Cabo Spirit and Gold Phoenix are two seasoned thoroughbreds gearing up for the $250,000 Eddie Read Stakes (G2T) at Del Mar. While Gold Phoenix, California's Old Man River, boasts 33 starts spanning six seasons, Cabo Spirit leads the West Coast pack with 43 starts and 31 graded stakes attempts. Their paths have crossed before, most recently in the 2024 Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T), where Gold Phoenix finished fourth and Cabo Spirit 12th. Cabo Spirit's journey began in 2021 when trainer George Papaprodromou acquired him for $575,000. Since then, Cabo Spirit has earned over $1.3 million and secured 13 graded stakes wins and placings. However, a two-month break at E. A. Ranch in San Diego County was necessary after three subpar performances early this year. Cabo Spirit's success hinges on his ability to maintain his mental focus and physical freshness. Mike Smith, a Hall of Famer, will be back aboard for the Read, a race he has won twice before. The pair's strategy is to let Cabo Spirit dictate the pace, but they must be cautious not to allow early challenges. In last year's Read, Cabo Spirit finished a length behind Formidable Man, who is coming off a smart score in the Shoemaker Mile. Formidable Man, trained by Michael McCarthy, has lost only once in seven starts on Del Mar grass. Mondego, another McCarthy-trained horse, has been on fire this season, winning the San Marcos Stakes (G3T) and the Charles Whittingham Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Park. The rest of the field includes Almendares, Stay Hot, and three veterans trying to snap lengthy losing streaks. This race promises to be a thrilling showdown between two seasoned horses, each with their own unique strategies and histories. Cabo Spirit's ability to maintain his mental focus and physical freshness will be crucial to his success. In my opinion, the Eddie Read Stakes will be a testament to the endurance and skill of these horses, and I can't wait to see how they perform.
