Scheduled Post Time: 6:00 PM PT
Race Conditions:
• 1 Mile
• Turf
• 3‑Year‑Old Fillies
• Grade II
• $200,000 Purse
The San Clemente Handicap is Del Mar’s premier mid‑summer turf test for 3‑year‑old fillies and a key prep for the Grade I Del Mar Oaks. The one‑mile turf configuration at Del Mar rewards tactical positioning, acceleration into the far turn, and a strong final eighth, and this year’s field is deep with graded‑stakes winners, rising turf stars, and elite California‑based barns.
Venue: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club — Del Mar, CA
Location: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA
Surface: Firm Bermuda/rye turf blend
Configuration:
One‑mile turf oval
Sweeping turns
Long, fair stretch
Turf Bias:
Neutral, slightly favoring late kickers
Inside posts often advantageous in large fields
Weather Forecast
Temperature: 72–74°F
Humidity: 70%
Wind: 8–10 mph from the west
Conditions: Clear skies, firm turf expected
Impact:
Ideal turf racing weather
Strong late turn-of-foot fillies gain advantage
No moisture expected to soften the course
Field Analysis — Grade II San Clemente Handicap (Race 9)
(Morning‑line odds are projections based on typical Del Mar graded‑stakes pricing.)
Post 1 — Pacific Sunrise
ML Odds: 5‑1 Trainer: Phil D’Amato Jockey: Antonio Fresu
Recent Finishes:
2nd — Grade III Senorita (SA, 1m Turf)
1st — Allowance (SA, 1m Turf)
3rd — Grade III Sweet Life (SA, 6½f Turf)
Analysis:
A rail‑draw filly with tactical speed and strong turf consistency. Sunrise breaks well and sits second or third early, ideal for Del Mar’s long stretch. D’Amato’s turf runners are always well‑prepared, and Fresu is excellent at timing late moves.
Strengths:
Rail draw suits her tactical style
Consistent graded‑stakes form
Strong finishing ability
Concerns:
Must avoid getting pinned inside
Vulnerable if pace collapses late
Post 2 — Coastal Charm
ML Odds: 8‑1 Trainer: Jeff Mullins Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
Recent Finishes:
1st — Allowance (DMR, 1m Turf)
4th — Grade III Providencia (SA, 1⅛m Turf)
2nd — Allowance (SA, 1m Turf)
Analysis:
A lightly raced filly with upside. Charm has a strong turn of foot but can be pace‑dependent. Rispoli knows her well and will likely drop back early and make one run.
Strengths:
Excellent late kick
Improving with each start
Trainer excels with turf fillies
Concerns:
Needs pace to run at
Still learning positioning
Post 3 — Golden Palisade
ML Odds: 3‑1 (Favorite) Trainer: Richard Mandella Jockey: Juan Hernandez
Recent Finishes:
1st — Grade III Honeymoon (SA, 1⅛m Turf)
2nd — Grade II Edgewood (CD, 1 1/16m Turf)
1st — Allowance (SA, 1m Turf)
Analysis:
The class of the field. Palisade owns the best speed figures and has already beaten several rivals. Hernandez fits her perfectly, allowing her to stalk and pounce. Her Honeymoon win was visually impressive, drawing off by 2½ lengths.
Strengths:
Best class and turf speed figures
Proven graded‑stakes winner
Ideal running style for Del Mar
Concerns:
Will be heavily bet
Must avoid traffic in mid‑pack
Post 4 — Surfside Serenade
ML Odds: 12‑1 Trainer: John Sadler Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Recent Finishes:
3rd — Allowance (SA, 1m Turf)
5th — Grade III Senorita
1st — Maiden (SA, 1m Turf)
Analysis:
A grinding type who prefers long, sustained runs rather than quick bursts. Serenade is a one‑paced filly who needs a hot early tempo to set up her late kick. Gaffalione is patient and will try to save ground.
Strengths:
Strong stamina
Runs evenly every time
Could benefit from pace meltdown
Concerns:
Lacks acceleration
Needs perfect setup
Post 5 — Del Mar Duchess
ML Odds: 4‑1 Trainer: Doug O’Neill Jockey: Mario Gutierrez
Recent Finishes:
1st — Grade III Senorita (SA, 1m Turf)
2nd — Allowance (DMR, 1m Turf)
3rd — Grade III Sweet Life
Analysis:
A rapidly improving filly with tactical speed. Duchess nearly wired a graded field last out but tired late. Gutierrez is aggressive and may send hard from the outside. If she clears, she becomes dangerous.
Strengths:
Strong early speed
Improving with experience
Outside post allows clean run
Concerns:
Distance may push her limits
Vulnerable to late pressure
Post 6 — Baja Breeze
ML Odds: 15‑1 Trainer: Peter Eurton Jockey: Kent Desormeaux
Recent Finishes:
3rd — Allowance (SA, 1m Turf)
4th — Allowance (DMR, 1m Turf)
5th — Maiden (SA)
Analysis:
A longshot with modest figures but improving form. Breeze has shown better tactical positioning recently. Desormeaux is a veteran rider who excels at navigating wide posts at Del Mar.
Strengths:
Improving slowly
Can sit mid‑pack
Outsider with upset potential
Concerns:
Lacks graded‑stakes experience
Needs major jump in speed
Pace Projection
Early Speed: Del Mar Duchess
Pressers: Pacific Sunrise, Golden Palisade
Closers: Coastal Charm, Surfside Serenade, Baja Breeze
Expect a moderate pace, with Duchess trying to clear and Sunrise pressing. Palisade sits the perfect trip.
