Trainer Bob Baffert is set to stretch out his promising dirt horse, Nysos, in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar, marking the horse’s first race beyond one mile and first two-turn start since last February. Purchased for $550,000 in 2023, Nysos quickly established himself with wins in the Grade 3 Bob Hope and Robert Lewis Stakes, positioning him as a Kentucky Derby contender before a minor setback sidelined him. After returning to form with a strong second-place finish in the Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes and a win in the Grade 3 Triple Bend, Nysos will be the heavy favorite with jockey Flavien Prat aboard.
The San Diego Handicap field includes six other competitors, with Hall of Fame being a notable challenger after switching trainers from Steve Asmussen to Michael McCarthy. Hall of Fame has shown consistent improvement this year, including a Grade 3 win and strong placings in graded stakes. Express Train, the lone Grade 1 winner in the race, and other entrants like Judge Miller, Tarantino, Mirahmadi, and Midnight Mammoth round out the field. The race is part of an 11-race card that also features the Grade 1 Bing Crosby and the listed Daisycutter Stakes.
