2023 Del Mar Handicap at a Glance

Racing
Gold Phoenix won a thrilling edition of the Del Mar Handicap in 2022 and is seeking a repeat win in 2023. (BENOIT photo)

The third and final “Win and You’re In” berth for the Breeders’ Cup will be awarded in the final race of Saturday’s intriguing FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic card at Del Mar. A field of 11 was entered for the Del Mar Handicap Presented by the Japan Racing Association, which will guarantee the winner a free spot in the  Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf Nov. 4 at Santa Anita Park. Included in the field is 2022 winner Gold Phoenix, who will take aim at back-to-back wins.

DEL MAR HANDICAP

Racetrack: Del Mar, Del Mar, Calif.

Date: Sept. 2

Purse: $300,000

Distance: 1 3/8 miles on turf

Race: 11

Post Time: 9:45 p.m. ET

Notable winners: Acclimate (2019), Ashleyluvssugar (2016), Spring House (2008, 2009), After Market (2007), Precisionist (1984), Muttering (1982), Wickerr (1981), Ancient Title (1977), Red Reality (1973), Native Diver (1967), Arrogate (1955, 1956), Ligaroti (1938).

First held: 1937

1. Win the Day (50-1, morning-line odds): Hasn’t raced since February and has never run in a turf stakes. On the bright side, he has the rail and was second and third in a pair of Del Mar races at this distance. Still seems overmatched.

JOCKEY: Tiago Josue Pereira; TRAINER: Doug O’Neill

2. Crosby Beach (15-1): He’s never run in a graded turf stakes, but seems to be on the upswing and might appreciate the added distance here. Certainly deserves some attention.

JOCKEY: Geovanni Franco; TRAINER: Michael McCarthy

3. None Above the Law (15-1): Seems better on dirt. California-bred has not won on turf in two years and this is a tough spot to end that drought.

JOCKEY: Joe Bravo ; TRAINER: Peter Miller

4. Missed the Cut (6-1): Deserves a careful look. His two U.S. starts were on dirt and he turned in decent efforts. Gets back on turf here and he did win at Royal Ascot at 1 1/4 miles. There are things to like about him.

JOCKEY: Jose Valdivia Jr.; TRAINER: John Sadler

5. Cathkin Peak (6-1): Has only raced once since October and is a question mark at the distance. Best to pass on him.

JOCKEY: Antonio Fresu; TRAINER: Phil D’Amato

6. Offlee Naughty (5-1): Had some trouble when second in the longer San Juan Capistrano. Put together a three-race win streak before that with two graded stakes wins. Should be a main threat.

JOCKEY: Umberto Rispoli; TRAINER: Michael McCarthy

7. Nineeleventurbo (10-1): Has been running effectively against weaker company, but finds a tough spot for his first turf stakes appearance.

JOCKEY: Ramon Vazquez; TRAINER: Neil Drysdale

8. Azul Coast (8-1): Should be well-suited by the distance but his lone start on turf was a dull fifth three years ago. Can’t toss him since he’s trained by Baffert but others are more appealing.

JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Bob Baffert

9. Planetario (4-1): Headed east after winning the San Juan Capistrano because of a lack of marathon turf stakes in California. Was an OK fifth in the Grade 1 United Nations Stakes and recent training indicates he’s ready for a nice try on home turf.

JOCKEY: Hector Berrios; TRAINER: Richard Mandella

10. Gold Phoenix (3-1): He won this race last race and is entering this year’s edition off a strong win in the Grade 2 Eddie Read. Surely looks like the one to beat.

JOCKEY: Juan HernandezTRAINER: Phil D’Amato

11. Cash Equity (15-1): Has some late kick, which will help his cause. Yet he never finished better than fifth in his five appearances in turf stakes. Faces a tough task from this post.

JOCKEY: Kent DesormeauxTRAINER: Phil D’Amato

THE PICK: Gold Phoenix

LIVE LONGSHOT: Crosby Beach

SUPERFECTA: 10-9-6-2


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