By DRF.com
DEL MAR, Calif. (July 3, 2026) — California-bred Pavlovian, who ran in this year’s Kentucky Derby, will return to the statebred ranks at Del Mar at the end of this month, trainer Doug O’Neill told DRF.
Pavlovian won the $500,000 Sunland Park Derby by a nose in New Mexico in February but has been beaten in his last three starts. Pavlovian was second by a head in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds on March 21, finishing a length in front of third-place finisher Golden Tempo.
Golden Tempo returned to win the Kentucky Derby on May 2, a race in which Pavlovian finished last of 18, and proceeded to win the Belmont Stakes as well. Pavlovian was later seventh of eight in the Grade 3 Matt Winn Stakes at 1 1/16 miles at Churchill Downs on June 7.
O’Neill said that Pavlovian was given a brief rest at a farm in recent weeks and is scheduled to have his first start of the summer in the $150,000 Real Good Deal Stakes for California-bred 3-year-olds at seven furlongs on July 31.
The Del Mar summer meeting begins on July 17.