Del Mar Race 9 - Pat O'brien S. Stakes
STRONGHOLD (1) was on a winning run of two races but last time out missed the frame when sixth over 1207m in the G1 Bing Crosby Handicap at this track (Dirt). Yet to miss the frame from four starts at the trip, including a win and should be hard to stop. DR VENKMAN (2) finished 5 lengths away in fifth last time out over 1207m at this track five weeks ago. Tackles a longer journey this time. Winning rider Umberto Rispoli sticks. Bold showing expected. BIG CITY LIGHTS (8) returns from the paddock after closing last prep with two consecutive wins, the most recent over 1207m in stakes class at Santa Anita (Dirt). Record at this journey is impressive with three wins and four placings from seven runs and should be involved in the finish. MOONLIGHT (7) is yet to find the winners' list this time in work but has two placings from three appearances this prep, finishing 1.5 lengths away in third most recently over 1207m at this track. Among the leading chances.

Jockey: Antonio Fresu
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a 35-day let-up. Most recently 6th of 8 in the G1 Bing Crosby Handicap at this track on July 25 over 1207m, 9 len behind Listenupshance carrying 55.5kg at $6.60. The race before that came from midfield and won by 2.5 len in the G3 Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita on May 31 over 1408m defeating Simple Song carrying 57kg at $1.50. Can bounce back after a modest effort last time.
Last Starts 34 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/8 | 25/07/2026 | 55 | G1 OPEN 3U | $580,552.00 | Del Mar | 1207m | Fast | Antonio Fresu | 55.5kg | 1:09.33 | 2-5-6 | 4 |
| 9.1L | $6.60 |
| 1/5 | 31/05/2026 | 44 | G3 OPEN 3U | $139,470.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1408m | Fast | Antonio Fresu | 57kg | 1:21.36 | 2-1-1 | 5 |
| 2.5L | $1.50 |
| 1/6 | 17/04/2026 | 237 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $186,317.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1710m | Fast | Ramon A Vazquez | 54.5kg | 1:42.80 | 2-1-1 | 6 |
| 0.1L | $3.50 |
| 2/6 | 23/08/2025 | 210 | G2 OPEN 3U | $387,597.00 | Del Mar | 1408m | Fast | Antonio Fresu | 56kg | 1:21.53 | 2-4-2 | 5 |
| 0.5L | $3.60 |
| 10/11 | 25/01/2025 | 30 | G1 OPEN 4U | $4,838,710.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1811m | Fast | Antonio Fresu | 56kg | 1:48.05 | 1-9-10 | 6 |
| 23.8L | $8.20 |
| 2/6 | 26/12/2024 | 96 | G1 OPEN 3 | $462,250.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1408m | Fast | Antonio Fresu | 55.5kg | 1:21.54 | 1-4-2 | 5 |
| 1.3L | $5.60 |

Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and placed third-up previously. Resuming ran last in a small field in the G3 BANGO (Kelly's Landing) STAKES at Churchill Downs on June 27 over 1308m, 6 len behind Harrodsburg carrying 55kg at $3.24. Second run from a spell 5th of 8 in the G1 Bing Crosby Handicap at this track on July 25 over 1207m, 5 len behind Listenupshance with 55.5kg at $7.30. Capable of a better showing. Respect.
Last Starts 34 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 | 25/07/2026 | 28 | G1 OPEN 3U | $580,552.00 | Del Mar | 1207m | Fast | Umberto Rispoli | 55.5kg | 1:09.33 | 6-4-5 | 3 |
| 4.8L | $7.30 |
| 6/6 | 27/06/2026 | 238 | G3 OPEN 3U | $383,543.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | SP | Joel Rosario | 55kg | 1:15.95 | 2-3-6 | 5 |
| 5.9L | $3.24 |
| 3/14 | 01/11/2025 | 34 | G1 OPEN 3U | $3,053,435.00 | Del Mar | 1207m | Fast | Umberto Rispoli | 57kg | 1:08.20 | 9-5-3 | 6 |
| 2.3L | $40.70 |
| 2/8 | 28/09/2025 | 36 | G2 OPEN 3U | $305,810.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1207m | Fast | Umberto Rispoli | 57kg | 1:09.00 | 8-2-2 | 1 |
| 1.8L | $5.20 |
| 1/6 | 23/08/2025 | 28 | G2 OPEN 3U | $387,597.00 | Del Mar | 1408m | Fast | Umberto Rispoli | 55kg | 1:21.53 | 5-1-1 | 1 |
| 0.5L | $3.70 |
| 4/9 | 26/07/2025 | 28 | G1 OPEN 3U | $611,621.00 | Del Mar | 1207m | Fast | Antonio Fresu | 55.5kg | 1:08.74 | 8-5-4 | 2 |
| 4.5L | $4.00 |

Jockey: Kent J. Desormeaux
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a break of five months. Finished off last preparation won by 2.25 len Sunland Park LR April 5 over 1811m defeating Malarchuk with 56kg at $2.10. Previous preparation first-up favourite; to post a big 5 len win. Del Mar Turf August 1 2025 over 1609m defeating Big Bill carrying 56.5kg at $2.90. Hasn't shown enough.
Last Starts 145 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/10 | 05/04/2026 | 29 | LR OPEN 3U | $363,901.00 | Sunland | 1811m | Fast | K Desormeaux | 56kg | 1:48.17 | 3-1-1 | 8 |
| 2.3L | $2.10 |
| 2/5 | 07/03/2026 | 49 | G1 OPEN 4U | $421,348.00 | Santa Anita Park | 2012m | Fast | K Desormeaux | 53.5kg | 2:05.17 | 5-2-2 | 4 |
| 4.5L | $7.80 |
| 1/8 | 17/01/2026 | 20 | LR OPEN 4U | $261,584.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1811m | FM | K Desormeaux | 55.5kg | 1:48.12 | 5-1-1 | 8 |
| 0.5L | $1.90 |
| 4/6 | 28/12/2025 | 58 | G2 OPEN 3U | $306,279.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1710m | Fast | K Desormeaux | 55kg | 1:42.36 | 2-4-4 | 2 |
| 7.1L | $11.80 |
| 1/11 | 31/10/2025 | 21 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $266,362.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | Fast | K Desormeaux | 56.5kg | 1:35.73 | 4-1-1 | 9 |
| 2.8L | $13.50 |
| 1/9 | 10/10/2025 | 41 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $92,846.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | K Desormeaux | 56kg | 1:33.51 | 1-3-1 | 3 |
| 1.3L | $2.00 |

Jockey: Ricardo Gonzalez
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes here off a 35-day let-up. At the latest run ran second last of 8 in the G1 Bing Crosby Handicap at this track on July 25 over 1207m, 13 len behind Listenupshance carrying 55.5kg at $40.30. Before that 4th in a small field in the G3 BANGO (Kelly's Landing) STAKES at Churchill Downs on June 27 over 1308m, 5 len behind Harrodsburg carrying 55kg at $17.30. Predicted to struggle.
Last Starts 34 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/8 | 25/07/2026 | 28 | G1 OPEN 3U | $580,552.00 | Del Mar | 1207m | Fast | Mike E Smith | 55.5kg | 1:09.33 | 7-7-7 | 6 |
| 13.3L | $40.30 |
| 4/6 | 27/06/2026 | 28 | G3 OPEN 3U | $383,543.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | SP | Amir Mendoza | 55kg | 1:15.95 | 3-4-4 | 3 |
| 5.3L | $17.30 |
| 3/6 | 30/05/2026 | 29 | G3 OPEN 4U | $384,078.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 54.5kg | 1:08.41 | 4-3-3 | 6 |
| 2.5L | $19.02 |
| 1/9 | 01/05/2026 | 13 | LR OPEN 4U | $279,330.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | Walter De La Cruz | 54kg | 1:09.03 | 4-1-1 | 9 |
| 3.3L | $14.00 |
| 2/7 | 18/04/2026 | 35 | ALLOW 4U | $101,892.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | Walter De La Cruz | 56kg | 1:10.01 | 4-2-2 | 4 |
| 0.8L | $4.00 |
| 3/6 | 14/03/2026 | 13 | G3 OPEN 4U | $351,124.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | Walter De La Cruz | 53kg | 1:08.93 | 5-3-3 | 5 |
| 2.3L | $19.00 |

Jockey: Tyler Baze
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes here off a 35-day let-up. At the latest run won by 6 len at this track on July 25 over 1609m defeating Midway Lane carrying 55kg at $7.50. The race before that 3rd in a small field at Los Alamitos on July 5 over 1408m, 4 len behind Mr Disrespectful with 57kg at $1.60. Tempted to look elsewhere on recent form.
Last Starts 34 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 25/07/2026 | 20 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $119,013.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | Fast | Tyler Baze | 55kg | 1:36.49 | 1-1-1 | 2 |
| 6.5L | $7.50 |
| 3/6 | 05/07/2026 | 35 | ALLOW 3U | $49,347.00 | Los Alamitos | 1408m | Fast | Antonio Fresu | 57kg | 1:21.50 | 6-3-3 | 3 |
| 4.0L | $1.60 |
| 3/5 | 31/05/2026 | 21 | G3 OPEN 3U | $139,470.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1408m | Fast | Tyler Baze | 55.5kg | 1:21.36 | 3-4-3 | 2 |
| 3.8L | $8.30 |
| 9/10 | 10/05/2026 | 42 | LR OPEN 4U | $139,665.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1207m | FM | Tyler Baze | 55.5kg | 1:08.42 | 8-7-9 | 10 |
| 8.1L | $23.10 |
| 3/6 | 29/03/2026 | 57 | G3 OPEN 4U | $140,449.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1408m | Fast | Tyler Baze | 54.5kg | 1:20.71 | 2-3-3 | 1 |
| 7.3L | $12.50 |
| 3/5 | 31/01/2026 | 34 | G2 OPEN 4U | $285,307.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1811m | Fast | Tyler Baze | 54.5kg | 1:50.52 | 2-3-3 | 4 |
| 10.3L | $4.80 |

Jockey: Joel Rosario
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes here off a 42-day let-up. Most recently 3rd in a small field in the G2 San Diego Handicap at this track on July 18 over 1710m, 3 len behind Journalism with 54kg at $14.90. The start before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 0.5 len at Santa Anita Turf on June 7 over 1609m defeating Charlie's To Blame carrying 56kg at $3.80. Thereabouts last time but others are preferred.
Last Starts 41 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/5 | 18/07/2026 | 41 | G2 OPEN 3U | $435,414.00 | Del Mar | 1710m | Fast | Antonio Fresu | 54kg | 1:42.65 | 3-3-3 | 3 |
| 3.0L | $14.90 |
| 1/11 | 07/06/2026 | 56 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $94,840.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Antonio Fresu | 56kg | 1:34.09 | 3-2-1 | 5 |
| 0.5L | $3.80 |
| 4/9 | 12/04/2026 | 29 | ALLOW 4U | $189,229.00 | Keeneland | 1609m | FM | Antonio Fresu | 53.5kg | 1:36.42 | 4-5-4 | 8 |
| 0.7L | $3.56 |
| 5/9 | 14/03/2026 | 239 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $99,719.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Antonio Fresu | 55.5kg | 1:34.95 | 2-5-5 | 3 |
| 1.6L | $3.00 |
| 2/10 | 18/07/2025 | 76 | LR OPEN 3 | $152,905.00 | Del Mar | 1609m | FM | Antonio Fresu | 56kg | 1:36.32 | 10-8-2 | 3 |
| 0.5L | $1.50 |
| 6/14 | 03/05/2025 | 183 | G1 OPEN 3 | $1,562,500.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | Good | Antonio Fresu | 55.5kg | 1:41.64 | 6-8-6 | 9 |
| 4.3L | $5.44 |

Jockey: Victor Espinoza
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a 35-day let-up. Last start 3rd of 8 in the G1 Bing Crosby Handicap at this track on July 25 over 1207m, 1.5 len behind Listenupshance with 55.5kg at $48.30. The start before that got back early 7th of 10 in the G3 HANSHIN STAKES at Churchill Downs on June 28 over 1609m, 6 len behind Nu What's New carrying 53.5kg at $19.26. In the money at the latest appearance and is among the chances.
Last Starts 34 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 25/07/2026 | 27 | G1 OPEN 3U | $580,552.00 | Del Mar | 1207m | Fast | Victor Espinoza | 55.5kg | 1:09.33 | 8-6-3 | 8 |
| 1.6L | $48.30 |
| 7/10 | 28/06/2026 | 57 | G3 OPEN 4U | $418,410.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | Fast | Florent Geroux | 53.5kg | 1:34.06 | 10-10-7 | 1 |
| 6.4L | $19.26 |
| 2/9 | 02/05/2026 | 77 | LR OPEN 4U | $279,330.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 54.5kg | 1:33.97 | 6-5-2 | 9 |
| 2.5L | $8.45 |
| 6/6 | 14/02/2026 | 28 | G3 OPEN 4U | $356,633.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 55.5kg | 1:42.49 | 4-5-6 | 3 |
| 15.9L | $9.10 |
| 6/8 | 17/01/2026 | 48 | G3 OPEN 4U | $261,584.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 55.5kg | 1:43.43 | 6-7-6 | 1 |
| 5.1L | $3.50 |
| 1/11 | 30/11/2025 | 36 | LR OPEN 3U | $381,679.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 55kg | 1:34.41 | 8-3-1 | 3 |
| 1.5L | $7.58 |

Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Entire returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last preparation by 1.5 len Santa Anita LR May 23 over 1207m defeating Book Smart carrying 57kg at $1.90. Previous preparation first-up won by 0.5 len Santa Anita May 2 over 1408m defeating Speedy Wilson carrying 57kg at $1.90. Form shown last campaign makes for good reading.
Last Starts 97 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 | 23/05/2026 | 21 | LR OPEN 3U | $139,665.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1207m | Fast | Kazushi Kimura | 57kg | 1:09.32 | 5-3-1 | 4 |
| 1.5L | $1.90 |
| 1/8 | 02/05/2026 | 153 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $94,972.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1408m | Fast | Kazushi Kimura | 57kg | 1:22.05 | 2-1-1 | 7 |
| 0.5L | $1.90 |
| 9/10 | 30/11/2025 | 29 | LR OPEN 3U | $152,672.00 | Del Mar | 1006m | FM | M Demuro | 55.5kg | 0:56.10 | 10-9-9 | 1 |
| 3.3L | $8.50 |
| 8/14 | 01/11/2025 | 287 | G1 OPEN 3U | $3,053,435.00 | Del Mar | 1207m | Fast | Kazushi Kimura | 57kg | 1:08.20 | 11-9-8 | 5 |
| 7.8L | $21.90 |
| 1/4 | 18/01/2025 | 70 | LR OPEN 4U | $201,613.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1207m | Fast | Flavien Prat | 56kg | 1:09.46 | 3-1-1 | 3 |
| 7.8L | $1.10 |
| 1/5 | 09/11/2024 | 77 | LR OPEN 3U | $152,207.00 | Del Mar | 1408m | Fast | Kazushi Kimura | 54.5kg | 1:21.39 | 4-1-1 | 2 |
| 8.5L | $1.90 |

Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. Resuming ran on from midfield and won by 1.75 len at Los Alamitos on June 28 over 1106m defeating Alphabetical Order with 57kg at $1.70. Second run from a spell 2nd of 7 at this track on July 31 over 1207m, 0.8 len behind Captivator carrying 55.5kg at $6.10. Wasn't too far off the mark last time. In the mix again.
Last Starts 28 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/7 | 31/07/2026 | 33 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $116,976.00 | Del Mar | 1207m | Fast | Joel Rosario | 55.5kg | 1:09.08 | 5-2-2 | 5 |
| 0.8L | $6.10 |
| 1/8 | 28/06/2026 | 513 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $72,524.00 | Los Alamitos | 1106m | Fast | Juan J Hernandez | 57kg | 1:03.12 | 4-3-1 | 7 |
| 1.8L | $1.70 |
| 3/7 | 31/01/2025 | 35 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $98,387.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1308m | Fast | J J Hernandez | 55.5kg | 1:16.03 | 6-3-3 | 6 |
| 0.2L | $1.50 |
| 1/5 | 27/12/2024 | 377 | MDN 35 | $92,450.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1207m | Fast | J J Hernandez | 55.5kg | 1:09.03 | 1-1-1 | 3 |
| 2.3L | $2.30 |
| 2/6 | 16/12/2023 | - | MDN 2 | $67,873.00 | Los Alamitos | 1207m | Fast | J J Hernandez | 55.5kg | 1:09.81 | 3-2-2 | 1 |
| 0.5L | $1.80 |

Jockey: Emisael Jaramillo
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
At the latest run 2nd of 8 at Colonial Downs on August 1 over 1308m, 1.5 len behind Practically Dark with 56kg at $2.10. The run before that won by 1.3 len at Colonial Downs on July 10 over 1408m defeating Lion Of Justice with 55.5kg at $6. Not on recent form.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 01/08/2026 | 22 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $105,563.00 | Colonial Downs | 1308m | Fast | Samuel Marin | 56kg | 1:15.01 | 1-3-2 | 1 |
| 1.5L | $2.10 |
| 1/6 | 10/07/2026 | 61 | ALLOW 3U | $104,499.00 | Colonial Downs | 1408m | Fast | Samuel Marin | 55.5kg | 1:20.64 | 1-1-1 | 3 |
| 1.3L | $6.00 |
| 5/6 | 10/05/2026 | 43 | ALLOW 3U | $122,905.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1609m | Fast | Edgard J Zayas | 57kg | 1:34.24 | 1-5-5 | 2 |
| 5.2L | $12.08 |
| 8/10 | 28/03/2026 | 147 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $120,787.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1308m | Fast | Yolber Torres | 52.5kg | 1:17.22 | 4-8-8 | 2 |
| 13.8L | $3.90 |
| 6/11 | 01/11/2025 | 42 | LR OPEN 3 | $114,504.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1710m | FM | Nik Juarez | 54.5kg | 1:38.37 | 9-7-6 | 6 |
| 5.0L | $4.70 |
| 2/5 | 20/09/2025 | 41 | LR OPEN 3 | $458,716.00 | Churchill Downs | 1408m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 53.5kg | 1:21.73 | 4-2-2 | 3 |
| 0.5L | $3.43 |