Next targets set for United, Madone after Del Mar victories

United and Madone came out of their respective Grade 2 wins in the $250,000 Eddie Read and $200,000 San Clemente Stakes at Del Mar on Saturday in fine fettle, their trainers reported Sunday morning.

And with those lucrative first steps taken, the connections are eyeing even bigger things on Aug. 21 as part of the five-stakes mega card for Pacific Classic Day. For United, it will be the $300,000 Del Mar Handicap (G2), a win-and-you're-in qualifier for the $3 million Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar on Nov. 6. Madone is pointed to the $300,000 Del Mar Oaks (G1).

In defending his Read title, United, a 6-year-old gelded son of Giant’s Causeway, rebounded from a lackluster last-of-four effort in the Charles Whittingham on May 29 at Santa Anita. That effort had Hall of Fame trainer mystified until a small bruise was found under a shoe.

Under Flavien Prat on Saturday, United went willingly between rivals on the far turn and prevailed by a neck in a stretch duel with even-money favorite Smooth Like Strait.

United covered the 1 1/8 miles over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course in 1:49.49, which compared to 1:46.71 in the 2020 victory.

“Different race, different horses,” said trainer Richard Mandella.

“He went back to his old form,” said Prat.

A year ago, the Read win prompted Mandella to toy with the idea of entering United in the Pacific Classic. After a few days of thought, and after becoming aware that the Classic purse had been dropped from $1 million to $500,000, Mandella opted for the Del Mar Handicap. United was second by a head to Red King in that one.

Mandella’s focus is entirely on the Del Mar Handicap this time.

“We’re not on the roll we were last year,” he said.

In the San Clemente, Madone made amends for a no-factor performance from a wide trip in the Honeymoon at Santa Anita on May 22. That race was three weeks after a victory in the Senorita, and trainer Simon Callaghan shouldered responsibility for the disappointment.

“I ran her back too soon,” Callaghan said. “She bounced, simple as that.”

Madone’s victory ended a five-race win streak for Going Global, the 2-5 San Clemente favorite. Trainer Phil D’Amato said the Irish-bred filly came out of the race well and a rematch should be forthcoming in the Del Mar Oaks.