DEL MAR, CA – Baoma Corp’s rising star Nysos delivered a performance worthy of his heavy favoritism, cruising to a commanding 2 ¾-length victory in Saturday’s $300,500 San Diego Handicap (G2) at Del Mar.
Sent off at 1-9, the flashy son of Nyquist faced just five challengers but treated the race like a serious test, powering clear in the stretch under a patient ride from Flavien Prat.
Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, Nysos completed the mile and one-sixteenth in 1:42.61, earning a $180,000 winner’s share and pushing his career earnings to $598,500 with a record of 5 wins and a second from 6 starts.
“This horse was ready,” Baffert said post-race. “Prat just sat patiently behind there and he had enough horse to cut the corner. Once he got that little seam, I knew it was over. It’s a relief. I haven’t had the best of luck in this race with some great horses getting beat. Hopefully, the Pacific Classic is next for him.”
Nysos’ effortless victory also marked milestones for both his jockey and trainer. For Prat, it was his 100th career stakes win at Del Mar, and his first in the San Diego. Baffert notched his record-extending 179th stakes victory at the seaside oval, and third in this particular event.
Prat echoed Baffert’s confidence in the horse’s future potential. “He broke well and was comfortable down inside, so I stayed there,” said Prat. “He was comfortable all the way around. You never really know until they do it, but I get the impression he’ll be able to go farther.”
Behind Nysos, Mirahmadi—owned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, and partners—ran second, 3 ¼ lengths ahead of Tarantino, who rounded out the trifecta for owners Bernsen and Rockingham Ranch.
The San Diego Handicap serves as the traditional prep for Del Mar’s signature event, the $1 million Pacific Classic (G1), scheduled for Saturday, August 30. All signs now point toward Nysos making his next start in that prestigious contest, which could put him squarely on the road toward Breeders’ Cup Classic contention.
Owned by Charles and Susan Chu’s Baoma Corp, Nysos paid just $2.20 to win. But more than anything, he confirmed he belongs in the top tier of the older dirt division heading into the second half of the racing season.
