Race Details
Race Name: La Jolla Handicap (Grade 3)
Track: Del Mar Racecourse, CA
Surface: Turf
Distance: 1 1/16 miles (1710 meters)
Purse: $130,000
Eligibility: 3-Year-Olds
Post Time: 5:00 PM PT
Race Storylines
The La Jolla Handicap is a key summer turf stakes for 3-year-olds, often serving as a prep for the Del Mar Derby. This year’s field features a mix of proven stakes performers, European imports, and rising turf specialists. With top jockeys like Mike Smith, Juan Hernandez, and Umberto Rispoli in the irons, expect a tactical and competitive race.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
1. Game Warrior (USA)
Pedigree: Game Winner × Le Mi Geaux
Jockey: Hector Isaac Berrios
Trainer: Peter Miller
Record: 11 starts – 2 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds
Form: 4514×24431
Notes: Comes off a win and has solid turf form. Track specialist with consistent performances. Could set the pace or stalk.
2. Maaz (FR)
Pedigree: Galiway (GB) × Exceedingly Diva (GB)
Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy
Record: 2 starts – 1 win
Form: 1×5
Notes: Lightly raced French import with upside. Trainer excels with turf runners. Needs to prove class at this level.
3. Freedom’s Not Free (USA)
Pedigree: Omaha Beach × Wonderfuladventure
Jockey: Antonio Fresu
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Record: 7 starts – 3 wins, 3 thirds
Form: 35x131x13
Notes: Versatile and consistent. Strong closing kick. Fresu and Glatt are a top combo. Major contender.
4. Artislas (USA)
Pedigree: Catalina Cruiser × Moms Pride (FR)
Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Record: 8 starts – 4 wins, 1 third
Form: 11181x35x4
Notes: Stakes winner with tactical speed. Has faced tough company. Dangerous if he gets a clean trip.
5. Day and Age (USA)
Pedigree: Omaha Beach × Skipalute
Jockey: Mike E. Smith
Trainer: Sean Williams
Record: 7 starts – 2 wins, 1 second
Form: 246×6116
Notes: Has shown flashes of talent. Smith’s presence adds intrigue. Needs pace to close into.
6. The Padre (IRE)
Pedigree: Ghaiyyath (IRE) × Shalanaya (IRE)
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Trainer: Philip D’Amato
Record: 2 starts – 1 win, 1 second
Form: 1×2
Notes: European pedigree and top turf connections. D’Amato excels with imports. Could be the sleeper.
| Position | Horse | Reasoning |
| 1st | Freedom’s Not Free | Tactical speed, strong form, top connections |
| 2nd | Artislas | Stakes experience, versatile running style |
| 3rd | The Padre | Upside, pedigree, and top turf trainer |
Win Bet: Freedom’s Not Free
Exacta Box: Freedom’s Not Free / Artislas / The Padre
Longshot Play: Maaz (FR) – lightly raced with upside
