The Del Mar Handicap horse racing season is back for its summer show. With its 2-month-long stay, the event has hosted some mouth-gaping races. And its latest on September 2nd was no less of its known peculiarity for the equestrian community.

The race on Saturday involved the Grade 2 equines competing for the $300000 Breeder’s Cup alongside “Win and You’re In’ Breeder’s Cup Turf” to be held later in the year. In for a rewarding title, the equines raced at the Del Mar racetrack, bringing forth a competitive and quality watch for the horse racing enthusiasts.

Jockeys Race Into The Final Furlong At Del Mar Handicap

The equines at the Del Mar Turf gave an unpredictable start to the mile-long race on Saturday. Moving forward, Crosby Beach and Azul Coast were at each other demanding domination of the contest. Following the two Nineeleventurbo and Planetario tagged along by a comfortable length.

However, the defending champion, Gold Phoenix, whom everybody had their eyes on, was strategically laid back in the field by Jockey Juan Hernandez. The equestrian moved swiftly yet behind for the first three turns until he saw an opening. Spotting his chance, Juan strategically maneuvered. LRF owned Balardo into the lead. Through to the final furlong, Gold Phoenix set ahead to maintain a considerable length and into the first finish. The 5-year-old gelding recorded the finish at 2:15.34.

“What a ride… He just rode it perfectly, he was so patient,” Billy Koch, Founder, and Managing Partner at Little Red Feather, said expressing his happiness in an interview with TVG.

Astonishingly, yesterday’s victory, however, wasn’t Gold Phoenix’s first one. The gelding was just back to defend his title.

Gold Phoenix’s equestrian record

The Number 10, Grade 2 equine, has quite a few titles to his name. Before his win at the Del Mar Handicap 2023, the gelding secured a win at the Eddie Read Stakes on July 30th of the same year.

The current victory was Gold Phoenix’s second straight slide into the title after his win last year. The Phil D’Amato-trained horse has steadily earned a name for himself. Starting the career in 2022, the racehorse has made it to the top 3 a total of 10 times, with 4 wins, 3 places, and 3 shows.

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With his current career earnings at $826,980, Gold Phoenix continues to keep up with its impressive track record. For his next race, the gelding will compete at the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (GI) to be run at Santa Anita Park on November 4.

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