Deep Fields, Oceanside Stakes Highlight Del Mar Opener

After a short pause in Thoroughbred racing in California after Los Alamitos Race Course concluded its summer afternoon meet July 6, racing returns to the Golden State July 18 when Del Mar opens for its 86th summer season. The eagerly anticipated meet at the seaside track spans eight weeks and 31 racing days, continuing until Sept. 7. Thirty-eight stakes are on tap, worth $7.825 million, just off the track's totals from the past two summers. The $1 million Pacific Classic (G1), Del Mar's signature race Aug. 30, is one of five grade 1s taking place there this summer, and the black-type action kicks off Friday with the traditional stakes opener, the $100,000 Oceanside Stakes at a mile on grass. The restricted stakes race for 3-year-olds drew a field of 10, led by Little Red Feather Racing and Madaket Stables' Iron Man Cal, a Phil D'Amato trainee who was runner-up in last fall's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T) at Del Mar. In his lone start this year, he ran a close sixth in the May 2 American Turf (G1T) at Churchill Downs this spring in preparation for a campaign focused on the second half of 2025. The Breeders' Cup returns to Del Mar this year for the fourth time during its fall Bing Crosby Meet. Overnight purses have risen overall this summer. Allowance races are worth $81,000 and up, and maiden races on the main track reach $100,000 through the track's Maiden Dirt Bonus program. Del Mar has also revived its "Ship & Win" incentive program, which has been successful in horses being sent to Del Mar from out of state. A redirect of purse funds from the northern part of the state to the south has contributed to purse gains in Southern California. No racing has taken place in Northern California this year. One hundred horses are entered in 10 races on opening day, plus another 10 horses are on the also-eligible list. Del Mar averaged 8.6 starters per race last summer. Notable jockeys expected to ride regularly at Del Mar include Umberto Rispoli, Antonio Fresu, and Juan Hernandez—winner of the past four Del Mar riding titles. Phil D'Amato, Doug O'Neill, John Sadler, Mark Glatt, and Bob Baffert are among those likely to contend for leading training honors. Baffert often unveils many of his top 2-year-olds during the summer. Recent meet-leading owners Augustin Stable and Hronis Racing have horses in on opening day and should be prominent again in the owner standings, along with Nick Alexander and others. Two horseplayer-friendly changes to the wagering menu this summer include a $3 minimum late pick 3 and a $5 minimum late double, each with a 15% takeout. The early pick 5 at Del Mar also has a low takeout of 14%. Del Mar handled a daily average of $16.225 million last summer.