Del Mar Racetrack Horse Racing News – July 27, 2025
Track Overview and Key News
Today at Del Mar Racetrack, live racing returns with an 11-race card featuring a variety of fascinating matchups, headlined by the prestigious Eddie Read Stakes (Gr. II) for turf specialists. Gates open at noon, with the first post scheduled for 2:00 PM. The summer meet is in full swing, and fans can expect a lively day with signature trackside events, including the “Savory Sundays” culinary series and wagering seminars. Top trainers and jockeys from California and beyond are on site to contest one of the West Coast’s marquee summer racing programs.
Weather Conditions
Today’s forecast for Del Mar calls for typical Southern California summer weather: marine-fog-cooled afternoons, highs in the upper 70s, and light coastal breezes. Turf and dirt surfaces are both expected to be fast and firm by first post, ideal for strong performances and fair competition.
Trainer and Jockey Notes
Leading California trainers including Doug O’Neill, Phil D’Amato, and Peter Miller are well represented across today’s races. D’Amato, in particular, has continued his excellent run on the Del Mar turf, while O’Neill fields live contenders on both dirt and grass. Among jockeys, Juan Hernandez and Umberto Rispoli are building momentum early in the meet, and their mounts deserve extra attention in multi-race wagers. Several rising apprentices are booked on longshots, adding intrigue and some potential for upsets throughout the card.
Race-by-Race Notes, Picks, and Predictions
The following provides an overview of as many races as possible from today’s 11-race program, focusing on major contenders, storyline horses, and top selections. For bettors, note that race times shown below may reflect local and/or Eastern time equivalencies.
Race 1: Maiden Special Weight (2:00 PM)
The opener sees a field of 2-year-olds debuting or making their second career start on the dirt. Doug O’Neill’s first-time starter has been working sharply and attracts a leading rider. The main threat could come from a Bob Baffert-trained colt with impressive gate speed.
Pick: O’Neill’s first-time starter for the win; Baffert runner for exacta.
Race 2: Claiming, Fillies & Mares (2:30 PM)
Class droppers look strong here, but watch for a price horse stretching out in distance. Jockey Juan Hernandez is aboard a likely favorite out of a productive barn.
Pick: Hernandez mount to win; Include the Miller-trained shipper in exotics.
Race 3: Turf Sprint, Three-Year-Olds and Up (5f, 3:02 PM)
A field of eight lines up in this turf dash. Coralgableskaylin (Doug O’Neill/Abel Lezcano) comes off a sharp recent effort and is drawn well outside, likely stalking the pace. Dial a Friend is respectable off a series of consistent efforts and should be in the mix late.
Pick: Coralgableskaylin to win; use Dial a Friend for exactas and trifectas.
Race 4: Maiden Claimer (3:30 PM)
The fourth is a wide-open maiden claiming sprint featuring several class droppers and a few with early speed. Watch for any tote board action on well-bred first-timers from the Hollendorfer stable.
Pick: Hollendorfer debutante for value; top returning runner for multi-race bets.
Race 5: Allowance Optional Claiming (4:03 PM)
Competitive allowance contest with a mix of proven Del Mar performers and improving 3-year-olds. Peter Miller’s horse, wheeling back quickly, could be set for a top performance.
Pick: Miller’s runner to win; use the D’Amato trainee underneath.
Race 6: Maiden Special Weight, Fillies (4:33 PM)
Trainer Phil D’Amato often targets these longer turf maidens with promising fillies, and today is no exception. Watch for late money on the Rispoli mount.
Pick: D’Amato’s filly for the win; use the O’Neill second-timer in exactas.
Race 7: Starter Allowance (5:03 PM)
Depth and speed characterize this starter, with claim-back horses from several major outfits. A Miller-trained gelding should set the pace and will be dangerous up front.
Pick: Miller’s front runner to win; closer from the Hess barn for the exacta.
Race 8: Main Track Allowance (5:33 PM)
This mid-card allowance draws sharp sprinters and speedy router types cutting back. A lightly raced colt from the Baffert barn looms large.
Pick: Baffert’s colt to win; new barn debutante for underneath.
Race 9: Eddie Read Stakes (Gr. II, Turf, 1 1/8 miles, 6:03 PM)
The feature race, Eddie Read Stakes, boasts a deep field of graded stakes turf horses. Phil D’Amato, known for excellence in turf stakes, sends out a pair of serious contenders, while a shrewd East Coast shipper arrives for Richard Baltas. Umberto Rispoli lands on the Euro-import for D’Amato, giving that runner additional appeal.
Pick: D’Amato’s Euro-import for the win; Baltas’s shipper for the exacta.
Race 10: Two-Year-Old Maidens (5f, 6:33 PM)
Juveniles sprinting five furlongs, with several well-bred first-timers facing off against experienced runners. Columnist and Essential Nation are among the top names to watch, while One Happy Dude should attract longshot attention.
Pick: Essential Nation for the win; Columnist for multi-race wagers.
Race 11: Turf Finale, Claiming (7:03 PM)
The nightcap on turf brings together experienced claimers and turf specialists. Look for value with a hard-knocking gelding from the Hess Stable and a second-time starter on turf for Doug O’Neill.
Pick: Hess gelding for the win; O’Neill trainee for the exacta.
Additional Notes and Event Features
Beyond racing, Del Mar offers food and beverage events, live entertainment, handicapping seminars, and a festive coastal atmosphere. On-track promotions and the Diamond Club provide perks for frequent attendees, while out-of-state simulcast players can follow via major ADW platforms.
