To say coach Phil D’Amato has a strong likelihood to win the Del Mar Handicap (G2T) can be an understatement. On Aug. 31, he’ll saddle three of the seven rivals—every among the many high 4 morning-line selections—with all three being millionaires.
Successful the $300,000 Del Mar occasion isn’t any new job to D’Amato. Having captured eight of the final 10 runnings, the Southern California-based coach has held hostage the “Win and You are In” entry to the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) that the race gives by means of the Breeders’ Cup Problem Collection.
Gold Phoenix is answerable for the final two of D’Amato’s victories within the 1 3/8-mile race, utilizing his automated berth to complete tenth and fourth within the final two editions of the Turf.
Ought to Gold Phoenix win the race once more—along with his third totally different rider in Kyle Frey—it could give the 6-year-old Belardo gelding a possibility to compete on the largest stage over a observe the place he’s effectively confirmed.
In 5 begins over the Del Mar turf, the grade 1 winner has received three. His lone off-the-board end got here in his final begin, the July 28 Eddie Learn (G2T), as he was caught in visitors all through the stretch of the 1 1/8-mile contest.
Racing within the colours of Little Purple Feather Racing, Sterling Stables, and Marsha Naify, Gold Phoenix stands because the 5-2 favourite.
Additionally not experiencing the clearest of sailings for D’Amato within the Eddie Learn stretch was Balnikhov , who as soon as discovering operating room inside the ultimate sixteenth rallied for third.
Like Gold Phoenix, Balnikhov is owned by Little Purple Feather, however in partnership with Madaket Stables and Outdated Bones Racing Secure. Kazushi Kimura might want to navigate a visit from the rail in his second experience aboard the 5-year-old Adaay geldingss.
The ultimate of D’Amato’s trio is grade 1-winning Rockemperor . The 8-year-old has not visited the winner’s circle because the 2022 Bowling Inexperienced (G2T) at Saratoga Race Course, however has continued to compete at a excessive degree. In his final begin, he completed second by a neck within the 1 3/4-mile San Juan Capistrano (G3T) at Santa Anita Park June 16.
Ought to victory not be D’Amato’s, the morning-line odds recommend it should come from Grasp Piece . Fourth within the Eddie Learn, his 3-1 odds make him co-second alternative with Balnikhov for coach Rick Dutrow Jr.
Proprietor Donia Pancha and coach Francisco Garcia enter the race’s “wild card” in El Encinal . Making his United States debut, the Argentinian was final seen taking the Pellegrini Internacional (G1T) by a head Dec. 16.
The Del Mar Handicap is race 5 with put up time at 3:32 PT.
Entries: Del Mar H. Offered by The Japan Racing Affiliation (G2T)
Del Mar, Saturday, August 31, 2024, Race 5
- Grade IIT
- 1 3/8m
- Turf
- $300,000
- 3 yo’s & up
- 3:32 PM (native)