Best Pal Stakes
Grade II race | |
Location | Del Mar Racetrack Del Mar, California, United States |
---|---|
Inaugurated | 1967 (as Balboa Stakes) |
Race type | Thoroughbred - Flat racing |
Website | Del Mar |
Race information | |
Distance | 6 furlongs |
Surface | dirt |
Track | left-handed |
Qualification | Two-year-olds |
Weight | 123 lbs with allowances |
Purse | $150,000 (2020) |
The Best Pal Stakes is a Grade II American Thoroughbred horse race for two-year-olds over a distance of six furlongs on the dirt track scheduled annually in August at Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. The event currently carries a purse of $150,000.
History
The event was inaugurated on 30 October 1967 as the Balboa Stakes with split divisions on the final day of the Del Mar 62 day racing season which went into the deep autumn.[1] The event was for three-year-olds and older, and held on the turf over a distance of nine furlongs.[1] The name reflected to several namings of Balboa in the area - Balboa Park in nearly San Diego, Balboa Peninsula up the coast in Newport Beach, and Balboa Avenue in Del Mar which is located adjacent to the Del Mar Fairgrounds which are all in honor of the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa.
The event was not run again until 1972 when conditions changed so that two-year-olds would run over a distance of 7+1⁄2 furlongs.[2] In 1974 the event was moved to the dirt track and run over the one mile distance.[2]
In 1983 the event was classified as Grade III and was upgraded to Grade II in 2003.[3]
In 1995 the event was renamed to honor Best Pal, a three time California Horse of the Year who won the Balboa Stakes in 1990 and whose career earnings totaled more than $5.6 million for his owner-breeder, Golden Eagle Farm.[4]
The event has had several distance changes with last being in 2018 when the journey was set at six furlongs.[3]
The event's position in the racing calendar at Del Mar has lead to the race being a preparatory race for the Del Mar Futurity which is scheduled usually several weeks later.
Other notable winners of this event include the 1994 winner Timber Country who went on that year to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and was crowned US Champion Two-Year-Old Horse who the following year became the first horse to ever win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and American Triple Crown Classic Race when he won the 1995 Preakness Stakes. Also the 2009 winner Lookin at Lucky was crowned US Champion Two-Year-Old Horse and the following year also won the 2010 Preakness Stakes. The 2015 winner Nyquist followed up winning the Del Mar Futurity and the Breeders' Cup Juvenile also being crowned the US Champion Two-Year-Old Horse and the following year winning the 2016 Kentucky Derby.
Records
Speed record:
- 6 furlongs: 1:10.27 – Instagrand (2018)
- 6+1⁄2 furlongs: 1:15.08 – Officer (2001)
- 7 furlongs: 1:22.20 – Best Pal (1990)
- 1 mile: 1:35.40 – Doonesbury (1979) and Roving Boy (1982)
Margins:
- 10+1⁄4 lengths – Instagrand (2018)
Most wins by a jockey:
- 5 - Alex Solis (1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2006)
Most wins by a trainer:
- 8 - Bob Baffert (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2016)
Most wins by an owner:
- 3 - Golden Eagle Farm (1990, 1992, 1998)
Best Pal Stakes – Del Mar Futurity double:
- Diabolo (1974), Visible (1976), Flying Paster (1978), Bold and Gold (1980), Saratoga Six (1984), Best Pal (1990), Worldly Manner (1998), Flame Thrower (2000), Officer (2001), Lookin At Lucky (2009), J P's Gusto (2010), Nyquist (2015), Klimt (2016)
Winners
Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Distance | Time | Purse | Grade | Ref | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Pal Stakes | ||||||||||
2020 | Weston | Drayden Van Dyke | Ryan Hanson | Chris Drakos & Ryan Hanson | 6 furlongs | 1:12.72 | $151,000 | II | [5] | |
2019 | Collusion Illusion | Joseph Talamo | Mark Glatt | Dan J Agnew, Rodney E. Orr, Jerry Schneider & John V. Xitco | 6 furlongs | 1:11.34 | $200,351 | II | [6] | |
2018 | Instagrand | Drayden Van Dyke | Jerry Hollendorfer | OXO Equine | 6 furlongs | 1:10.27 | $200,000 | II | [7] | |
2017 | Run Away | Flavien Prat | Simon Callaghan | Kaleem Shah | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:17.91 | $201,035 | II | [8] | |
2016 | Klimt | Rafael Bejarano | Bob Baffert | Kaleem Shah | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.11 | $200,345 | II | [9] | |
2015 | Nyquist | Mario Gutierrez | Doug F. O'Neill | Reddam Racing | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.84 | $200,250 | II | [10] | |
2014 | Skyway | Stewart Elliott | Mark E. Casse | John C. Oxley | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.67 | $200,250 | II | [11] | |
2013 | Alberts Hope | Alonso Quinonez | Mike Puype | Jaam Racing | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.71 | $150,250 | II | [12] | |
2012 | Know More | Garrett K. Gomez | Doug F. O'Neill | Reddam Racing | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.14 | $150,000 | II | [13] | |
2011 | Creative Cause | Rafael Bejarano | Mike Harrington | Heinz Steinmann | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:15.62 | $150,000 | II | [14] | |
2010 | J P's Gusto | Pat Valenzuela | David E. Hofmans | Gem Inc. | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.61 | $150,000 | II | [15] | |
2009 | Lookin At Lucky | Garrett K. Gomez | Bob Baffert | Michael E. Pegram, Karl Watson & Paul Weitman | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.06 | $150,000 | II | [16] | |
2008 | † Azul Leon | Rafael Bejarano | Doug F. O'Neill | Joseph LaCombe Stable | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.73 | $150,000 | II | [17] | |
2007 | Salute the Sarge | Michael C. Baze | Eric J. Guillot | Southern Equine Stable | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:19.43 | $147,000 | II | [18] | |
2006 | Principle Secret | Alex O. Solis | Christopher S. Paasch | Charles R. Cono | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.15 | $150,000 | II | [19] | |
2005 | What a Song | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | Bob & Beverly Lewis | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:15.64 | $147,000 | II | [20] | |
2004 | Roman Ruler | Corey Nakatani | Bob Baffert | Fog City Stable | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:15.93 | $147,000 | II | [21] | |
2003 | Perfect Moon | Pat Valenzuela | Melvin F. Stute | Annabelle Stute & The Hat Ranch | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.90 | $150,000 | II | [22] | |
2002 | Kafwain | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | The Thoroughbred Corporation | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:17.00 | $150,000 | III | [23] | |
2001 | Officer | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | The Thoroughbred Corporation | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:15.08 | $138,000 | III | [24] | |
2000 | Flame Thrower | Corey Nakatani | Bob Baffert | Gary M. Garber | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.51 | $150,000 | III | [25] | |
1999 | Dixie Union | Alex O. Solis | Richard E. Mandella | Diamond A Racing Corp. & Herman Sarkowsky | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.40 | $150,000 | III | [26] | |
1998 | Worldly Manner | Gary L. Stevens | Bob Baffert | Golden Eagle Farm | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.60 | $109,300 | III | [27] | |
1997 | Old Topper | Alex O. Solis | Noble Threewitt | Barbara Hunter | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.40 | $108,825 | III | [28] | |
1996 | Swiss Yodeler | Alex O. Solis | Mike Harrington | Heinz Steinmann | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.00 | $105,550 | III | [29] | |
Balboa Stakes | ||||||||||
1995 | Cobra King | Russell Baze | Mike Puype | Frances B. Biszantz | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:15.80 | $105,350 | III | [30] | |
1994 | Timber Country | Alex O. Solis | D. Wayne Lukas | Overbrook Farm, Gainesway Stable, Robert & Beverly Lewis, et. al. | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.60 | $80,325 | III | [31] | |
1993 | Creston | Corey Black | Jenine Sahadi | Evergreen Farm | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:16.20 | $79,650 | III | [32] | |
1992 | Devil Diamond | Kent J. Desormeaux | Gary F. Jones | Golden Eagle Farm | 7 furlongs | 1:22.60 | $79,650 | III | [33] | |
1991 | Scherando | Francisco Mena | Richard W. Mulhall | Chase Mishkin | 7 furlongs | 1:22.40 | $81,375 | III | [34] | |
1990 | Best Pal | Pat Valenzuela | Ian P. D. Jory | Golden Eagle Farm | 7 furlongs | 1:22.20 | $80,325 | III | [35] | |
1989 | A. Sir Dancer | Eddie Delahoussaye | Charles M. Marikian | G. Arakelian Farms | 7 furlongs | 1:23.00 | $81,300 | III | [36] | |
1988 | Rob an Plunder | Chris McCarron | Craig Anthony Lewis | Diamond Jim, et al. | 7 furlongs | 1:23.00 | $81,800 | III | [37] | |
1987 | Purdue King | Chris McCarron | Irv Guiney | John Valpredo | 7 furlongs | 1:23.20 | $65,500 | III | [38] | |
1986 | Temperate Sil | Bill Shoemaker | Charles E. Whittingham | Frankfurt Stable | 7 furlongs | 1:23.00 | $54,750 | III | [39] | |
1985 | Swear | Eddie Delahoussaye | Willard L. Proctor | Claiborne Farm | 1 mile | 1:36.60 | $55,250 | III | [40] | |
1984 | Saratoga Six | Angel Cordero Jr. | D. Wayne Lukas | D. Wayne Lukas, Eaton Farms, L. R. French Jr., Eugene Klein, Mel Hatley, & Samuel Lyon | 1 mile | 1:36.80 | $54,150 | III | [41] | |
1983 | Party Leader | Ray Sibille | Gary F. Jones | Elmendorf Farm | 1 mile | 1:37.20 | $54,050 | III | [42] | |
1982 | Roving Boy | Eddie Delahoussaye | Joseph Manzi | Robert E. Hibbert | 1 mile | 1:35.40 | $53,150 | Listed | [43] | |
1981 | The Captain | Laffit Pincay Jr. | Laz Barrera | Harbor View Farm | 1 mile | 1:36.80 | $44,400 | Listed | [44] | |
1980 | Bold and Gold | Dean C. Hall | William A. Reavis | Ted Rexius | 1 mile | 1:37.40 | $38,300 | Listed | [45] | |
1979 | Doonesbury | Sandy Hawley | Barney Willis | Fletcher Jones, Sam Roffe & Barney Willis | 1 mile | 1:35.40 | $32,800 | Listed | [46] | |
1978 | Flying Paster | Donald R. Pierce | Gordon C. Campbell | Bernard J. Ridder | 1 mile | 1:35.60 | $33,000 | Listed | [47] | |
1977 | Spanish Way | Laffit Pincay Jr. | Laz Barrera | Harbor View Farm | 1 mile | 1:36.00 | $27,950 | Listed | [48] | |
1976 | § Visible | Laffit Pincay Jr. | Vincent Clyne | Elmendorf Farm | 1 mile | 1:35.80 | $22,450 | Listed | [49] | |
1975 | Crazy Channon | Donald Pierce | Harold C. McBride | Colvin, Engelson & Nadel | 1 mile | 1:37.20 | $22,700 | Listed | [50] | |
1974 | Diabolo | Bill Shoemaker | Sidney Martin | Frank M. McMahon | 1 mile | 1:35.60 | $22,050 | Listed | [51] | |
1973 | Battery E. | Wayne Harris | Dennis W. Sparks | Diamond M Ranch | 7+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:30.60 | $21,750 | Listed | [52] | |
1972 | Brave Dance | Fernando Toro | Wayne B. Stucki | J. Kel Houssels | 7+1⁄2 furlongs | 1:29.80 | $21,625 | [53] | ||
1968–1971 | Race not held | |||||||||
1967 | Acknowledge | William Harmatz | Gordon C. Campbell | Vicgray Farm | 1+1⁄8 miles | 1:49.40 | $17,575 | ‡3YO & older | Division 1[54] | |
Het's Cadet | Miguel Yanez | Linwood J. Brooks | Wallace F. Zager | 1:49.60 | $17,575 | Division 2[1] |
Legend:
All Weather Track
Dirt
Turf
Notes:
‡ The inaugural running of the event in 1967 was for three year olds and older and was split in two division. The First Division winner Acknowledge was a six year old. The Second Division winner Het's Cadet was a four year old.
† In the 2008 Kelly Leak was first past the post but caused interference in the straight by drifting in and was disqualified and placed fourth. Azul Leon was declared the winner.
§ Ran as part of an entry
See also
List of American and Canadian Graded races
External site
References
- ^ a b c Hebert, Bob (31 October 1967). "Het's Cadet, Acknowledge Split Windup (1967 Balboa Stakes Division 2 - race 9: held 30 October 1967)". The Los Angeles Times. p. 38. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ a b "BEST PAL STAKES - DEL MAR, CA". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ a b "Best Pal Stakes (Gr. 2)". Equibase. 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ "BEST PAL (USA) b. G, 1988 - 47 Starts, 18 Wins, 11 Places, 4 Shows Career Earnings: $5,668,245". Thoroughbred Pedigree Online. 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ "2020 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 6)". Equibase. 8 August 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
- ^ "2019 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 10 August 2019. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2018 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 3)". Equibase. 11 August 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2017 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 9)". Equibase. 12 August 2017. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2016 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 13 August 2016. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2015 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 5)". Equibase. 8 August 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2014 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 3 August 2014. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2013 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 4 August 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2012 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 5 August 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2011 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 7 August 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2010 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 8 August 2010. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2009 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 4)". Equibase. 9 August 2009. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2008 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 10 August 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2007 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 12 August 2007. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2006 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 13 August 2006. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2005 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 8)". Equibase. 14 August 2005. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2004 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 2)". Equibase. 15 August 2004. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2003 Best Pal Stakes Grade 2 - (race 2)". Equibase. 17 August 2003. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2002 Best Pal Stakes Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 21 August 2002. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2001 Best Pal Stakes Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 15 August 2001. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "2000 Best Pal Stakes Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 23 August 2000. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "1999 Best Pal Stakes Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 18 August 1999. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "1998 Best Pal Stakes Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 14 August 1998. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "1997 Best Pal Stakes Grade 3 - (race 7)". Equibase. 20 August 1997. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "1996 Best Pal Stakes Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 21 August 1996. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "1995 Balboa Stakes Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 23 August 1995. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "1994 Balboa Stakes Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 24 August 1994. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "1993 Balboa Stakes Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 20 August 1993. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "1992 Balboa Stakes Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 28 August 1992. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "1991 Balboa Stakes Grade 3 - (race 8)". Equibase. 21 August 1991. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ Sauer, Kathleen (23 August 1990). "Best Pal is looking like Futurity favorite (1990 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 22 August 1990)". Oceanside North County Blade-Citizen. p. 21. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "A. Sir Dancer is Balboa Winner (1989 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 23 August 1989)". The Associated Press. The Los Angeles Times. 24 August 1989. p. 56. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "Stevens spills; McCarron Rides Winner (1988 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 31 August 1988)". The Associated Press. The Los Angeles Times. 1 September 1988. p. 94. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ Schuelein, Steve (3 September 1987). "Purdue King noses out Accomplish Ridge (1987 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 2 September 1987)". The Associated Press. Escondido Times-Advocate. p. 39. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "Temperate Sil Wins (1986 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 27 August 1986)". The Associated Press. The San Bernardino County Sun. 28 August 1986. p. 51. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ Ello, Chris (29 August 1985). "Swear Shows Great Promise in Balboa Win (1985 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 28 August 1985)". The Los Angeles Times. p. 70. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ McManus, Sam (30 August 1984). "Lukas' Saratoga Six Wins by Half Length at Del Mar (1984 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 29 August 1984)". The Los Angeles Times. p. 46. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "Thoroughbred Racing Roundup (1983 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 31 August 1983)". The Associated Press. The Courier-Journal. 1 September 1983. p. 14, 40. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "Del Mar Charts (1982 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 25 August 1982)". The Los Angeles Times. 26 August 1982. p. 66. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ "The Captain wins DM feature (1981 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 26 August 1981)". The Associated Press. Escondido Times-Advocate. 27 August 1981. p. 38. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ "Bold and Gold Wins Balboa at $61.60 (1980 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 27 August 1980)". United Press International. The Los Angeles Times. 28 August 1980. p. 58. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ "Doonesbury, 4-5, Wins in Final Yards (1979 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 29 August 1979)". The Los Angeles Times. 30 August 1979. p. 84. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ "Flying Paster Wins and Sets a New Record (1978 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 30 August 1978)". The Los Angeles Times. 31 August 1978. p. 69. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ "Spanish Way finds a way at Del Mar (1977 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 31 August 1977)". The Associated Press. Escondido Times-Advocate. 1 September 1977. p. 16. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ "Visible Speedy Del Mar Winner (1976 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 1 September 1976)". Long Beach Independent. 2 September 1976. p. 43. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ "Wild Win for Crazy Channon (1975 Balboa Stakes - race 8: held 27 August 1975)". Long Beach Independent. 28 August 1975. p. 48. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ "Church, Shoe Act like kids (1974 Balboa Stakes - race 7: held 28 August 1974)". Long Beach Independent. 29 August 1974. p. 46. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ "Battery triumphs in Balboa (1973 Balboa Stakes - race 7: held 31 August 1973)". Long Beach Independent Press-Telegram. 1 September 1973. p. 14. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ "Del Mar set for holiday (1972 Balboa Stakes - race 7: held 1 September 1972)". Long Beach Independent Press-Telegram. 2 September 1972. p. 27. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ^ "Acknowledge Sets Record; Del Mar Ends Its Fall Meeting (1967 Balboa Stakes Division 1 - race 8: held 30 October 1967)". Pasadena Independent. 31 October 1967. p. 16. Retrieved 2 August 2020.