Ushering In the Horse Racing Season of America’s Richest State, 14 Thoroughbreds Ready to Blaze in the $100,000 Oceanside Stakes

California’s most anticipated horse racing season is finally here. The 77th running of the $100,000 Caesars Sportsbook Oceanside Stakes is set to kick off the Del Mar summer racing meet on Friday. Nestled by the picturesque seaside north of San Diego, the famed Del Mar racecourse will officially inaugurate California’s horse racing season.

A stellar field of 14 talented 3-year-olds will go head-to-head in the thrilling one-mile test on the renowned Jimmy Durante Turf Course. The highly anticipated event is the perfect start to Del Mar’s multi-million dollar stakes schedule. Del Mar will see a total of 39 races over 31 race days for a combined purse of $8.275 million. A number of thoroughbreds look to clinch the pole position come race day.

Top contenders of Oceanside Stakes

Leading the charge in the Oceanside Stakes is a dynamic duo from the Phil D’Amato barn. D’Amato, who was Del Mar’s top trainer in 2022 and last year’s Oceanside winner with Balnikhov, is fielding a formidable team. First up is Classical Cat. The Mendelssohn colt who broke his maiden at Del Mar last summer, is the likely favorite. Classical Cat has won three of his four career starts, including the $100,000 Eddie Logan at Del Mar in December. However, he is on a refreshing break since his December stakes win, and will be vying for glory from the advantageous inside post. Joining Classical Cat is the promising Conclude. A son of the 2017 Pacific Classic winner, Collected.

Conclude won the $100,000 Desert Code at Santa Anita in May and will be looking to improve on his third-place finish in the Oceanside last year. Other horses to watch include Escape Artist, who finished second in the $100,000 Singletary at Santa Anita in May. Trained by the skillful Michael McCarthy, the Escape Artist returned a month later to dominate an entry-level allowance, winning by an impressive four-length margin. According to a Paulick Report, while talking about his charge, McCarthy said, “I expected him to win last time. The horse has come back and trained well. We’ll get a good idea of where we’re at on Friday. I expect a solid effort.” Another challenger is Mr. Fisk, who will be making his turf debut for Hall of Famer Bob Baffert. This year Del Mar is on track to offer some of the best racing and wagering opportunities throughout its 31 race days.

2023 Del Mar equestrian racing season

The Oceanside Stakes will ignite the racetrack as race eight of the 10-race card on opening day, and it’s part of the thrilling guaranteed $1-million Pick 6 at Del Mar—a challenge that promises nail-biting excitement and lucrative rewards. Track officials have also stated that apart from the opening day, more days will be added for the Pick 6 prize throughout the Del Mar racing season.

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As the sun sets over Del Mar’s stunning horizons, racing fans will be treated to a heart-pounding spectacle of raw talent, determination, and courage. With a field of impressive 3-year-olds raring to go in the Oceanside Stakes, the stage is set for a momentous opening day at Del Mar’s summer meet.

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