Almendares, Redistricting Tough to Separate in Seabiscuit Handicap

SEABISCUIT HANDICAP (G2)

Race 7, Del Mar, Saturday, November 30, 2024
1-1/16 Miles (Turf) | Purse: $200,000

Seabiscuit Handicap Selections

1. #10 Almendares (4-1)
2. #7 Redistricting (3-1)
3. #8 Easter (8-1)
4. #3 Seal Team (7/2)

Seabiscuit Longshot Possibilities

1. #9 Masteroffoxhounds (15-1)
2. #6 Mi Hermano Ramon (12-1)
3. #4 Zio Jo (15-1)
4. #1 Fast Buck (20-1)

Saturday’s Grade 2 Seabiscuit Handicap showcases Phil D’Amato’s powerful turf stable against strong Eastern invader Redistricting. The race has proven a showcase for D’Amato, who has dominated recent runnings and fields three contenders as he seeks another trifecta finish.

Almendares carries highweight of 123 pounds but brings compelling recent form. His runner-up finishes in the Del Mar Mile (G2) and City of Hope Mile (G2) stand out, particularly chasing home subsequent Breeders’ Cup Mile runner-up Johannes. While D’Amato expressed concern about the weight assignment, Almendares’ sharp current form and proven affinity for the course make him formidable with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard.

Redistricting represents Chad Brown’s powerful New York-based operation. Despite being pulled up in last year’s Hollywood Derby (G1), he returned from a 10-month layoff with an impressive closing effort in the Knickerbocker (G3). Brown shows confidence by returning to Del Mar, viewing this as a stepping stone to bigger targets. Flavien Prat takes the mount at a favorable 119 pounds.

Easter, last year’s Seabiscuit winner who followed up by taking the San Gabriel (G2), seeks to recapture that form after competing in Grade 1 company through mid-year. His recent efforts have been better than they appear on paper according to his connections, and the class relief could help restore his winning ways, but he always seems to break slow, which may or may not effect his chances here.

Seal Team makes his second start after a long layoff following his Twilight Derby (G2) victory last November. While he disappointed as the favorite in the restricted Lure Stakes, trainer Richard Mandella suggests the rust factor played a role and improvement is expected.

Among the longer prices, Masteroffoxhounds has been training well over the Del Mar turf with Frankie Dettori aboard. Mi Hermano Ramon ran an improved race when second in the Lure and could move forward again. Zio Jo steps up from a sharp allowance win but offers upside.

The pace scenario should be honest with Fast Buck serving as the likely pacesetter. The 1-1/16 mile configuration demands securing position into the first turn, particularly challenging for those drawn wide. With multiple speed horses signed on, the race should set up for a stalker or closer within striking range turning for home.

BEST BET: ALMENDARES (#10)

Despite the weight assignment and wide draw, Almendares brings the strongest recent form and proven success over the Del Mar turf. His ability to effectively rate just off the pace should allow him to work out a trip despite post position challenges, and his two recent Grade 2 placings against top competition stamp him as the most reliable win candidate. The extra sixteenth of a mile works in his favor, and having Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard for a barn that dominates this race provides additional confidence.