Full Serrano and The Goat Carry South American Hopes into the San Diego Handicap

John Sadler indicated that the Argentine champion could make his return at Del Mar, while the Chilean Grade 1 winner is also targeting the same race

ARCADIA, California (Special to Turf Diario).- As the California summer season approaches, John Sadler appears determined to arrive at Del Mar with his stable firing on all cylinders.

The veteran conditioner is enjoying a remarkable run at Santa Anita Park, where he has won with 13 of his last 22 starters, a strike rate that reflects the outstanding form of his barn.

More importantly, several of his leading runners still appear poised to make a major impact over the coming months.

Among them is Chilean Group 1 winner The Goat, who already has a tentative target for his second start in the United States. The son of Midshipman is expected to return in the San Diego Handicap (G2) on July 18 after finishing fourth in the Triple Bend Stakes (G3) over seven furlongs.

That performance left Sadler wanting more, particularly because of the way the race unfolded.

"I didn't like the trip at all," the trainer explained. "It was a very fast race, and Stronghold ran a top-level race. The final time was strong, and because of that I think The Goat can move forward significantly in his next start."

The San Diego, however, could feature another member of Sadler's stable with far greater credentials.

That horse is Full Serrano, the Argentine star who captured the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) in 2024 and who is also under consideration for the prestigious Del Mar event.

The son of Full Mast has not raced since late March, when he finished fourth in the Oaklawn Mile (G2) after a disastrous start that effectively compromised his chances from the outset. Many observers believed the South American standout might well have won had he broken cleanly from the gate.

Since then, Full Serrano has not recorded an official workout, although all indications are that he will resume training this week at Santa Anita.

"He could make the San Diego," Sadler said. "He's going to start working again, and we've got about six weeks, so it's certainly not impossible."

The possibility is especially intriguing because Del Mar holds some of the finest memories of Full Serrano's career.

It was there that he secured the biggest victory of his career in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, and it was also the track where he finished second in last summer's Pacific Classic (G1).

With proven stars, emerging talent, and a stable operating at an exceptional level, Sadler heads into the summer with one of California's strongest outfits.

And for racing fans in Argentina and Chile, attention will be focused squarely on Full Serrano and The Goat, two South American standouts preparing to return to the spotlight in search of another major international achievement.