Obviously Looks Tough to Collar at Del Mar

Obviously, who established a Jimmy Durante Turf Course record (1:32.10) in winning the 2012 Del Mar Mile Handicap, is back to defend his title in the Grade II $200,000 event’s 27th running on Sunday.

The 5-year-old Irish-bred, trained by Mike Mitchell for owners Anthony Fanticola and Joseph Scardino comes in off nearly a two-month rest after winning the Grade II American Handicap and Grade I Shoemaker Mile at Hollywood Park, both in 1:32.80 times, taking the field wire-to-wire.

No wonder the attitude of Mitchell toward the four rivals is, essentially, whatever you’ve got in mind, bring it on.

“I’m in to win the money and my horse is doing just super,” Mitchell said Saturday morning. “No leg problems, just freshened him up and he’s training sensational.

 “If they want to go out after him, let them go. It would be a suicide mission. He’s a fighter, a gutsy tough horse. Just a gorilla. I would prefer this be a nice easy race for him, but if they want to make it something else … he’s just too fast.”

Mitchell’s long term aim with Obviously is a return to the Breeders’ Cup Mile event in which he finished third last year, beaten two lengths by Horse of the Year Wise Dan.