Presented by Japan Racing Association

Gold Phoenix © Benoit Photo

JUAN HERNANDEZ (Gold Phoenix, winner) -- “Plan A was to save ground. My horse relaxed really well today and was so patient. This time I go outside because I had a lot of horses in front of me. So I say I want to swing out and see if I can find something. If not I can go back inside. But I was able to find some space to come through, and after that he flew for home. He is getting better every race. Last time he was a little closer and he was able to keep up that space and able to win that race. I just have to wait and he loved the distance.”

Breeders’ Cup?

“You know it’s always a hope to run in those kinds of races and I have been able to race some horses that have finished second. Hopefully this year I can get a good winner. I have a couple good horses.”

PHIL D’AMATO (Gold Phoenix, winner) – “He was loaded and looked like he had the perfect split. I just love how confident Juan (Hernandez) rode him. Did a great job. Juan and I have had good luck over the years. I haven’t used him much at the meet but I used him at the right time.”

FRACTIONS:  :48.74  1:13.80  1:39.28  2:03.87  2:15.34

The stakes win was the fifth of the meet for rider Hernandez and the fifth of the session for trainer D’Amato.

This was the first victory in the Del Mar Handicap for rider Hernandez, but his 38th stakes win at Del Mar overall.

This was the seventh victory in the Del Mar Handicap for trainer D’Amato and his 49 stakes tally at Del Mar.