ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 28, 2025) – California-bred Lovesick Blues, who earned entry in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint by winning the Grade I Bing Crosby at Del Mar, will prep by running in the Oct. 11 $100,000 California Flag Stakes for Cal-breds at about 6 ½ furlongs down the Santa Anita hillside turf course.
Trainer Librado Barocio told FanDuel TV’s Kurt Hoover on Sunday that he made the decision after receiving advice from Hall of Fame trainer Neil Drysdale. The Breeders’ Cup Sprint will be run at six furlongs on Del Mar’s main track.
“He’s a legend,” Barocio said of Drysdale. “He told me it would be easier for the horse going down the hill than to have several hard workouts. So that’s the plan, and I thank Mr. Drysdale.”
Lovesick Blues has three wins and 11 in-the-money finishes on turf. He is six for 19 with 16 in-the-money finishes on dirt or synthetic.