Horse Race Preview: Race 6 – CTT and TOC Stakes at Del Mar

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Date: August 15, 2025
Post Time: 5:30 PM PT
Surface: Turf
Distance: 1 3/8 Miles
Purse: $100,000
Eligibility: Fillies & Mares, Three-Year-Olds and Up

Field Overview & Analysis

PPHorseAgeJockeyTrainerPedigreeOrigin
1Hopeful (GB)5Kyle FreyMark GlattMake Believe – Moon MountainGB
2Nadette (FR)6Mike E. SmithNeil DrysdaleOutstrip – CibouletteFR
3Mrs. Astor5Umberto RispoliJonathan ThomasLookin At Lucky – CausalUSA
4Sunset Glory (IRE)5Kazushi KimuraMichael McCarthyCotai Glory – Giant DancerIRE
5Khinjani (GB)5Tyler BazeMark GlattSir Percy – KandahariGB
6Kentucky Gal (IRE)4Juan HernandezPhilip D’AmatoChurchill – Hold Me NowIRE
7Starry Heavens5Antonio FresuPhilip D’AmatoMastercraftsman – Etoile FilanteIRE
8Sun Of Hill (BRZ)5Tyler GaffalionePhilip D’AmatoCamelot Kitten – PositanoBRZ
9Sakura Blossom4Diego HerreraLeonard PowellClassic Empire – Mott N HesterUSA
10Alpha Bella5Hector BerriosJohn SadlerJustify – AndinaUSA
11Venganza5Mirco DemuroRichard MandellaCurlin – AvengeUSA

Top Contenders

Mrs. Astor (USA)

Trainer: Jonathan Thomas Jockey: Umberto Rispoli

Pedigree: Lookin At Lucky × Causal

Form: 3 wins in last 4 starts, including a narrow stakes win at Santa Anita

Style: Tactical stalker with a strong late burst

Notes: Proven at the distance and surface; Rispoli excels on turf routes. Pedigree suggests stamina and class.

Kentucky Gal (IRE)

Trainer: Philip D’Amato Jockey: Juan Hernandez

Pedigree: Churchill × Hold Me Now

Form: Multiple wins in 2025; narrowly beaten by Mrs. Astor last out

Style: Front-running filly with grit

Notes: D’Amato is dominant in turf stakes at Del Mar. Churchill progeny excel at middle distances.

Venganza (USA)

Trainer: Richard Mandella Jockey: Mirco Demuro

Pedigree: Curlin × Avenge

Form: Consistent stakes performer with strong closing ability

Notes: Curlin offspring thrive on turf; dam Avenge was a multiple Grade 1 winner on grass.

Trainer & Jockey Insights

Philip D’Amato: Fields three runners (Kentucky Gal, Starry Heavens, Sun Of Hill); known for turf dominance at Del Mar.

Jonathan Thomas: Emerging turf specialist with a sharp eye for stamina pedigrees.

Mike Smith (Nadette): Hall of Fame rider with tactical finesse.

Umberto Rispoli: One of the most effective turf jockeys in California.

Mirco Demuro: Internationally acclaimed rider returning to SoCal with big stakes ambitions.

Top Pick: Mrs. Astor (3)
Exacta Box: Mrs. Astor / Kentucky Gal / Venganza
Trifecta Play: 3 over 6, 11 over 2, 7
Best Longshot: Nadette (2) – sneaky class angle with Mike Smith aboard

Expect a tactical turf battle with a strong pace up front. Mrs. Astor’s consistency and closing power give her the edge, but Kentucky Gal and Venganza are legitimate threats. Nadette could surprise if the pace collapses.