The $200,000 San Clemente Handicap (G2) features a competitive field of 11 three-year-old fillies at Del Mar. This one-mile turf contest brings together elite local talent and highly regarded shippers from the East Coast.
A Rich History for the San Clemente
Originally established on dirt in 1949, the San Clemente transitioned to the Jimmy Durante turf course in 1970. Since 1988, the race has been contested at a one-mile distance. Its prestige has grown over the decades, earning Grade 3 status in 1994 and ascending to Grade 2 in 1996.
The race has served as a launching pad for legendary turf performers and Hall of Fame talents, including Flawlessly (1991), Hollywood Wildcat (1993), Jewel Princess (1995), and Evening Jewel (2010). Recent winners such as Anisette (2023) and Madone (2021) underscore the race’s quality. Frequently, this event acts as a critical stepping stone toward the Del Mar Oaks (G1) later in the summer meet.
San Clemente Handicap Betting Analysis
Brendan Walsh’s Raiding Party (3-1) arrives following an impressive maiden victory at Keeneland last October. After a seven-month hiatus, she showed strong form with a second-place finish at Churchill Downs in May and a recent win at the same level. This Sioux Nation filly possesses excellent tactical speed, making her a formidable contender in her stakes debut for trainer Ben Curtis.
Kelsey Danner ships Ground Support (5-1) from the East, coming off a solid fifth in the Tepin Stakes at Churchill Downs. This Army Mule filly has demonstrated high-level consistency, including a victory in the G2 Miss Grillo Stakes at Aqueduct and a third-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G3). A versatile front-runner, she thrives on firm turf and is well-suited for this stakes environment.
Senorita Stakes Winner Marjoram at 8-1 Odds
Marjoram (8-1) makes her return to action for trainer Michael McCarthy after a fifth-place finish in the Summertime Oaks (G3). A winner of the Senorita Stakes (G3), she is known for her ability to rally from off the pace. With jockey Juan Hernandez aboard, her late-closing speed makes her a significant threat in this field.
Lookin at Diamond (6-1), trained by Leonard Powell, returns to stakes competition after a third-place finish in the Honeymoon Stakes. A patient mid-pack closer with a strong late kick, she should find a favorable position at a competitive price under jockey Umberto Rispoli.
Spirit Doll (8-1), trained by Saffon Joseph, Jr., enters following a victory in the Honey Rider Stakes at Gulfstream Park. This Irish-bred filly possesses a versatile running style that allows her to sit just off the pace before delivering a strong finish. Jockey Rasheed Hughes will guide her through this competitive mile turf test.
Phil D’Amato, the trainer of the last two San Clemente winners, looks to extend his streak with Peanutbutterbombe (8-1). This Collected filly has shown remarkable consistency, including a decisive win at Santa Anita last October and recent third-place finishes in stakes company. She is a tactical front-runner capable of controlling the early tempo, and she will be ridden by Antonio Fresu.
Doug O’Neill’s Light Won Up (10-1) enters after a fourth in the Honeymoon Stakes. As a stakes winner (Sweet Life Stakes) with notable placings in the Senorita and Limestone Stakes, she possesses the class for this level, though the step up in competition may prove challenging. Emisael Jaramo is aboard.
British-bred Inbox (8-1) remains a dangerous contender for trainer Brendan Walsh. After an impressive maiden victory at Santa Anita, she followed up with a strong second in the Honeymoon Stakes. Her ability to quicken and sustain a run makes her a live candidate for a high price, with Joel Rosario returning to the saddle.
Wild Like the West (15-1) is trained by Richard Baltas and has shown talent with strong second-place finishes in the Blue Norther and Providencia Stakes. While she occasionally runs out of steam late, her tactical positioning makes her an interesting longshot under jockey Héctor Barrios.
Somerset West (20-1) makes a significant leap from maiden company to stakes competition for trainer John de Moser. A mid-to-late position runner, her ability to capitalize on pace setups will be tested in this higher class of field.
Cortina d’Amprezzo (20-1), another Phil D’Amato trainee, is facing winners for the first time following a recent win at Santa Anita. Despite a wide post draw, she remains a potential upset candidate to watch during the pre-race warmup.
The Picks: 1 Raiding Party, 2 Ground Support, 3 Marjoram
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.