West Coast sprinters will flash their pace as soon as once more Saturday when a discipline of 10 will face off within the Pat O’Brien Stakes at Del Mar. Contested at seven-eighths of a mile, the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien presents added distance versus final month’s six-furlong Bing Crosby Stakes, giving closers a little bit extra time to attempt to collar the speedsters within the stretch.
This yr’s version encompasses a rematch of the highest two finishers in 2025, Dr. Venkman and Stronghold, who’ll vie together with the opposite starters for a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Grime Mile held round two turns Oct. 31 at Keeneland.
1. Stronghold: Began out 2026 in sharp type with a pair of wins. However was then a disappointing sixth within the Bing Crosby. The added distance might allow him to rebound with a greater strive right here.
JOCKEY: Antonio Fresu; TRAINER: Phil D’Amato
2. Dr. Venkman: Gained final yr’s Pat O’Brien at 5-2 odds however has but to regain his prime type this yr. Was sixth within the Bango Stakes at Churchill Downs and fifth within the Bing Crosby. He likes this observe, however would want to see some enchancment earlier than backing him in a spot like this.
JOCKEY: Umberto Rispoli; TRAINER: Mark Glatt
3. Vodka Vodka: Appears an odd spot for a gelding who has not run since April and has not raced at lower than a mile since Feb. 15, 2024 when he was fifth at 6 ½ furlongs in his profession debut. Faces a tricky process.
JOCKEY: Kent Desormeaux; TRAINER: Aggie Ordonez
4. Gold Sweep: Confirmed little when seventh within the Bing Crosby. Was in good type earlier than that, and whereas seven furlongs appears past his scope, he might sneak into the exotics.
JOCKEY: Ricardo Gonzalez; TRAINER: John Haran
5. Bartholdly: Was claimed for $100,000 out of his final begin, a giant win at a mile in an allowance non-compulsory claimer on this observe. The ultimate time makes him aggressive on this discipline, however can he duplicate it? Has completed third in his final 4 appearances in graded stakes and will determine within the exotics.
JOCKEY: Tyler Baze; TRAINER: Jose D’Angelo
6. Iron Man Cal: Made his first begin on dust final trip when third behind the now-retired Journalism within the 1 1/16-mile San Diego Handicap. Ran on turf earlier than that, in races at a mile or extra, aside from a fourth at 5 furlongs in his profession debut. Would possibly discover the fractions a bit too quick for his style right here.
JOCKEY: Joel Rosario; TRAINER: Phil D’Amato
7. Moonlight: Closed quick within the ultimate furlong of the Bing Crosby, making up 7 ½ lengths within the ultimate furlong whereas racing for coach Peter Miller for the primary time. If he can kick into gear faster, the wind may blow some luck in your path and Moonlight might really feel proper on Saturday.
JOCKEY: Victor Espinoza; TRAINER: Peter Miller
8. Massive Metropolis Lights: California-bred was third within the 2024 Pat O’Brien. Has solely raced six occasions since and is available in off a state-bred stakes win in Might. Has labored sharply and may very well be aggressive along with his greatest effort.
JOCKEY: Kazushi Kimura; TRAINER: Richard Mandella
9. March of Time: Makes his stakes debut for Bob Baffert on the age of 5. Has the type of operating fashion that ought to work right here and should fireplace a prime race in his third begin after an extended layoff.
JOCKEY: Juan Hernandez; TRAINER: Bob Baffert
10. Jimmy’s Dailys: Has been racing with modest success within the East. Was second in an allowance non-compulsory claiming race at Colonial Downs however posted a bland pace determine.
JOCKEY: Emisael Jaramillo; TRAINER: Jose D’Angelo
THE PICK: Stronghold
LIVE LONGSHOT: Moonlight
SUPERFECTA: 1-9-8-7
