1

Du Jour

This is his ideal trip and he sprinted past rivals in the straight for a highly impressive victory in the 2023 Del Mar Mile, but there have been some disappointments this year and, though finishing fast along the rail, couldn’t repeat that win this year, though a close fourth.

2

Irideo

Hard to see this veteran making a big impact having finished fifth and sixth in this G2 in the past two years, and has also suffered comprehensive defeats by today’s rival Conclude on his last two starts.

3

Johannes

Strong chances and yet to be beaten this year, with two course and distance victories here including a super-tough performance in the G1 Shoemaker Mile, most recently winning a G2 at Del Mar in late July. To be ridden by Umberto Rispoli who is six for seven aboard him.

4

Packs A Wahlop

Gained consecutive Stakes victories in 2022 including a G3 over 1600m here at Santa Anita. Has largely struggled since and though showing some zip on his last two starts, looks outclassed here. May go forward early.

5

Easter

Supporters will hope that he can return to the form of 2023 when his winning spree included victories in a G2 at Del Mar and an 1800m G2 here at Santa Anita. Twice struggling behind rival here Johannes at Santa Anita and Del Mar on his last two starts.

6

Trikari

Has a fearsome reputation in the East of the US, winning his last two starts including the G1 Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes and a G2 at Colonial Downs, the latter over this trip when showing a smooth change of gear from midfield under Hall Of Fame rider John Velazquez who is also making the trip to the West Coast.

7

Astronomer

Only beaten a neck in this last year – probably a career-best record – and most recently another strong finish saw him only beaten 1/2L in third by Conclude in the Del Mar Mile. Another place looks more likely than a win.

8

Almendares

Came close to springing a mini-surprise when almost upsetting front-running stablemate Conclude in the Del Mar Mile. He is multiple graded stakes race placed without being able to grab a win in that company so far but looks progressive.

9

Conclude

A return to front-running tactics served him well when he bravely fended off rivals in the stretch to win the recent Del Mar Mile. Likely to try similar tactics with second, third and fourth out to turn the tables on him. A former winner over 1300m here.