With Honors © Zoe Metz for Del Mar Thoroughbred Club FLAVIEN PRAT (With Honors, winner) – “She was rank on me early, but I got her up front and near the leader and that seemed...

Richard Baltas © Benoit MABEE AND DERBY-WINNING TRAINERS END MEETING ON HIGH NOTE In the winner’s circle after Free Rose’s victory in the Grade II $250,000 Del Mar Derby on Sunday, trainer Richard Baltas looked...

Free Rose © Benoit Free Rose, who won the La Jolla Handicap at odds of almost 30-1 early last month, proved that triumph was no fluke Sunday as he scored a narrow victory at 11-1...

Avenge © Zoe Metz for Del Mar Thoroughbred Club FLAVIEN PRAT (Avenge, winner) – “Richard (trainer Mandella) said: ‘Just stay calm.’ This filly has a little breathing problem and she needs to relax. Today she...

Straight Fire © Zoe Metz for Del Mar Thoroughbred Club STRAIGHT TALK FROM KEITH DESORMEAUX ON STRAIGHT FIRE J. Keith Desormeaux has had a couple of very good 2-year-olds the past two years. Texas Red...

Union Strike © Benoit Union Strike, second in her career debut July 31, broke her maiden in style Saturday with an upset victory in the featured Grade I $300,000 Del Mar Debutante for two-year-old fillies....

Bowies Hero © Benoit RAFAEL BEJARANO (Bowies Hero, winner) – “The race came up just the way I hoped. I loved my position. On the turn, I swung him out and asked him and he...

Chasing Aces © Benoit Del Mar’s 77th summer season of Thoroughbred racing will be climaxed Monday* with a vintage renewal of the Grade I $300,000 Del Mar Futurity, the seven-furlong contest for two-year-olds which has...

Trojan Nation © Benoit BIG WEEKEND FOR TROJAN NATION: PEOPLE TODAY, HORSE TOMORROW Trojan Nation, the term for the legions of USC sports followers, will be fired up and focused late this afternoon when the...

Mo Soul © Benoit Mo Soul, overlooked in the wagering at 20-1, outbattled 13-10 favored California Diamond in the stretch to win the $150,345 I’m Smokin Stakes for California-bred two-year-olds Friday at Del Mar. With...