The Bob Baffert-trained Defunded battles a former stablemate in the Phil D'Amato-trained Newgrange in the $150,000 Native Diver Stakes (G3) Nov. 27 at Del Mar.
Newgrange—a winner of three of four starts when initially racing for Baffert, including a couple of graded stakes—has a third and a victory in two starts for D'Amato and new ownership after he was acquired for $325,000 from the ELiTE Sales consignment to the Fasig-Tipton July Horses of Racing Age Sale. He now races for owners David A. Bernsen, Little Red Feather Racing, and Rockingham Ranch.
His score came Nov. 6 at Santa Anita Park, where he sped a mile in 1:35.72 in taking a second-level allowance optional claimer by 5 1/2 lengths under Ricky Gonzalez, who returns in the irons Sunday. A Violence 3-year-old colt, Newgrange is 4-0-1 in six starts with a bankroll of $609,334. He is untested over Sunday's trip of 1 1/8 miles.
"He's got every right to keep improving," trainer Phil D'Amato said.
Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman's Defunded similarly comes off a victory at Santa Anita, taking the Oct. 1 Awesome Again Stakes (G1).
"It was one of his better races," Baffert said. "He keeps getting better, but he hasn't run well at Del Mar for some reason."
The 4-year-old son of Dialed In is 4-3-1 in 12 starts with earnings of $518,100. He is 1-0-1 in four starts at Del Ma. He was twice unplaced in graded stakes company this year at the seaside track.
Edwin Maldonado is aboard the 125-pound high weight, who spots five pounds to 3-year-old Newgrange.
Baffert also starts longshot Azul Coast for Defunded's ownership. Azul Coast won the 2021 Native Diver.
The 5-year-old son of Super Saver hasn't won since winning last year's race, finishing last of eight in the Awesome Again and then last of five behind Newgrange last out.
Tizamagician , Go Joe Won , and Parnelli complete the six-horse field.
Tizamagician is accustomed to running in longer races. Most recently third in the Tokyo City Cup Stakes (G3), he won the 2021 Cougar II Stakes (G3) at Del Mar. He was also second in the TVG Pacific Classic (G1) last year.
"I wish it was another three-eighths of a mile," trainer Richard Mandella said of the Native Diver. "He likes a mile and a half. But it's the only place I had to run him, and he's doing good, so we'll just give it a try."
Tizamagician is one of several who typically races on or near the pace, but cutting back in distance and facing a group of speedy rivals, he may find himself playing more of a pressing or stalking role. Longshot Go Joe Won should also be a part of the early tussle.
Del Mar, Sunday, November 27, 2022, Race 8Entries: Native Diver S. (G3)
PP
Horse
Jockey
Wgt
Trainer
M/L
1
1Azul Coast (KY)
John R. Velazquez
121
Bob Baffert
6/1
2
2Tizamagician (KY)
Flavien Prat
121
Richard E. Mandella
4/1
3
3Go Joe Won (KY)
Jose Valdivia, Jr.
118
Paula S. Capestro
12/1
4
4Newgrange (KY)
Ricardo Gonzalez
120
Philip D'Amato
5/2
5
5Defunded (KY)
Edwin A. Maldonado
125
Bob Baffert
6/5
6
6Parnelli (KY)
Victor Espinoza
121
John A. Shirreffs
6/1