DEL MAR, Calif. – What a year to adore the Del Mar turf course.
Formidable Man extended his unbeaten streak on the grass at Del Mar to six races with a sharp win in Saturday’s Grade 2 Del Mar Mile, his third stakes win in a 2025 campaign that owners William and Suzanne Warren and trainer Michael McCarthy hope will include a start in the Breeders’ Cup Mile on turf on the same course on Nov. 1.
In the $300,500 Del Mar Mile, Formidable Man closed from fifth in a field of six under jockey Umberto Rispoli to win by a convincing 1 1/2 lengths as the 7-5 favorite.
“Umberto put up a helluva ride,” McCarthy said. “I thought it might be difficult for him to catch them.”
Cabo Spirit (9-2) took his expected position on the lead and set a modest pace of 23.77 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 47.08 for a half-mile. Formidable Man trailed Cabo Spirit by four lengths after a half-mile, racing on the inside.
Rispoli moved Formidable Man away from the inside on the turn to be within 2 1/2 lengths of the lead with a quarter-mile remaining. The deficit was a length with a furlong remaining, but Formidable Man had ample momentum in the final sixteenth.
“He has a different kick here than at Santa Anita,” Rispoli said. “I think he’s getting more mature.”
Formidable Man ($4.80) was timed in 1:34.20 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 98.
Almendares, winner of the restricted Wickerr Stakes on July 19, was third for much of the race and passed Cabo Spirit to finish second.
“I think he ran really hard,” said jockey Antonio Fresu, who was aboard Almendares said. “I think it’s the best he could have run.
“Formidable Man is a good horse.”
Cabo Spirit finished third, followed by Zio Jo, Suchet and King of Gosford. The Del Mar Mile was King of Gosford’s first start since a win in the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile at Santa Anita in May. King of Gosford was fourth for the first half of Saturday’s race before fading to lose by more than 14 lengths.
There were two notable scratches. Nesso’s Lasthurrah, who was expected to be part of the pace, was withdrawn by trainer Peter Eurton. Full Serrano, unraced since an upset win in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile last November, was withdrawn in favor of an allowance race on dirt on Monday.
Formidable Man, a 4-year-old colt by City of Light, has won 8 of 15 starts and earned $1,165,425. The winner’s share of the Del Mar Mile was $180,000, putting Formidable Man’s career earnings past the seven-figure milestone.
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