By Jarrod Horak
The Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes headlines Saturday’s card at Del Mar, serving as Race 10 with a $400,000 purse for three-year-olds and up. The six-furlong sprint has attracted a talented and evenly matched field, making it one of the most competitive races of the weekend.
Race Overview
- Race 10: Bing Crosby Stakes (Grade 1)
- Track: Del Mar
- Distance: 6 furlongs
- Purse: $400,000
- Post Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Pace Projection
The Bing Crosby should feature an aggressive early pace.
Maximum Bourbon, Listenupshance, Cornucopian, and Mad House all possess early speed, while Stronghold figures to settle just behind the leaders in a stalking position.
If the pace becomes contested, horses like Dr. Venkman and Moonlight could find themselves closing into a tiring field. Still, the tactical runners appear to hold the advantage.
Field Analysis
#1 Maximum Bourbon (7-2)
Maximum Bourbon enters in excellent form after an impressive victory as my top choice in the St. Matthews Stakes at Churchill Downs. His speed figures have steadily improved with each recent start, and he owns four wins from six career races.
The primary concern is the rail draw. From the inside post, he’ll likely need to leave the gate quickly to secure position against several other speed horses. While talented enough to contend, the trip could prove more difficult than it was in his most recent victory.
#2 Listenupshance (8-1)
Listenupshance has been competitive in graded company throughout the season. He finished second in the Grade 3 San Carlos behind Cornucopian before recording another solid effort in the Grade 3 True North at Saratoga.
He has enough early speed to stay involved from the outset and could be a factor if he secures a favorable stalking trip.
#3 Dr. Venkman (4-1)
Few horses in this field appreciate Del Mar more than Dr. Venkman.
All four of his career victories have come over the Del Mar surface, making him a classic “horse for the course.” His disappointing finish in the Grade 3 Bango Stakes at Churchill Downs came in his first start since last November and over a sloppy track, making that effort easy to forgive.
With a race under his belt, a return to his favorite track, and what projects to be an honest pace, he has every opportunity to improve at a hint of a price.
#4 For All Mankind (12-1)
A consistent runner who frequently hits the board, For All Mankind owns eight runner-up finishes during his career. However, he’s still searching for his first victory at six furlongs and is probably overmatched.
#5 Stronghold (4-1)
Stronghold enters the Bing Crosby in outstanding form after beginning the season with two consecutive victories, including the Grade 3 Triple Bend.
Although most of his biggest accomplishments have come around two turns, he has proven to be an excellent sprinter as well. His dirt sprint record features one victory and four runner-up finishes from five starts, demonstrating remarkable consistency.
His tactical speed should allow him to sit just behind the leaders before making his move turning for home. If the pace unfolds as expected, he might be in the right spot to capitalize.
#6 Cornucopian (3-1 Favorite)
The morning-line favorite deserves plenty of respect.
Cornucopian is undefeated in two starts at six furlongs and has shown he doesn’t need the lead to win. A pair of victories earlier this year at Santa Anita came from stalking positions, while his most recent graded stakes win under the Twin Spires required him to duel on the front end.
Drawing a more comfortable outer post should allow Juan Hernandez to work out a favorable trip just behind the speed before asking for his best in the stretch.
#7 Gold Sweep (15-1)
Gold Sweep has consistently earned checks in graded company and could pick up another minor placing. However, he appears to face a difficult task against this accomplished field.
#8 Mad House (12-1)
Expect Mad House to be among the early leaders.
He possesses plenty of natural speed and owns an excellent record at six furlongs. After fading late in the Aristides Stakes following a taxing pace battle, he lands a better outside draw that should help him establish position more comfortably.
Whether he can withstand the late pressure remains the key question.
#9 Moonlight (20-1)
Moonlight figures to do his best running late and should benefit if the early fractions become especially fast. He won the Cherokee Mile at Churchill Downs last fall and might run out of ground at this distance.
