DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 5, 2023) – Defending champion Carmelita’s Man overhauled even-money favorite Kings River Knight in deep stretch for a repeat win in Saturday’s $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Del Mar.
Carmelita’s Man is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the North Light mare Carmelita, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises & Robert Traynor, is owned by Lawrence and Ann Jett and is trained by Dean Pederson.
“The end result is what we were hoping for that’s for sure,” said Pederson. “I was a little worried around the turn. He was in between horses and it looked like he was backing up a little bit but once he got him outside and in the clear it was good. He’s still got it, I guess. He’s just very reliant on pace. We got a little help today and he’s still willing to do it.”
Carmelita’s Man has eight wins in 27 starts, earnings of $554,670 and was coming off a third in the May 28 Crystal Water.
Carmelita’s Man ran the 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:41.00 and won by one length. Kings River Knight was second and None Above the Law was third in the field of 10.