The Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar: A Surprising Field
When examining the contenders for Saturday’s Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar, it becomes clear that some notable names are missing from California’s richest sprint race, which boasts a prize pool of $400,000. Absent from the field are Brickyard Ride, Cezanne, and Dr. Schivel, the defending Bing Crosby champion who narrowly missed out on victory in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint last fall at Del Mar. However, despite their absence, the race presents a deep and largely untested 10-horse field, all vying for a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint through this “Win and You’re In” event.
American Theorem: The Sole Graded Stakes Victor
Among the contenders, only American Theorem holds a graded stakes victory this year. Securing the Grade 2 Triple Bend at Santa Anita Park on May 29, American Theorem enters the Bing Crosby Stakes with a 4/1 odds as the co-second choice. In an exhilarating finish, he triumphed over Principe Carlo (6/1), who also appears in the Bing Crosby field, and 12/1 Get Her Number, completing the trifecta. American Theorem’s performance in the Triple Bend showcased his preference for sprinting and suggests his prospects for success in Saturday’s race.
American Theorem: An Entertaining Distance
American Theorem’s affinity for sprinting was evident in his spectacular victory in the 13/1 triumph in the 7-furlong Triple Bend race. Notably, his previous 1 ¼-mile Santa Anita Handicap start resulted in a distant sixth-place finish, lagging behind Express Train by 24 lengths. With this in mind, the shorter distance of the Bing Crosby Stakes aligns perfectly with his strengths, and his exceptional performance in the Triple Bend cements his status as a key contender.
Shaaz: The Morning Line Favorite
Standing as the morning line favorite with odds of 7/2 is Shaaz, a colt purchased for $1.1 million by Pandora Jewelry magnate, Michael Lund Petersen. Having won three out of four starts, Shaaz’s only setback occurred in the Grade 3 Steve Sexton Mile at Lone Star Park on May 30, where he finished third by less than two lengths as the 2/1 favorite. Under the guidance of renowned trainer Bob Baffert, Shaaz has exhibited exceptional prowess in training, with three bullet workouts leading up to the Bing Crosby Stakes, culminating in a blazing 6-furlong effort of 1:11.40 on July 24.
Drain the Clock: A Familiar Foe
Hailing from the East Coast, Drain the Clock (4/1) arrives in California after engaging in thrilling duels with Jackie’s Warrior in New York during the previous summer. Drain the Clock emerged victorious in the prestigious Grade 1 Woody Stephens last June, defeating the 2021 Champion Male Sprinter. However, in their subsequent encounter, Jackie’s Warrior avenged the defeat, triumphing by an impressive 7 ¼ lengths in the Grade 2 Amsterdam. Hose offerings services against big rig truck
