Del Mar Racetrack Thoroughbred News – August 8, 2025
Friday’s program at Del Mar Racetrack spotlights competitive claiming and featured stakes races, with firm turf and favorable weather conditions setting the stage. Handicappers weigh in on race favorites and potential upsetters, while trainers and jockeys prepare their top prospects for a strong afternoon at one of California’s premier summer meets.
Expected Weather and Track Conditions
Local forecasts predict a classic San Diego summer day with clear skies, high temperatures in the upper 70s°F, and mild coastal breezes. The turf course is officially rated firm, providing optimal footing for today’s grass races. No persistent marine layer or precipitation is expected, ensuring uninterrupted racing and fast conditions throughout the card.
Race 1 – Claiming (Post Time: 5:00 PM)
The opener features a field of six, including Ghazaaly, Del Mar Jerry, Father Delay, Shortman, Moose Mitchell, and Cowboy Mike. This 5 1/2 furlong claiming event for older horses offers a competitive betting landscape, with Cowboy Mike established as the early morning line favorite at 5/2, while Moose Mitchell sits as the longshot at 12/1.
Handicapper analysis notes Cowboy Mike’s consistent form over similar surfaces but also points to Del Mar Jerry’s recent speed figures as a threat in a pace-heavy scenario. Trainer comments are reserved, but jockey changes and equipment updates are minimal for this race.
Race 7 – Graduation Stakes (Cal-bred Juveniles)
The featured Graduation Stakes headlines today’s program, restricted to California-bred two-year-olds and slated for Race 7. While the exact entry list is not available, handicappers highlight this event as the focal point for juvenile talent and suggest watching for sharp debut performances and lightly raced contenders. Expects top trainers and rising stars to be featured, though specific names are not confirmed for coverage.
Race 8 – Claiming (1 Mile Turf, Post Time: 5:37 PM)
Race 8 brings together ten turf runners, including La Scaloneta, Blue Oasis, Ms Brightside (IRE), Hey Demps, Step It Out (IRE), Coralgableskaylin, Lady Lithesome, Lady of Power, Princess Daddy, and Thirst for Passion. Recent form lines suggest La Scaloneta is improving, having closed well in prior starts at Churchill Downs and now landing in a softer spot at Del Mar.
Jockey T. Baze teams with trainer J. Sweezey aboard La Scaloneta, riding the strength of a last-out fifth-place finish against tougher company. Blue Oasis and jockey J. Laprida enter off a close runner-up effort at Santa Anita. Analytical comments from handicappers suggest La Scaloneta may have an edge if she can settle off the pace, while Blue Oasis’s tactical speed could put her in prime position late. The course remains firm, favoring quality turf runners with recent good efforts.
Additional Trainer, Jockey, and Horse Notes
Reported changes in training regimens and jockey assignments are minimal across today’s card, with featured horses and connections maintaining standard pre-race routines. Notable trainers present include J. Sweezey and T. Yakteen, and riders such as T. Baze, J. Laprida, and U. Rispoli continue to seek success over the Del Mar turf. No scratches or unexpected changes are reported through post time.
