Wide-Open Affair in San Juan Capistrano

With the scratch of Augustin Stables' Mrs. Astor, the $100,000 San Juan Capistrano Stakes (G3T) becomes a wide-open affair June 15 at Santa Anita Park.

Mrs. Astor, the 8-5 morning-line favorite in the San Juan Capistrano, was scratched in favor of the June 14 Possibly Perfect Stakes against female rivals.

In the mare's absence, trainer Jonathan Thomas will still saddle two other contenders in Sunday's race—Baron Racing Stables' Time Song, a last-out second in a turf-mile starter optional claimer, and the maiden Arrogate filly For Arrogate, who wheels back in eight days.

Veteran Balladeer will attempt to take the field gate to wire and secure his first victory since taking the John Henry Turf Championship Stakes (G2T) in October 2023. The George Papaprodromou-trained horse nearly stole the May 3 Charles Whittingham Stakes (G2T) on the front end and was only grudgingly passed in the final stages to end up fourth behind the victorious Atitlan. 

Divin Propos, a late-rallying fourth in the 1 1/8-mile Dinner Party Stakes (G3T) at Pimlico Race Course last time out, should appreciate the stretch out back to 1 3/4 miles. Trained by Phil D'Amato, the gelding has been the recipient of several troubled trips since arriving in North America, though did manage a runner-up finish in the March 22 San Luis Rey Stakes (G3T).