Formidable Man now 6-for-6 over the Del Mar turf course (Benoit Photo)
Del Mar Press Release
DEL MAR, Calif. — Mr.-Mrs. W.K. Warren, Jr.’s Formidable Man kept his perfect Del Mar turf record perfect as he powered to a length and a half victory in the shore oval’s Grade II Del Mar Mile over five rivals in the first of five Graded stakes on the Saturday program.
The 4-year-old colt by City of Light is now six-for-six on the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. And on each occasion he was saddled by trainer Mike McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli.
His latest tally was worth $180,000 in the Grade II offering that carried a total purse of $300,500. It made the sturdy bay a millionaire, pushing his bankroll to $1,165,425.
Finishing second in the “Mile” was CYBT, McLean Racing Stables, Gevertz, et al’s Almendares, who had a head on Kretz Racing’s Cabo Spirit.
Formidable Man was the 7/5 favorite in the test and returned $4.80 for $2 at the wickets. His final time for the distance was 1:34.20.
UMBERTO RISPOLI (Formidable Man, winner) — “I was trying to sit behind Antonio’s horse (Almendares) because he lugs out. Antonio knew I was there, so I had to take a step back. I was able to save ground around the first turn and I had it figured out by the half mile pole. Once I took him out in the stretch, he’s a different kind of horse and he really loves this course. He keeps rising and gets more mature each time. He’s getting better in his mind. He used to be a little sweaty and anxious, but he’s not right now. Michael (trainer McCarthy) and his people around the barn do a great job. It’s what makes him a stakes winner.”
MICHAEL MCCARTHY (Formidable Man, winner) — “He seems to like it here — six for six now. The fractions weren’t quite as brisk as I thought they would be but it’s great to see him get the turn of foot there to get the job done. We might just wait till the Breeder’s Cup to see how he bounces out of this (as to where to go from here). Umberto Rispoli) is fantastic; same kind of ride like in the Eddie Reed — just went ahead and bided his time. He wheeled outside and leveled off. Seemed like there was maybe a little juice in the grass to the turf today, but fantastic performance from horse and rider.”
FRACTIONS: :23.77 :47.08 1:10.52 1:22.46 1:34.20
The stakes win was the fifth of the meeting for rider Rispoli but his first in the Del Mar Mile. He now has 40 stakes wins at Del Mar.
The stakes win was the third of the meet for trainer McCarthy, but his first in the Del Mar Mile. He now has 17 stakes wins at Del Mar.
The winning owners are Mr.-Mrs. W.K. Warren, Jr. of Tulsa, OK.
