NTRA release

DEL MAR, Calif. – A field of 10, all with the potential to show up for Del Mar’s signature $1-million Pacific Classic on August 28, is set to go in Saturday’s 69th running of the Grade II, $200,000 San Diego Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on the main track at Del Mar.

A victory in the “Win and You’re In” Breeders’ Cup Challenge event guarantees a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. 
The field is bolstered by three entrants from the Bob Baffert barn, including 2009 Pacific Classic winner Richard’s Kid. His running mates are Sangaree and Mythical Power. Sangaree posted three straight seconds in Hollywood Park’s Mervyn LeRoy Handicap and the Californian, and the Triple Bend Handicap, while Mythical Power comes to the race from a fourth in the Cornhusker Handicap at Prairie Meadows. 

Richard’s Kid, will carry high weight of 122 pounds, including Russell Baze, the sport’s all-time leading jockey in victories. Richard’s Kid will spot his foes from four to nine pounds. 

Millionaire Battle of Hastings, whose 19-race career has been exclusively on turf, takes to the main track for the first time in the San Diego, making him something of a mystery horse in the race. Though winless in four outings this year, Battle of Hastings’ preparation for the San Diego includes two bullet workouts at 5 furlongs on Hollywood Park’s synthetic oval for trainer Jeff Mullins. 

Trainer Doug O’Neill made good on an earlier comment by supplementing Enriched, who was third behind a moderate pace in Saturday’s Eddie Read on the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. The horse was added to the roster through a $2,000 payment. 

The complete lineup from the rail, with jockeys and weights is: Enriched (Patrick Valenzuela, 117); Isle of Giant’s (Alonso Quinonez, 113); Deal Breaker (Rafael Bejarano, 115); Tres Borrachos (David Flores, 114); Sangaree (Martin Pedroza, 116); Red Eye Express (Victor Espinoza, 114); Battle of Hastings (Joe Talamo, 118); Richard’s Kid (Russell Baze, 122); Mythical Power (Martin Garcia, 117; and Dakota Phone (Joel Rosario, 117).

On Sunday, Del Mar will play host to the Grade I Bing Crosby Stakes at 6 furlongs on the main track.  Cost of Freedom and E Z’s Gentleman are expected to vie for favoritism.