Pat O'Brien S.

Trainer Bob Baffert ran his record number of wins in the Pat O’Brien Stakes to eight Aug. 27 when Juddmonte’s Laurel River upset Eastern invader Speaker’s Corner at Del Mar.

Instead of nominating Laurel River for a chance against Flightline  in the Sept. 3 TVG Pacific Classic at 1 1/4 miles, Baffert elected to race the lightly raced runner into the seven-furlong, $252,500 O’Brien.

“If Flightline was not in the race — he’s not ready for a horse like him yet,” said Baffert.

Laurel River was ready to encounter top-notch sprinters and milers in the O’Brien, which offers a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series berth to the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Perhaps recalling invader Spendarella’s victory the week before in the Del Mar Oaks, bettors made Carter Handicap winner Speaker’s Corner, trained by Bill Mott, the 11-10 favorite in the O’Brien. Bing Crosby Stakes winner American Theorem was the 5.10-1 second choice, with Laurel River the 6.90-1 fourth choice in the field of 10.

When the starting gate opened, Speaker’s Corner came out of post-position 8 well for jockey Mike Smith and took the early lead. Principe Carlo moved up inside to engage the favorite, grabbing the advantage briefly. However, Speaker’s Corner edged back ahead.

Jockey Juan Hernandez had Laurel River in fourth. Going into the turn, Laurel River was behind three horses: Speaker’s Corner, Defunded (also trained by Baffert) on the outside, and Principe Carlo on the inside. Hernandez elected to point Laurel River between Principe Carlo and Speaker’s Corner.

“He broke real sharp, but then he relaxed,” Hernandez said. “I just tried to stay with them early. He went between horses without a problem.”

Laurel River responded bravely, and once he passed Principe Carlo and Speaker’s Corner, he set sail for the finish line, widening his margin ultimately to 3 3/4 lengths and stopping the timer in 1:21.27.

“He has a lot of speed, but he’s going to be much more effective around two turns,” said Baffert.

American Theorem, who had to race very wide, just as he did in the Crosby, closed ground to get second by three-quarters of a length over 21-1 Senor Buscador, with Speaker’s Corner a tiring fourth.