Kentucky Derby winner set to race Saturday at Del Mar

The official winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby will probably be racing Saturday at Del Mar.

Mandaloun ran second to the late Medina Spirit in final yr’s Derby however was declared the victor when the Bob Baffert-trained winner was disqualified for a drug optimistic.

Coach Brad Cox has shipped the 4-year-old son of Into Mischief west for the 1 1/16-mile San Diego Handicap — a Grade II, $300,000 race that’s usually used as a tune-up for the Grade I, $1 million Pacific Traditional.

The San Diego Handicap is definitely the second characteristic on Saturday’s card, which is headed by the Grade I, $400,000 Bing Crosby. Each races are for older horses on the primary observe.

Mandaloun is the co-second alternative on the morning line at 4-1. His common rider is Florent Geroux, who’s now a full-time member of Del Mar’s jockey colony. Mandaloun has gained 3 of 5 begins for the reason that 2021 Kentucky Derby, however most just lately completed fourth within the Grade II Stephen Foster on July 2 at Churchill Downs. That was his first race since a disappointing ninth place within the $20 million Saudi Cup in late February.

The 5-2 morning-line favourite within the San Diego is Nation Grammer, who was second within the Saudi Cup however got here again a month later to win the $12 million Dubai World Cup. Skilled by Baffert with John Velasquez flying in for the journey, Nation Grammer has profession earnings of greater than $10.8 million off 4 wins in 10 lifetime begins — together with a win within the 2021 Grade I Gold Cup at Santa Anita. This would be the 5-year-old’s first begin in 4 months and his first ever at Del Mar.

The nine-horse discipline for the San Diego contains Royal Ship — who ran second to Nation Grammer within the 2021 Gold Cup after beating him six weeks earlier within the Grade II Californian at Santa Anita — and reigning Pacific Traditional champion Tripoli.

In the meantime, the Bing Crosby is the primary of Del Mar’s six “win and also you’re in” entry races for the Breeders’ Cup this summer time. The six-furlong dash has drawn 10 entries, with Shaaz the tepid morning-line favourite at 7-2.

The 4-year-old Uncle Mo colt, educated by Baffert, has had a collection of spectacular exercises since ending third in his most up-to-date race, Could 30 at Lone Star. He gained his different three begins, one by disqualification.

The co-second selections at 4-1 are seven-time winner Drain the Clock, who has shipped in from Florida, and American Theorem, a 5-year-old son of American Pharoah who gained the Grade II Triple Bend on Could 29 at Santa Anita.

Fleet winner

Baffert and jockey Juan Hernandez teamed on their first stakes win of the assembly Thursday when favored Enjoyable to Dream ($4.20) ran away within the stretch to win the seven-furlong, $175,000 Fleet Deal with Stakes for Cal-bred 3-year-old fillies by 9¾ lengths.

“It was her second outing,” mentioned Baffert. “Hopefully, we’ll strive her in some open firm.”

Stated Hernandez:“Bob advised me she had actually been coaching good. She’s quick.”

Friday’s eight-race program begins at 4 p.m.