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Sat August 26th, 2023 |
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Stakes Spotlight
Del Mar Race 10
Post Time 8:30 PM CST
PAT O'BRIEN STAKES (G2)
Starting with the group returning from the Bing Crosby (G1) last month, #7 SPIRIT OF MAKENA had a complete EX - EXCUSE and never in the right spot to compete before taken in hand late. His prior races both here at Del Mar and winning in graded stakes company at today's 7f distance fit right back in with today's conditions. Rival #9 ANARCHIST overall had a favorable trip and could benefit from the fitness in his second start off the layoff though still must prove he belongs at this graded stakes level and 7f distance. The distance change should benefit #3 HOIST THE GOLD, though is another that has come up short on "class" at times in graded stakes races. Some intent could be in play with R. Gutierrez named to ride, a rider that will make his first start aboard today though has been named at times in the past looking at scratches.
#8 VISITANT could prefer the synthetic, however has run competitive races and held his figures when running on the main track. His main track starts have been limited, though many of those events were contested at a route distance (does seem to move up one-turn) in graded stakes company. As far as his Keeneland 7f allowance back in 2020, that was his first start off a 404-day layoff and given no favors that day with the outside post and slow start that kept him from his best effort and a race he rebounded from.
#4 SIR ATTICUS showed a lot of run on debut, a BTL effort where the IMPROVE was projected and did just that breaking his maiden and winning against allowance company earning B+ OptixGRADE with improving OptixFIG. The step up in class is warranted here, though in order to contend for that top spot, he will require another move forward today.