The aptly named Conclude closed out the ultimate race of Pacific Traditional Day with a victory, taking the $302,500 Del Mar Mile Stakes (G2T) and giving coach Phil D’Amato a sweep of the three graded races on turf at Del Mar Aug. 31. Earlier on the cardboard, he gained the Del Mar Handicap (G2T) with Gold Phoenix and the Inexperienced Flash Handicap (G3T) with Motorious .
D’Amato didn’t simply win the Del Mar Mile—he ran 1-2 when Almendares rallied to seize second, ending only a head behind the winner.
Solely D’Amato’s longshot entry, Midway Line , did not problem, ending final of 10.
Conclude, who took final summer time’s Del Mar Derby (G2T) in his remaining begin of 2023, rebounded from two off-the-board finishes in two prior begins this 12 months—each with excuses. He ran tenth within the Shoemaker Mile Stakes (G1T) at Santa Anita Park following a protracted layoff in Might and was fourth within the July 21 Wickerr Stakes at Del Mar after falling far behind and never gaining his traditional distinguished early place.
He had no such early challenges within the Del Mar Mile. He managed the tempo with fractions of :23.45, :47.14, and 1:10.72 within the race over agency turf, opened up within the stretch, and had sufficient to final whereas not switching leads by means of the lane. He hit the wire in 1:34.05 and returned $12.20 to win to his $2 mutuel backers.
Almendares gained on him late however fell a few strides quick. Astronomer and Du Jour additionally rallied to be third and fourth, respectively.
Successful jockey Hector Berrios mentioned his mount felt the oncoming stress of rivals over the ultimate half-mile of the race, and Conclude responded.
“He missed the break final time, and type of method too far again, however this was our plan to be up there,” D’Amato mentioned. “Hector made the correct resolution and nursed him alongside completely.”
Billy Koch of Little Crimson Feather Racing, co-owner of Conclude, after the Del Mar Mile
A 4-year-old colt by Collected out of 2012 Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Imagine You Can , Conclude was bred by the late Brereton Jones in Kentucky. After going unsold throughout the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Conclude initially raced for Jones, the Sol Kumin-headed Madaket Stables, and Little Crimson Feather Racing. After Jones’ demise final September, Conclude has competed for Madaket Stables, Little Crimson Feather Racing, and Jones’ property.
Conclude is the second graded stakes winner this 12 months for Collected, who stood the 2024 breeding season for $10,000 at Airdrie Stud in Kentucky. Airdrie Stud, previously headed by Brereton Jones, is led by his son, Bret.
