The Padre, making only his second start in the United States, closed stoutly through the lane Sunday in the 84th edition of the La Jolla Handicap for 3-year-olds at Del Mar and proved best by a half length.

Seven fillies and mares will see who can run fastest at six panels Thursday at Del Mar in the afternoon’s allowance feature.

All return in good order after Grade I Clement L. Hirsch.

He’s really special. Whatever you want him to do, he does.

Jockey Umberto Rispoli is no stranger to success. But nothing has compared to the ride he’s been on the past couple of months

Speedy Wilson, making his first start in nine months, ran the distance in 1:22.34 under jockey Armando Ayuso finishing a length and three quarters best of his stablemate. Shea Brennen.

It appears the horse to beat in the 84th edition of the La Jolla is the Omaha Beach colt Freedom’s Not Free. The soph is already a double stakes winner, Antonio Fresu has the call for trainer Mark Glatt and Del Mar’s morning line maker has hung him the 9/5 favorite in the field of six.

Bob Baffert likes to joke around like everybody else. But when it comes to winning Grade I races the Hall of Fame conditioner means business.

Baltic Fire, the longest shot on the board at 50-1, turned in a furious run through the stretch, burst clear at the wire in a five-horse photo and came away the winner Thursday at Del Mar in the grassy allowance feature.

Seismic Beauty © Benoit Photo The Grade I, $400,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes tops a highly competitive Saturday program at Del Mar and the filly and mare offering will be joined by the California Dreamin’...