choices
Brigante brings the most race experience as the 5-2 morning line favorite, having competed in stakes company including the Best Pal Stakes and Del Mar Futurity for Doug O’Neill. While still seeking his first victory after three starts, he showed promise in his turf debut where “third-place Win for Lou also won a maiden special weight turf mile next out,” indicating the form has held up well. His experience advantage in this maiden field cannot be overlooked.
Green Screen stretches out from sprint distances to a route for trainer Graham Motion, making his third career start. Motion has historically shown strong results with longshots on turf, and the surface specialist’s horses often improve significantly when finding their preferred distance. The move to a mile should favor this Oscar Performance colt who “should relish the stretch out”.
Longshot Considerations
Raging Inferno makes his debut for trainer Dan Blacker as a son of multiple Grade 1 winner Raging Bull. Expert analysis notes he has been working steadily with “some stamina drills” and is “likely to come out running with Hernandez signed on”. First-time starters with solid work patterns can often surprise in maiden company.
American King sits at 30-1 on the morning line but represents trainer Ruben Gomez and could offer significant value in a relatively weak maiden field if showing any early ability.
Pace Analysis
The pace setup appears moderate with several horses showing tactical speed rather than pure early speed. Honey’s Choice has shown the ability to rate and rally, while Brigante typically stalks the pace. Born to Rock’s running style remains unknown but his breeding suggests tactical speed. The mile distance should allow for positioning moves throughout the race, with the winner likely emerging from a stalking position rather than wire-to-wire.
The turf rail at 30 feet should provide adequate room for clean trips, though horses with early speed may have a slight advantage in securing favorable position along the inside.
Key Angles
The D’Amato barn has been particularly effective this fall meet with turf horses, and Rispoli’s intimate knowledge of the Del Mar turf course provides additional confidence. His assessment that “the turf plays very different in the summer” and becomes “totally different grip for the horses” in the fall suggests course specialists have significant advantages.
The first-time turf angle with Born to Rock deserves serious consideration given his sire’s turf success and the McCarthy barn’s patient approach with young horses. Rock Your World’s early turf success before his dirt campaign provides encouraging precedent.
Wagering Recommendations
Win Selection: Honey’s Choice offers the best combination of proven form, favorable connections, and tactical pace positioning.
Value Play: Born to Rock represents solid value at 5-1 morning line odds given his breeding and connections.
Exacta Strategy: Key Honey’s Choice on top over Born to Rock, Green Screen, and Brigante.
Longshot Consideration: Raging Inferno could provide upset potential as a first-time starter with solid preparation.
The race sets up favorably for horses with tactical speed who can secure good position early and finish strongly, making Honey’s Choice the logical choice while respecting the upside potential of Born to Rock’s turf debut.
Race 4 – Claiming ($25,000, 5.5F Dirt)
Key Contenders: Cultural drops from maiden special weight company for Michael McCarthy. One Smokin Dude shows tactical speed that could be effective in this spot.
Pace Analysis: The short field suggests a tactical pace where positioning will be crucial.
Top Selection: Cultural has faced tougher competition and should handle this assignment with the class relief.
Value Selection: Magic Connection could offer value at longer odds with Antonio Fresu aboard.
Race 5 – Allowance Optional Claiming (1 1/16M Turf)
This fillies and mares allowance race presents a competitive field of eight runners seeking their first significant victory beyond maiden or claiming company. The race restricts horses that have never won $21,000 once other than maiden, claiming, or starter races, creating an intriguing mix of lightly raced prospects and consistent performers.
Key Contenders
Corporal Violette (IRE) enters as the 2-1 morning line favorite with strong recent form and proven ability at this level. The 6-year-old mare by Starspangledbanner has been remarkably consistent in 2025, posting a record of 1-3-1 from seven starts with earnings of $282,823. Her victory came in March at Santa Anita in a one-mile turf allowance where she “won by a neck as the 10-3 favorite”. Expert analysis notes she “has held her form all season including a pair of in-the-money finishes” and remains eligible for the first allowance condition. The switch to Antonio Fresu provides continuity, as he has ridden her to success before.
Delightful Laura brings the most intriguing upside as a 3-year-old filly who broke her maiden impressively at Del Mar on August 10, 2025. The John Shirreffs-trained daughter of Uncle Mo “won by 3 1/4 lengths” in her breakthrough performance. While she finished second in her most recent allowance attempt at Del Mar on September 6, she “ran a strong second” to Word Play (GB) and earned $13,650. At 5-2 on the morning line, she represents the classic “improving 3-year-old” angle that often succeeds against older horses in these conditions.
Secondary Choices
Angelic Appeal (IRE) brings European breeding to the D’Amato barn with Flavien Prat aboard. Listed at 3-1 morning line odds, she represents the powerful D’Amato-Prat partnership that has been particularly effective with turf horses this meet. Her Irish breeding suggests she should handle the firm Del Mar turf course well.
She’s a Joker enters for trainer Peter Miller with Irad Ortiz Jr. taking the mount. The 6-year-old mare shows form figures of 327843 and has earnings of $260,380, indicating consistent ability at this level. Her recent third-place finish at Santa Anita demonstrates she remains competitive, and the Miller-Ortiz Jr. partnership typically targets winnable spots.
Pace and Distance Analysis
The 1 1/16-mile distance on turf should produce a moderate pace setup. According to expert running style analysis, Queen Sienna (ARG) is rated as the “Fast Leader,” while several horses including Corporal Violette and Motet are classified as “Fastest Stalkers”. This suggests tactical positioning will be crucial, with the winner likely emerging from a stalking position rather than leading throughout.
The turf rail positioned at 30 feet should provide adequate racing room, though horses with early tactical speed may have advantages in securing favorable trips along the inside. The distance favors horses with proven route form, giving an edge to those who have succeeded at similar distances.
Longshot Considerations
Queen Sienna (ARG) presents interesting value at 7-1 morning line odds despite being listed as having “Fast Leader” running style. The 5-year-old mare by Fortify brings South American form and gets the services of Mike Smith, though she was recently scratched from a Santa Anita race on October 26.
Starts Now for trainer Richard Baltas with John Velazquez offers potential value at 4-1. Expert analysis shows her recent form includes a fourth-place finish in the same September 6 allowance race won by Word Play (GB), where Delightful Laura finished second. This direct form connection suggests she belongs at this level.
Key Angles
The weight distribution heavily favors the 3-year-old Delightful Laura, who carries just 120 pounds compared to 125 pounds for the older mares. This 5-pound advantage is significant at the route distance and could prove decisive in a close finish.
Trainer statistics favor the Shirreffs barn with improving younger horses, while the D’Amato stable has shown excellence with European-bred turf runners. The Miller barn typically performs well when targeting specific spots for their horses.
The recent Del Mar form from the September 6 allowance provides a key form line, with Delightful Laura’s strong second-place finish establishing her as a major threat to win at this level.
Wagering Recommendations
Win Selection: Delightful Laura offers the best combination of improving form, weight advantage, and successful track-and-distance experience.
Value Play: Corporal Violette represents solid value as the favorite given her consistent in-the-money record and proven ability at this level.
Exacta Strategy: Key Delightful Laura on top over Corporal Violette, Angelic Appeal, and She’s a Joker in exacta combinations.
Longshot Consideration: Starts Now could provide upset potential with Velazquez aboard for the reliable Baltas barn.
The race sets up favorably for horses with tactical speed who can secure good position and finish strongly down the Del Mar stretch, making Delightful Laura the logical choice while respecting the consistent form of Corporal Violette.
Race 6 – Maiden Claiming ($50,000, 6F Dirt)
Key Contenders: This restricted race for California-breds features several first-time starters. Amelia’s Echo debuts for D’Amato, while Surfin Candy shows promise for trainer Sean McCarthy.
Pace Analysis: Expect a contested pace with several speed horses likely to engage early.
Top Selection: Amelia’s Echo has the breeding and connections to be competitive in this restricted company.
Value Play: By the Moonlight could offer value for the Baltas barn at longer odds.
Race 7 – Let It Ride Stakes ($100,000, 1M Turf)
The featured race of Del Mar’s Bing Crosby Season opener showcases seven talented 3-year-olds competing for $100,000 in this restricted stakes at one mile on turf. This race excludes horses who have won sweepstakes of $60,000 or more at one mile or over since April 1, creating an intriguing field of lightly raced prospects and emerging turf performers.
Key Contenders
Friendly Confines enters as the 2-1 morning line favorite for trainer Richard Baltas with Flavien Prat aboard. The son of Twirling Candy “won in his last attempt of the distance on the very same turf course” and appears comfortable with the parameters, holding a record of 3-2-4 from five starts with 60% win rate. His most recent victory came on February 2 at Santa Anita where he “won by 7 lengths as the 12-1 longshot” in a 6.5-furlong turf allowance. Expert analysis notes he was “a sharp allowance winner with a lofty 87 Beyer off the six-month layoff” and should “prove tough to overhaul with a move forward, second off the bench”. The Baltas-Prat partnership has been particularly effective this meet, making this combination formidable.
Geometry represents significant value at 5/2 morning line odds for trainer Jonathan Thomas with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez. The son of Twirling Candy “ran twice at Del Mar last summer” where he “returned from a ten-month layoff to win an entry-level allowance race and then ran fourth in the G2 Del Mar Derby”. Thomas notes they “wheeled him back pretty quick in the Del Mar Derby” and “thought he ran fine, maybe a little flat, a little too much to do”. His trainer emphasizes that “getting him back to a mile here with firm turf should suit him” and expects him to “run his best race”. Expert analysis suggests he “should appreciate the return to fast footing and Del Mar after an even fourth at Delaware over the soft going in the Kent Stakes last month”.
Secondary Choices
Lyle The Crocodile (IRE) brings intrigue at 4-1 odds for trainer Phil D’Amato with Irad Ortiz Jr. The Irish-bred enters off a troubled trip in his last start at Del Mar in August where he “slammed the starting gate at the break and was eased out of the race”. However, assistant trainer Rudy Cruz reveals this may have been due to jockey injury rather than the horse, as Umberto Rispoli “got off the horse sore and limping after apparently getting his leg pinched between the horse and the gate” while “Lyle The Crocodile was fine when he got back to the barn”. Prior to that incident, he “missed by less than a length, finishing third in the $100,000 Oceanside Stakes on opening day at Del Mar” , demonstrating his quality at stakes level.
Mescalero represents the most intriguing longshot value according to expert analysis, earning top selection from handicapper Dean Keppler despite 6-1 morning line odds. The son of Into Mischief “steps up to stakes competition off an impressive debut win for conditioner Richard Mandella” and “is bred to cherish the extra real estate”. Expert notes suggest this “recent maiden winner could post the mild upset with a potential gate-to-wire score”. The Mandella barn traditionally excels when making significant class jumps with promising horses.
Longshot Considerations
Tempus Volat enters at 6-1 for trainer Leonard Powell with Mirco Demuro. The Kentucky-bred “favors the seaside turf course” and “ran twice during the Del Mar summer meet and came up with a first and second place finish with Mirco Demuro in the saddle”. His familiarity with the track and proven success at Del Mar provides solid foundation for improvement.
Hiding in Honduras makes his second career start for Jonathan Thomas at 15-1 odds after breaking his maiden “by seven lengths his first time out at Presque Isle Downs earlier this month”. Thomas notes he’s “a horse that’s taken awhile to get to the races” but they “thought we’d throw him in here and give him a spin around”. The dramatic maiden victory suggests significant upside potential.
Bodi Zafa carries high weight at 124 pounds but brings the most experience, having “finished ninth at his last attempt at the distance in July at Del Mar’s summer meet” while maintaining “three wins to his name this year”. However, his recent form suggests he may be outclassed in this company.
Pace Analysis
The pace setup appears moderate with several horses showing tactical speed. Expert analysis classifies Geometry as the “Fastest Stalker” while Friendly Confines is rated as “Fastest Deep,” suggesting positioning battles will be crucial. Mescalero brings natural speed that could allow him to control the pace from the front, while the deeper closers will need clean trips to be effective.
The one-mile distance on firm turf with the rail at 30 feet should provide adequate racing room for all runners, though early positioning will be critical given the competitive nature of this field.
Key Angles
The trainer statistics favor both Thomas and Baltas barns, with Thomas noting this represents one of his “limited number of stakes runners” for the fall meet. The D’Amato stable has shown excellence with European-bred horses like Lyle The Crocodile, while Mandella’s patient approach with Mescalero suggests confidence in the horse’s ability.
Jockey angles favor the Prat-Baltas combination’s recent success, while Velazquez brings proven stakes experience to Geometry’s cause. The Ortiz Jr. mount on Lyle The Crocodile indicates strong stable confidence despite the troubled last start.
Wagering Recommendations
Win Selection: Mescalero offers the best combination of upside potential, early speed advantage, and value at 6-1 odds with the hot Mandella barn.
Value Play: Geometry represents solid value at 5/2 given his proven Del Mar form and tactical advantage with Velazquez.
Exacta Strategy: Key Mescalero on top over Geometry, Friendly Confines, and Lyle The Crocodile for maximum coverage.
Longshot Consideration: Hiding in Honduras could provide significant upset potential at 15-1 given his dominant maiden victory and room for improvement.
Trifecta Play: Use Mescalero and Geometry as primary keys while including Friendly Confines and Tempus Volat for depth.
This stakes race presents excellent betting opportunities with multiple legitimate contenders and solid value throughout the field. The combination of proven performers and improving prospects makes for an exciting betting race to headline Del Mar’s fall season opener.
Race 8 – Maiden Special Weight (6F Dirt)
This California-bred or California-sired maiden special weight for 2-year-olds features an intriguing field of eleven first-time starters and lightly raced runners competing for $60,000 plus an additional $12,500 from the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. The race represents an excellent opportunity for California-bred horses to establish themselves before potential stakes engagements.
Key Contenders
Rocky Colavito emerges as the expert’s top selection despite being sired by Halladay, who is “0-for-11 with debut runners as of this writing” according to DRF Formulator sire statistics. However, the 2-year-old gelding has shown exceptional promise in his training for Philip D’Amato, including “back-to-back bullets at Los Al”. The D’Amato-Juan Hernandez combination provides additional confidence, as Hernandez is “3-for-6 (50%) with a $3.63 ROI the past four years with this barn’s firsters”. Despite the sire’s poor debut statistics, the individual preparation and connections suggest this runner has been pointed specifically for this spot.
Mystic Moses brings the most race experience and track familiarity, making his third career start after two previous attempts at Del Mar. Expert analysis notes he “returns to the DMR track on which he ran well at this Cal-bred MSW level” and is “supposed to win this dirt sprint for Cal-bred maiden 2yos, based on his runner-up finish last out behind subsequent stakes winner”. The gelding switches from turf back to dirt, where “both of his tries over this dirt course have been solid”. His recent form includes being “first-time gelded” which often leads to improved performance.
Secondary Choices
Tommy Norris represents one of the most experienced runners in the field with solid recent form. The son of Stanford has shown consistency with “his last pair of ITM sprint finishes, where he posted a 60 and 61 dirt Beyer”. Expert analysis notes he is “one of the most experienced runners in the field and is a logical fit”. Stanford’s progeny statistics suggest decent early ability, making him a legitimate contender at this level.
Another Bulleit brings intriguing breeding as a son of I’ll Have Another out of Silver Score by Even the Score. The colt has made previous appearances at Del Mar, including a “good second” finish in a prior start. He gets the services of top jockey Mirco Demuro for trainer Paula Capestro, who bred and owns the horse. The homebred angle often produces solid efforts from horses with intimate stable knowledge.
Pace Analysis
The 6-furlong sprint distance should produce a contested early pace with several horses likely to show speed from the gate. Eye of the Smiley brings natural speed that could establish an early lead, while Mystic Moses has shown the ability to rate behind pace or press forward as needed. Rocky Colavito’s training pattern suggests early speed, which could be crucial in a race where positioning will be key.
The large field of eleven runners creates potential traffic concerns, making post position and early speed crucial factors. Horses breaking cleanly and securing good position should have significant advantages over those forced to navigate traffic in the early stages.
Longshot Considerations
Start the Ride makes his debut for trainer Dan Blacker, who has shown competence with first-time starters. The colt gets Armando Ayuso aboard and could offer value if showing natural ability on debut.
Low Tox represents trainer Ryan Hanson with Antonio Fresu riding. While details on his preparation are limited, the experienced jockey suggests stable confidence in the horse’s chances.
Eye of the Smiley has shown some ability in previous starts according to expert analysis, recording an “82 Best E Speed Figure” in his career. Trainer Brian Koriner “won with 18 percent of his debut runners in turf sprints the past five years” , though this race is on dirt.
Key Angles
The California-bred restriction significantly narrows the competitive pool, often creating opportunities for horses that might struggle in open company. The $12,500 CTBA bonus provides additional incentive for connections to target this specific race.
The D’Amato barn has shown excellent results with 2-year-olds throughout the meet, while the combination of Hernandez and D’Amato firsters provides strong statistical support. The trainer’s patient approach with young horses suggests Rocky Colavito has been carefully prepared for this debut.
Surface switching angles favor Mystic Moses, who returns to dirt after turf experiments. California-bred horses often show marked improvement when finding their preferred surface, and his previous solid dirt performances suggest comfort with the main track.
Trainer Insights
Philip D’Amato’s success with 2-year-olds provides confidence in Rocky Colavito’s chances, especially given the extensive preparation noted in expert analysis. Steven Miyadi’s handling of Mystic Moses through surface experiments suggests patience in finding the right spot for the gelding.
Paula Capestro’s homebred angle with Another Bulleit often produces horses well-suited to their conditions, while the Demuro mount indicates significant stable confidence in the colt’s ability.
Wagering Recommendations
Win Selection: Rocky Colavito offers the best combination of preparation, connections, and jockey statistics despite concerning sire debut numbers.
Value Play: Mystic Moses represents solid value given his track familiarity and surface switch back to his preferred dirt.
Exacta Strategy: Key Rocky Colavito on top over Mystic Moses, Tommy Norris, and Another Bulleit for comprehensive coverage.
Longshot Consideration: Start the Ride could provide upset potential as a Blacker first-time starter at longer odds.
Trifecta Play: Use Rocky Colavito and Mystic Moses as primary keys while including Tommy Norris, Another Bulleit, and Eye of the Smiley for deeper coverage.
This California-bred maiden presents excellent betting opportunities with a clear top choice backed by strong trainer statistics while offering legitimate value alternatives throughout the field.
Race 9 – Allowance Optional Claiming (1M Turf)
This fillies-only allowance race for 3-year-olds presents an intriguing field of eleven runners competing at one mile on the Del Mar turf course. The race restricts horses that have never won $21,000 once other than maiden, claiming, or starter races, with a claiming price of $80,000 creating an interesting dynamic between improving prospects and proven performers.
Key Contenders
Tigerish enters as the 5/2 morning line favorite for the powerful Philip D’Amato stable with Flavien Prat aboard. The 3-year-old filly has shown consistent form throughout 2025 and represents the barn’s excellent record with turf fillies. The D’Amato-Prat combination has been particularly effective this meet, especially with horses stepping up in class on the grass course. Her experience at Del Mar provides additional confidence, as track familiarity often proves crucial in these competitive allowance races.
Take Another Card brings significant upside potential as a daughter of I’ll Have Another trained by Simon Callaghan. The filly carries 124 pounds as the top weight, indicating she has won at least one race, which provides valuable experience over the maiden runners in the field. Expert analysis from Irish Racing suggests she is “another to consider” in this competitive field. The Callaghan barn has shown excellence with improving fillies, particularly those stretching out in distance on turf.
Secondary Choices
Cat The Confidante (IRE) represents trainer John Sadler with Joel Rosario, a combination that has proven successful with European-bred turf runners. The Irish-bred filly by Churchill brings solid breeding for the grass and gets the benefit of Rosario’s expertise on turf courses. Her European pedigree suggests she should handle the firm Del Mar turf surface effectively.
The Mizen Queen (IRE) enters off a significant victory at Del Mar on September 6, where she “shows stellar turn-of-foot to blast by” the field according to trainer Dan Blacker’s social media. The filly “won by a neck as the 3/1 second choice” in her most recent start , demonstrating she has the ability to win at this level. Expert analysis from August noted she was “making her first U.S. start with Lasix” and “was second of 15 when last seen racing in Ireland”.
Route Specialists
Ribbons brings proven Del Mar turf form, having won a maiden special weight at the track on July 19, 2025, at 20-1 odds. The Leonard Powell-trained filly with Mirco Demuro gets the significant advantage of proven success over the course and distance. Her victory demonstrates she can handle the track conditions and turf surface, making her a logical contender despite longer odds.
Lila represents the Richard Baltas stable with John Velazquez, a combination that has shown consistent success with turf fillies. The weight allowance down to 121 pounds provides a tactical advantage in what appears to be a competitive field where every pound could prove decisive.
Pace Analysis
The one-mile distance on turf should produce a moderate pace setup with tactical positioning being crucial. Irish Racing’s expert analysis identifies Ambaya as having “finished a creditable third in a higher-grade stakes last time out and looks well placed to go close”. This form line suggests the pace will be honest without being overly demanding.
The field composition of eleven fillies creates potential for traffic concerns, making post position and early speed crucial factors. Horses securing good position along the rail, which is positioned at 30 feet, should have advantages over those forced wide throughout.
Longshot Considerations
Hey Lil Lady brings interesting value despite longer odds, having won at Santa Anita on January 19, 2025, as a 20-1 shot. The Robert Hess Jr.-trained filly has shown the ability to win at this level and gets Kazushi Kimura, who has experience with the trainer’s methods.
Madonna of Loreto represents additional value for the D’Amato barn with Antonio Fresu riding. The daughter of Caravaggio has earned $81,105 and won her maiden impressively, demonstrating she belongs at this level.
Resolve enters for Leonard Powell as a potential overlay given the stable’s success with Ribbons earlier in the meet at Del Mar.
Key Angles
The D’Amato barn’s excellence with turf fillies provides strong support for both Tigerish and Madonna of Loreto. The trainer’s patient development of young horses suggests both fillies have been properly prepared for this step up in class.
Surface switching angles favor horses with proven turf form, particularly those who have succeeded at Del Mar previously. The Mizen Queen’s recent Del Mar victory provides strong course-and-distance form, while Ribbons’ maiden victory demonstrates track familiarity.
The European-bred angle deserves consideration with both Cat The Confidante and The Mizen Queen bringing Irish breeding that typically translates well to American turf racing.
Trainer Insights
Philip D’Amato’s two runners suggest significant stable confidence in this spot. Simon Callaghan’s patient approach with Take Another Card indicates she has been pointed specifically for this type of race. Dan Blacker’s success with The Mizen Queen demonstrates his ability to place horses effectively after their first American victories.
Wagering Recommendations
Win Selection: The Mizen Queen offers the best combination of proven Del Mar form, recent victory, and tactical speed for the distance.
Value Play: Tigerish represents solid value as the favorite given the D’Amato-Prat partnership’s excellence with turf fillies.
Exacta Strategy: Key The Mizen Queen on top over Tigerish, Take Another Card, and Cat The Confidante for comprehensive coverage.
Longshot Consideration: Ribbons could provide significant upset potential given her proven success at Del Mar and track familiarity.
Trifecta Play: Use The Mizen Queen and Tigerish as primary keys while including Take Another Card, Ribbons, and Hey Lil Lady for deeper coverage.
This fillies’ allowance presents excellent betting opportunities with multiple legitimate contenders and proven track performers offering both strong opinions and value alternatives throughout the competitive field.
Jockey Analysis
Flavien Prat leads the colony and rides several key contenders including Angelic Appeal and Tigerish. John Velazquez brings his Hall of Fame credentials to multiple mounts including Kid Charlemagne and Geometry. Irad Ortiz Jr. has select mounts including Born to Rock in Race 3.
Trainer Insights
Philip D’Amato has multiple runners and excels with European-bred horses on turf surfaces. Richard Baltas trains the Let It Ride Stakes favorite and has shown consistent form. Michael McCarthy and Jonathan Thomas both have strong representations throughout the card.
Wagering Strategies
Best Single: Geometry in Race 7 represents solid value in the feature stakes race.
Multi-Race Strategy: Consider a Pick 4 covering Races 6-9 keying strong opinions while spreading in the maiden races.
Value Plays: Army Man in Race 1, Magic Connection in Race 4, and Resolve in Race 9 offer potential longshot value.
Daily Double: Race 7-8 combining Geometry with Rocky Colavito provides a solid foundation for exotic play.
