Battle of Midway fends off Dabster in Del Mar's Native Diver

Breeders’ Cup winner Battle of Midway faced only two other horses, but still had to fight for the win in Sunday’s Grade 3, $100,000 Native Diver Stakes at Del Mar. It was the second win in four starts this year since returning to racing after proving subfertile at stud.

"He’s very business-like," said trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. "We expected him to have a good chance today and he came through for us. That’ll make him real ready for his next race."

Battle of Midway is expected to make his next start in the Dec. 26 San Antonio (G2), part of Santa Anita's opening day. If he continues to progress, he could point to the Pegasus World Cup (G1) or Godolphin Mile (G2).

Even with the lofty targets, Hollendorfer said he is taking the races "one at a time."

The Native Diver followed Battle of Midway's 4 1/2-length victory in the Comma to the Top Stakes. Dabster did not let Battle of Midway get away with an easy victory this time, though.

Under Flavien Prat, Battle of Midway took the lead on the inside and carried Dabster wide into the first turn. The first quarter-mile went in 23.60 before Dabster pulled ahead by half a length. The half-mile went in 47.93 and the two were nearly even again as they hit three-quarters in 1:12.11.

While Battle of Midway scored an easy victory last out in the Comma to the Top Stakes, Dabster proved to be a game rival. He kept gaining in the stretch, and Battle of Midway fought back with every step.

Ultimately, Battle of Midway kept his neck in front and completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.23 over Dabster.

“We just thought the tactics of Dabster would be to try to either get to the lead or be right there with us, so it worked out kind of like we thought it would," Hollendorder said. "In the end we were a neck ahead and that was good for us."

Isotherm trailed throughout and was a distant third. Roman Rosso, Gift Box and Kershaw were scratched.

Campaigned by WinStar Farm and Don Alberto Stable, Battle of Midway was consistent throughout his 3-year-old season in 2017 and finished third in the Kentucky Derby. His best race came when he defeated Sharp Azteca in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.

The Smart Strike colt retired to WinStar Farm for stud duties in 2018. He was sent back to Hollendorfer in Southern California after showing fertility issues.

Battle of Midway's two victories follow a runner-up effort to Catalina Cruise in the Pat O'Brien (G2) and a troubled fifth in the Kelso (G2). Connections decided to skip a return trip to the Breeders' Cup.

With the Native Diver added to his resume, Battle of Midway has a 14:7-3-2 record and earnings over $1.4 million.