Del Mar: G1 Matriarc closes out historic Bing Crosby Season
Twenty six days ago, Del Mar began the 2017 Fall horse racing season by hosting the 34th Breeders’ Cup World Championships on opening weekend, for the very first time.
Today, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will close out the historic meet having ‘hit a home run’, according to Craig Fravel, CEO and president of the Breeders’ Cup who went on to say that he ‘…didn’t hear a single complaint from anybody,’ and that the many people involved in putting on the annual two-day event want it to return.
If and when that happens depends on how things play out over the next few years.
In 2018, the Breeders’ Cup returns to Churchill Downs. Beyond that hasn’t been decided
One thing’s for sure, Del Mar and southern California horse racing fans would love to have them back.
Del Mar will close out the meet having hosted their inaugural running of the Breeders’ Cup. And having broken the on-track wagering total with a record handle of $25,181,317 for the Friday and Saturday cards. And they surely have the attention of Breeders’ Cup officials.
But for the time being, the G1 Matriarc will be the highlight of the closing day card.
Del Mar Closes 2017 Fall Meet with full field in G1 Matriarc
A full field of 12 fillies and mares will come together to close out Del Mar’s Fall festival in the G1 Matriarc on Sunday as West Coast horses, trainers and jockeys prepare to move their stables a couple of hours north to Santa Anita which opens its next meet on December 26.
Lull, winner of the G3 Autumn Miss at Santa Anita in her last start, returns for Claiborne Farm and trainer Christophe Clement. Ridden for the first time by jockey Flavien Prat, the 3-year-old filly by War Front was an easy winner at 1 mile as the odds on favorite over her classmates, but faces older company today in the Matriarc. Her four lifetime wins came on the turf and has a second place finish here in the G2 San Clemente this past summer.
Cambodia will open as the 3 to 1 favorite off a third place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. All six of her lifetime wins have come on turf including back to back G2 victories here in the summer.
There is a mandatory payout in the Pick 6 that includes a $104,118 carryover.
DRF free past performances for the Matriarc
WizCapper’s free pick for the Matriarc
