By Jarrod Horak
The Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes is the feature race at Del Mar on Sunday, July 26, with a $250,000 purse for three-year-olds and up going 1 1/8 miles on the turf course.
Race Overview
- Race: Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes
- Track: Del Mar
- Distance: 1 1/8 miles (turf)
- Purse: $250,000
- Post Time: 9:10 p.m. ET
Pace Analysis
Cabo Spirit projects as the lone confirmed front-runner and could find himself on an uncontested lead under Mike Smith.
Post time favorite Formidable Man can be placed anywhere and figures to chase moderate fractions.
Mondego is capable of working out a forwardly placed trip from an inner post.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
#1 Astronomer (20-1)
Astronomer has not won a race since the Golden Mile at Del Mar in 2021 and his winless streak stands at 20 races.
He is capable of getting into a forward position from the inside post but he probably won’t be around at the end.
#2 Mondego (8-1)
Mondego enters off a victory in the Grade 2 Charles Whittingham (May 2), and he captured the Grade 3 San Marcos in February.
Although those wins came at longer distances, his positional speed gives him a chance to make an impact if he handles the cutback.
#3 Cabo Spirit (12-1)
Cabo Spirit could become dangerous if left alone on the lead. While he faces a difficult assignment against this field, lone speed is always worth respecting on the turf.
#4 Almendares (8-1)
Almendares continues to deliver quality performances in graded stakes competition.
He owns a victory in the Grade 3 American Stakes and followed that effort with a runner-up finish in the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile behind Formidable Man.
As the race’s primary closer, he’ll need enough early pace to maximize his late kick. Even if the pace isn’t ideal, his consistency makes him a logical contender to finish in the trifecta.
#5 Gold Phoenix (3-1)
Gold Phoenix deserves plenty of respect as one of Southern California’s most accomplished turf veterans.
However, this distance may be shorter than his preferred trip. His recent graded stakes victories have come in marathon races, and this start could serve as a stepping stone toward another attempt in the Del Mar Handicap later in the meet.
#6 Stay Hot (10-1)
Stay Hot makes his first start since February for Peter Eurton, and his new rider Armando Ayuso shows a flat bet profit in turf races.
He finished third in the Eddie Read last year and can stalk the pace or close late.
#7 Seal Team (8-1)
Seal Team could offer the best value underneath.
While victories have been difficult to come by recently, he has consistently competed against graded stakes company and should appreciate stretching back out to 1 1/8 miles after a respectable effort in the Shoemaker Mile.
Joel Rosario remains aboard, and another forward move would make Seal Team a serious contender for the exacta.
#8 Formidable Man (7-5)
Formidable Man enters the race as the deserving morning-line favorite after returning from a layoff with an impressive victory in the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile.
Few horses have been as dominant over the Del Mar turf course. He owns an outstanding record at the seaside oval and captured this race last season.
His combination of tactical speed, class, and consistency makes him extremely difficult to oppose. John Velazquez reunites with the Michael McCarthy trainee, giving the favorite another major advantage.
#9 Mi Hermano Ramon (20-1)
Mi Hermano Ramon captured the Grade 2 Seabiscuit Handicap at Del Mar in 2024 and has dropped all eight starts since.
His best effort gives him a look but his recent form is suspect.
