$250,000 Del Mar Handicap Draws Competitive Field of Nine

Big John has been tabbed as the morning line favorite at odds of 5-2 in the wide open field for trainer Philip D’Amato. A six-year-old son of Hard Spun, he is a thirteen time winner and the defending Del Mar Handicap (G2) champion. He is coming into this race off of consecutive victories and was last seen winning the Cougar II Handicap (G3) at Del Mar. Rafael Bejarano will be aboard and they are scheduled to break from post position four.

Ashleyluvssugar back home in California

Second choice at 3-1 on the morning line is Ashleyluvssugar for trainer Peter Eurton. A four-year-old gelded son of Game Plan, the California-bred has won half of his twelve starts and is a multiple graded stakes winner. After three straight wins this year, he is trying to rebound after finishing sixth in the United Nations (G1) at Monmouth Parj and will have Gary Stevens aboard from the inside post for his return to the West Coast.

Finnegan's Wake trying to recapture Spring form

Also in the field at morning line odds of 7-2 is Finnegan’s Wake for trainer Peter Miller. Owned by Donegal Racing, the six-year-old son of Powerscourt (GB) is a seven-time career winner and has won three of his seven starts this year, all against graded stakes company. He was third last time out in the Eddie Read (G1) after a pair of fourth-place finishes and will try to return to form with Victor Espinoza in the irons from post position eight.