Horse Race Preview: Race 9 – Grade II Yellow Ribbon Handicap at Del Mar

Top Contenders

Mahina (Post 8)

Trainer: Patrick Gallagher

Jockey: Hector Berrios

Odds: 8/1

Rating: 115

Notes: Just missed by a nose last out at Santa Anita. Peaking at the right time and gets favorable outside draw.

Liguria (Post 3)

Trainer: Michael McCarthy

Jockey: Umberto Rispoli

Odds: 7/2

Rating: 110

Notes: Third behind Be Your Best in the G1 Gamely Stakes. Rispoli seeks fourth straight Yellow Ribbon win.

Hang the Moon (Post 1)

Trainer: Philip D’Amato

Jockey: Kazushi Kimura

Odds: 3/1

Rating: 111

Notes: Multiple stakes winner. Needs rebound after flat effort in December.

Full Field Breakdown

Post	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Odds	Rating	Notes
1	Hang the Moon	Philip D’Amato	Kazushi Kimura	3/1	111	Stakes winner, needs bounce-back
2	Heredia (GB)	Graham Motion	Juan Hernandez	4/1	107	Euro import, solid Saratoga effort
3	Liguria	Michael McCarthy	Umberto Rispoli	7/2	110	G1-placed, top turf rider aboard
4	Public Assembly	Philip D’Amato	Antonio Fresu	5/1	107	Royal Heroine winner, tactical speed
5	Watchtower	Richard Baltas	Mirco Demuro	12/1	106	Needs rebound from Gulfstream flop
6	Mission of Joy	Philip D’Amato	Armando Ayuso	6/1	110	Woodbine stakes form, versatile
7	Musical Rhapsody (IRE)	Philip D’Amato	Ricardo Gonzalez	12/1	110	Consistent mare, needs firm turf
8	Mahina	Patrick Gallagher	Hector Berrios	8/1	115	Narrow loss last out, improving

Strategic Insights

Pace Scenario: Hang the Moon and Public Assembly may contest the lead. Liguria and Mahina could benefit from a stalking trip.

Track Bias: Del Mar turf favors mid-pack runners with a late kick.

Trainer Trends: D’Amato saddles four of the eight runners, including three stakes winners.

Top Pick: Mahina
Value Play: Liguria
Longshot to Watch: Mission of Joy