Handicapper's Corner: 2020 Del Mar Oaks (G1)

 A Splendid Field for the Del Mar Oaks

By: Laurie Ross, Pedigree Power

 

The $300,000 Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks traditionally attracts a large field of elite 3-year-old fillies, and 2022 is no exception. The 1 1/8 mile event held over the Del Mar turf course attracted a field of 14.

Billed as race 8, post time is 5:34 PM PT.

Let’s review the most likely contenders to hit the board.

11. Spendarella — The class of the field, Spendarella’s sole loss was no disgrace, she placed second in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Previously, the Graham Motion trainee won the Grade 3 Herecomesthebride at Gulfstream and the Grade 2 Appalachian at Keeneland. Spendarella is a pace presser, and may have a wide trip in her first attempt at 1 1/8 miles.

5.  Cairo Memories — She’s undefeated at 1 1/8 miles, having won the Grade 3 Providencia and Grade 2 Honeymoon Stakes at Santa Anita. However, Cairo Memories found the 1 ¼ miles of the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks a little too far in her last outing. She won her debut at Del Mar and the Bob Hess trainee drilled two pre-race works, including a bullet five furlongs over the turf. She’s one of a trio who may vie for the lead.

2. Bellabel (IRE) —  Winner of the Grade 2 San Clemente Stakes here in July, Bellabel  brings a three-race win streak into the Del Mar Oaks. The stalker drew off in all three starts at a mile, a good indication that she may handle 1 1/8 miles.

9. Txope (FR) — Making her first start in the U.S. for John Sadler, Txope captured the Group 2 German One Thousand Guineas. John Sadler has one win from 19 starters, but eight in the money after the trainer switch.

 

Logical longshots:

6.  Tezzaray (GB) — After pressing the pace in the San Clemente Stakes, Tezzaray had to check hard and change course in the stretch due to Lucky Girl being rank and coming out into her path. Previously, Tezzaray won the Grade 3 Jimmy Durante here last November.

3. Island of Love (IRE) — She’s been in the money in six of seven lifetime. The Phil D’Amato trainee also had to steady and alter course in the San Clemente, but got up for third place, a neck behind Sixteen Arches.

7. Sixteen Arches (IRE) — Off slowly in the San Clemente, Sixteen Arches closed from the back of the pack to grab second place. It was her first victory in the U.S. in four starts, and her speed ratings are improving. She’s worth a look for an exotics placing.

 

Analysis:

There’s a lot of speed in the Del Mar Oaks. Spendarella, Cairo Memories, Gracelund Gray, and Lady T may vie for the lead, with Tezary and Lucky Girl finding a spot up close. Bellabel may settle mid-pack and Sixteen Arches will make her run late.

 

5.  Cairo Memories (3-1)

11. Spendarella (8-5)

2. Bellabel (IRE) (5-1)

3. Island of Love (IRE) (12-1)