It’s been a bit of a quiet week so far in terms of 2yo racing at Saratoga and Del Mar, but on August 5th, Del Mar did play host to a stakes races for California-breds that yielded intriguing results. Here’s a quick recap of what happened!
Del Mar Race 6: Graduation Stakes
5 1/2 furlongs on dirt
Mrazek, who ran second against open company in a pair of stakes races earlier this summer, was the heavy favorite at 3-5 and lived up to expectations with an impressive victory. With Mario Gutierrez in the saddle for trained Doug O’Neill, the son of Square Eddie battled for the early lead through an opening quarter-mile in :22.47, then kicked away in the homestretch to draw off and win by three lengths in the quick time of 1:03.77 seconds. For his effort, he received a Beyer speed figure of 86, which–according to DRF.com’s list of leading Beyer speed figures–is the fifth-highest earned by any 2yo colt or gelding so far this year. Ralis, another Doug O’Neill-trained runner, rallied from fourth to finish second by 5 1/4 lengths over Swiss Minister, who raced closed to the pace before tiring in the homestretch to finish third.
Link to the Equibase.com chart of Mrazek’s maiden win
Link to the replay of Mrazek’s maiden win
Link to Mrazek’s pedigree
