The Wickerr Stakes returns to Del Mar Racetrack on Saturday, July 19, 2025, as Race 7 on the card. This $100,000 turf stakes for 3-year-olds and up spans 1 mile, drawing a deep and diverse field of seasoned turf specialists, international pedigrees, and elite West Coast connections.
Top Contenders & Pedigree Profiles
| Horse Name | Jockey | Trainer | Pedigree Highlights | Morning Line Odds |
| Beyond Brilliant | Drayden Van Dyke | John A. Shirreffs | Twirling Candy × Summer On the Lawn | 7-2 |
| Final Boss | Juan J. Hernandez | John W. Sadler | American Pharoah × Screaming Skylar | 6-1 |
| Bran (FR) | Vincent Cheminaud | John W. Sadler | Muhaarar (GB) × Best Intent (GB) | 5-1 |
| Endlessly | Hector I. Berrios | Michael W. McCarthy | Oscar Performance × Dream Fuhrever | 6-1 |
| Air Force Red | Armando Ayuso | Leonard Powell | Air Force Blue × Mesana | 8-1 |
| Almendares (GB) | Antonio Fresu | Philip D’Amato | Havana Grey (GB) × Glace (IRE) | 6-1 |
| Astronomer | Kazushi Kimura | Simon Callaghan | Air Force Blue × Qaraaba (GB) | 8-1 |
Pedigree Power Plays
Beyond Brilliant, by Twirling Candy, is a proven turf miler with Grade 2 credentials. His dam line adds stamina and turf class. Bran (FR) brings European turf pedigree via Muhaarar, known for producing elite sprinters and milers. Endlessly, by Oscar Performance, has shown versatility and class, including a strong showing in the Manhattan Stakes (G1). Almendares (GB) and Astronomer share Air Force Blue as sire, offering turf speed and international flair.
Jockey & Trainer Dynamics
Juan J. Hernandez, Del Mar’s leading rider, teams up with Final Boss, who enters off a sharp allowance win. John W. Sadler sends out two contenders—Final Boss and Bran (FR)—both with tactical speed and stakes experience. Philip D’Amato, a turf specialist, trains Almendares (GB), who placed in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile (G1). Drayden Van Dyke returns aboard Beyond Brilliant, a horse he’s piloted to multiple graded stakes wins.
Race Strategy
Beyond Brilliant may try to control the pace from the front, leveraging his tactical speed. Bran (FR) and Endlessly could sit mid-pack and launch late bids. Final Boss and Almendares (GB) offer value if the pace collapses. Air Force Red is a wildcard—capable of a big run if he gets a clean trip.
