Trainer Bob Baffert leads the charge at Del Mar’s closing day with his highly regarded 2-year-old Brant, purchased for $3 million and stepping up in distance for the G1 Del Mar Futurity. Baffert has four of the six entrants in the race, including undefeated Desert Gate and other promising juveniles Balboa and Litmus Test. Competing against them are Doug O’Neill’s duo, Civil Liberty and Brigante, both showing potential but yet to match Baffert’s top contenders. The Futurity serves as a key prep for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, highlighting the strength of Baffert’s stable, which has won this race a record 18 times.

Meanwhile, the G3 Del Mar Juvenile Turf features several young horses shipping in from across the country and overseas, including John Sadler’s Hey Nay Nay, who successfully traveled to New Jersey for a prep race, and European imports Caro Buono and Later Than Planned. Trainer Librado Barocio, balancing a dual career in horse racing and movie production, celebrated his first Grade I win with Lovesick Blues in the G1 Bing Crosby and is preparing for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. The article also notes strong performances and developments at Del Mar, including jockey Mirco Demuro’s success and notable workouts as the meet concludes.