Handicapper's Corner: 2026 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (G1)

 

Seismic Beauty vulnerable favorite in Clement L. Hirsch Stakes

By: Laurie Ross, Pedigree Power

Del Mar’s $400,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes, a Breeders’ Cup qualifier, attracted a field of nine older fillies and mares that will vie for a spot in the Distaff.

Bob Baffert has won the last three editions of the Clement Hirsch and four of the last six, including last year’s winner #8 Seismic Beauty. She hopes to follow in the hoofprints of Adare Manor, who won back-to-back editions in 2023-2024.

Featured as race 10, the 1 1/16 mile dirt race has a 6:40 PM ET post time.

Let’s review the most likely suspects:  

8. Seismic Beauty (5-2) hopes to copy stablemate Adare Manor as a two-time winner of the Clement L. Hirsch. However, she returned off a long layoff to finish a distant third in a four-horse field in the Santa Margarita (G2) behind Om and Joy and Simply Joking, and this Bob Baffert trainee earned an 89 Brisnet rating, one of the lowest of her career. After the race, Baffert stated, “She was fresh and got into a speed duel she wasn’t ready for. She never relaxed. Went too fast early and just emptied out.”

3. Om N Joy (6-1) is back at her happy place. She captured the Fleet Treat Stakes and Torrey Pines (G3) here last year. She had a rocky start to 2016, placing third in the Beholder (G1), and was off the board in two other stakes.  In her last start, the Aggie Ordonez trainee sat behind a blistering pace in the Santa Margarita and ran down Simply Joking, earning the field’s best last-race Brisnet figure of 100, despite Kent Desormeaux losing his crop.

Om N Joy proved she can capitalize on that scenario when she sat behind a blistering pace in the Santa Margarita and ran down Simply Joking, earning the field’s best last-race Brisnet figure of 100. She is also 2-for-4 at Del Mar, has finished in the money in all four local starts and fired a bullet :46.20 half-mile here July 19. 

6. Simply Joking (5-1) should appreciate the distance cut back; she has two wins and a second-place finish at 1 1/16 miles. She set a sharp pace in the Santa Margarita but couldn’t hold off Om N Joy at the end. Previously, she won the Santa Maria (G3) and her Brisnet speed ratings have improved with her maturity. She’ll have to contend with other speed types but has the class edge.

5. Majestic Oops (9-2) is the most dependable mare in the field. She’s hit the board in 26 of 37 starts, owns three victories at 1 1/16 miles and enters with four consecutive Brisnet ratings between 91 and 98.

Her Shawnee (G3) third was better than it appears. She raced several lengths off a strong pace, launched a five-wide move and was beaten only 3 1/4 lengths by Splendora. Her 94 late-pace figure is the strongest last-out closing number in this field.

9. Eunomia (5-1)  ships for Saffie Joseph, Jr.  She owns two wins, a second and a third from five starts at 1 1/16 miles, with a career-best 99 Brisnet rating. Two starts ago, she pressed Alpine Princess through moderate fractions in the Doubledogdare (G2), took the lead and lost by only a head while finishing 6 1/2 lengths clear of third. Over the last three years, Joseph’s horses have started five times in California with two wins and a third-place finish; however, both shippers to Del Mar were off the board.

1. Chasten (4-1)  ships in for Brad Cox. She is improving and draws the rail, allowing Florent Geroux to secure a ground-saving stalking position behind the pace battle. She won the Obeah by 6 1/4 lengths last time, earning a 96 speed rating.

Her concern is class. She flattened out when fifth in the La Troienne, and this is a much more demanding assignment than the Obeah. Additionally, Race Lens shows that over the last three years, Cox has shipped a dozen horses to California for 14 races, resulting in 2 wins and three in-the-money spots. 

Analysis

Seismic Beauty and Simply Joking are confirmed pacesetters and may duel, which will set up the race for an off-the-pace type.

Om N Joy gets the most favorable pace setup. The outside-speed congestion should let Kent Desormeaux save ground from post 3, settle her behind the leaders and make one run. Om N Joy has the best recent performance, proven Del Mar form and the only genuine closer in a speed-heavy field.

Majestic Oops lacks Om N Joy’s explosive recent finish, and Joel Rosario has been winning at a low percentage during the meet, but Majestic Oops should pick up the pieces when the leaders begin backing up.

Eunomia has tactical speed. Unlike Simply Joking and Seismic Beauty, Eunomia does not absolutely need the lead. However, from post 9, she risks being caught wide into the first turn, and her natural speed may pull her closer to the expected pace battle than is ideal.

The shippers Eunomia and Chasten are worth a look for underneath spots if you’re playing the field.

3. Om N Joy (6-1)

8. Seismic Beauty (5-2)

5. Majestic Oops (9-2)

6. Simply Joking (5-1)

  

Handicapper's Corner: 2026 Ruffian Stakes (G2)

 Picks 'N Plays for the Ruffian Stakes

By:  MaryJo Moncheski, ThoroFan Handicapper

Saturday’s Grade 2 Ruffian Stakes at Belmont at the Big A was named in honor of the tragic black heroine. Once a prestigious Grade 1 event at 1 1/8 miles, the Ruffian has been watered down to a Grade 2 at a mile.

This year, seven older fillies and mares will enter the starting gate at 4:09 PM ET. Let’s review the field.

 

For this very short field, there isn’t a point in picking a superfecta, so I went with just the trifecta. When fields are 7 horses or less, you’re not going to make much on the superfecta, especially if a horse ends up scratching. My trifecta includes longshot Dry Powder, Eumonia, and Irish Maxima.

#7 Dry Powder to Win

I really like Dry Powder with Trainer Chad Summers, even though she just ran last week in the G1La Troienne  where she finished ninth. She has had decent workouts leading up to the La Troienne so it makes me wonder if that was a prep race for the Ruffian. When you consider Jockey Kazushi Kimura is aboard and the fact she won at this distance at Belmont at the Big A twice, I think she has a good chance. She has come back in form after a layoff, so maybe this is the race she was always meant to run.

#3 Eunomia to Place

I went with #3 Eunomia to place mostly because I think she will be a heavy favorite with Jockey Tyler Gaffalione. In December, she came back to form after a few months off to win a $32k Optional Claiming Race at Tampa Bay Downs. Since then, her form and speed have been pretty consistent at various distances, including a mile. Her last race out in the Keeneland Baird Doubledog Dare G2 she lost by just a neck. I think she has what it takes to go to the front with Dry Powder.

#6 Irish Maxima to Show

I liked #6 Irish Maxima over #5 Inefficiency because she has proven herself more after a layoff. She was off from August 30, 2025 to February 21, 2026 and came back to finish in the money on slop at Aqueduct. She has been consistent in getting back to form, winning her last two races. I am not sure how she will do going back up to a harder class, but with the small field, she has a good chance.

My Bets:

$10 to win on #7

$2 exacta box 7-3

.50 trifecta box 7-3-6

 

Handicapper's Corner: 2026 Apple Blossom Stakes (G1)

 

 Longshots can Bloom in Apple Blossom Stakes

By: John Caro, ThoroFan Handicapper 

The $1.25 million Grade 1 Apple Blossom Stakes features nine older fillies and mares traveling 1 1/16 miles over the Oaklawn Park oval.

The track should be fast, but the par speed listed on the Brisnet form (100) is in question from my perspective. I think the par is closer to 97.

We have several who like to be on the lead, with many who like to track a leader. If the track plays as usual, closers will be left behind, relegated to the bottom of the exotics.

Carded as Race 10 of 12, post time is 5:47 PM CT. Let’s review the field.

#1 Nitrogen – Casse/Ortiz, J – She has never been out of the money in 14 starts, with half of them wins. She has the most graded-stakes experience and $2+ million in earnings to her credit. Last out she didn't appreciate the wet track and didn't finish in a straight path. She lost to the next two listed below. 9/5 odds. Always a Contender.

#2 Majestic Oops – Ward/Arrieta  - Won the Azeri last out against Nitrogen, loves Oaklawn with 8 races, 4 wins and 2 placings. Arrieta was aboard for three of those wins shown on the form. She's a tracker and can close to finish from midpack as well. Good choice for a win contender at a good price 9-2.

#3 Regaled – Beckman/Ramos  - She is a late closer and used that talent to finish second behind Majestic Oops in the Azeri by 3/4. Has had 15 starts on fast tracks with two wins, one placing and four thirds. In her four starts on off track conditions, she hasn't been out of the exacta and won twice. If the track was wet, I'd give her a shot. Bottom of exotics.

#4 Dazzling Move – Joseph/Gonzalez  - Recent form doesn't look so good, but she's been off for 77 days with six works and adds blinkers for this one. Looking back at her races, she was competitive and speedy when going to the front. I think Saffie has a plan, and Gonzalez is the type of rider that can move her on the front or nearly so. Could make an impression on the pace and will likely be in the lower exotics. 15-1

#5 Om N Joy -  Ordonez/Desormeaux  - Her races have, for the most part, been against state-bred or restricted races. This will be quite a test. She's only had one race this year, about 35 days ago. Two works since her last, and is a closer when she wins. Think the competition will be too much, given her speed figures going a route of ground. Toss

#6 Nerazurri – Casse/Torres  - Her form is excellent, and she loves Oaklawn with 4 races, 3 wins and a placing this year. Likes the lead but doesn't need it to win. Although not tested against this level, except for her place finish against Nitrogen at this track, gives me confidence that she will show up in the exotics and my surprise with a win. Must use. 6-1

#7 Five G – Weaver/Velasquez  - Last seen winning with Johnny V up against lesser going a mile. She's had some good wins, including the Gulfstream Oaks and a second in the Honeybee here last year. Johnny put her on the bridle last year in the Cash Run and won by 9. He could put her on the lead and stroll through the backstretch and leave them flat-footed if others let him get away with it. Dangerous at 10-1.

#8 Claret Beret – Joseph/Husbands  - She likes to come from off the pace as she did at Gulfstream, going the distance in the Royal Delta, winning by 5 lengths. I believe if she moves closer to the pace, she can close with the best in the field. Must use at 8-1.

#9 Blue Fire – Asmussen/Geroux  - Coming from the outside post is not helping her front-running style going against smaller fields but Geroux is a patient rider and skilled at making a move at the right point in a race. At 15-1 I'll use him in the exotics and a small win wager given her late pace figure.

Handigambling menu….you must decide how large your wagers should be.

Going to stick with #2 Majestic Oops on top and the 6, 7 and 8 are likely in the money

$.50 Trifecta – 2 with 1,6,7,8 with All   $14

$1 Exacta Box – 2,6,7,8,9   $20

$.50  Superfecta  - 8 with 2,7 with All with All  $42  (If available, a $.10 Super cost $8.40 but should pay well if the 8 is on top of 2 or 7)

Longshot player’s Win wagers on 6,7,8,9  Dutch your win wagers on theses four and play the exacta box above.

Like $6 win 9, $9 win 7, $11 win 8, & $14 win 6. Each would pay $96-99 given the ML odds.  

$60 total for the win and exacta box.

 

 

Handicapper's Corner: 2025 Santa Margarita (G2)

 The heat is on in Santa Margarita Stakes

By: Laurie Ross, Pedigree Power

The $200,000 Grade 2 Santa Margarita at Santa Anita attracted a small competitive field of six older fillies and mares on Sunday’s card.

Formerly a Grade 1 contest, the Santa Margarita list of winners includes Zenyatta and her sister Balance, Life is Sweet, Nashoba’s Key and Adare Manor, who captured the last two editions of the 1 1/8 mile event.

The Santa Margarita is featured as race 3 of 10 with a post time of 2:05 PM PT.

Let’s review the field.

Liberal Lady returns to Santa Anita, where she has a 7-2-0-1 record. She’s been hit-or-miss against lesser types but can press the pace. The Leonard Powell trainee is up against better fillies, and her Brisnet late-pace figures are some of the lowest in the Santa Margarita, but if she settles a few lengths off a hot pace, she has a shot to light up the exotics.

The lightly raced Princess of Time has only four starts under her girth. This 5-year-old didn’t make it to the races until last April when she was off slow and bumped in a turf maiden race. MIA until this January, the Mike McCarthy trainee bested maidens by 2 1/2 lengths at six furlongs. Princess of Time did the same in her next start, then was third against optional claimers at a mile. While her Brisnet ratings are competitive, Princess of Time adds distance, faces more experienced foes, and will be challenged on the front end. Pass.

Where’s My Ring scratched from the Gamely (G1) for a more suitable spot on the dirt. She’s coming off a third-place finish in the Apple Blossom (G1) and captured the 1 1/8 mile Gazelle (G3) last year. She was off until this March when she bested optional claimers at Oaklawn. Now she’s making her first start for Peter Miller, who has 2 winners from 16 starters after a trainer switch. Both winners were turf sprinter – milers. Where’s My Ring has tactical speed and can settle off the just off the pace. She’s also one of two in here with a victory at 1 1/8 miles. Contender.

Splendora has faced better in her quest for a graded win. She was second to Kopion in last year’s La Brea (G1) and fourth behind that rival in the Santa Monica (G2). Kopion ran away with the  Derby City Distaff (G1) in her last start and is one of the top sprinters in the country.

The Bob Baffert trainee chased Richi (Chi) in the Santa Maria (G2) in her last start. Splendora earned a career-best 105 Brisnet speed rating in her last start, and her late-pace figures are the best in the field. She’s only won on the lead, but she has plenty of early zip, having set a 12.56 first quarter in her second start. Baffert captured the last two editions of the Santa Margarita with Adare Manor. While Splendora isn’t in that one’s league, she could run this group off their feet – if she can carry her speed. Contender.

Alpha Bella scratched from the Gamely (G1). She hasn’t won since January 2024, when she captured the 1 1/2 mile La Prevoyante (G3) over the Gulfstream lawn. The John Sadler trainee is consistently in the money against Grade two and Grade 3 types on dirt, and switches back to dirt after a one-length loss in the Wilshire (G3). John Sadler has a 34% win rate with this angle, but 59% of his charges hit the board. Alpha Bella only wins while on the lead; otherwise, she’s a solid exotics play.

When she has the lead, Seismic Beauty is unstoppable. She captured her second start last year by five lengths after dueling through quick early fractions. Bob Baffert’s charge didn’t get the lead in her next pair of starts against optional claimers and was green down the lane. Once straightened out, she had every opportunity but stayed behind the pacesetter.

In her second start against optional claimers, Seismic Beauty broke a step slow from the rail. She rushed up but had to tap on the brakes. Down the lane, JJ Hernandez tried to push Seismic Beauty through a hole, but she didn’t want any part of that and finished a non-threatening third. The experiment ended in her last start against optional claimers, this time at a mile. Seismic Beauty broke confidently, established the lead, and won by ten lengths, as an even-money favorite should.

The question is – can Seismic Beauty carry her speed 1 1/8 miles? Uncle Mo’s daughter is out of a stakes-placed sprinter by Medaglia d’Oro, and the little blacktype in her immediate family is speed-oriented. However, her breeding suggests that Seismic Beauty can handle 1 1/8 miles. She’s a wildcard, as we don’t know how she’ll react to being challenged on the lead. Her late-pace figures are in the mid-80s, but her mid-race figures are in the 100s. Talented but quirky. Exotics.

Analysis

Five of the last 12 Santa Margarita heroines won or placed in the Santa Maria. Speed rules at Santa Anita. Five of the previous 12 winners set the pace, while the majority of the rest were pressers. Bet the favorite. None have placed worse than fourth in 12 years, and four of the last five won.

Splendora fits the historical winner’s profile. The Grade 1-placed filly has plenty of speed but is a vulnerable favorite.

Where’s My Ring has experience at 1 1/8 miles and can press the pace.

Alpha Bella is predictable and generally cashes a check.

Seismic Beauty could get the lead and run away. Otherwise, her competitive nature is questionable.

 Selections

3. Where’s My Ring (5-2)

4. Splendora (6-5)

5. Alpha Bella (5-1)