Full Serrano, from Glory to the Unknown: Between a Dream Comeback and a Monumental Test

The Argentine star returns from injury to face a tough field in the Del Mar Mile Stakes (G2). John Sadler’s runner will try to clear another hurdle on his road to the Breeders’ Cup

Full Serrano Seeks a Triumphant Comeback / BREEDERS' CUP

South American racing—especially Argentine fans—are counting the hours until the long-awaited return of Full Serrano to the U.S. track. Inactive since his unforgettable triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) last November, the Hronis Racing star will step back onto the Del Mar oval this Saturday, the same venue where he cemented his legacy.

The big news—and the main question mark—is that he will return on turf, one of eight confirmed for the Del Mar Mile Stakes (G2-1600 m, turf, $300,000), a key supporting race for the formidable Pacific Classic (G1).

The Full Mast colt suffered an injury shortly after his Breeders’ Cup victory, sidelining him for months and preventing potential starts in the Saudi Cup (G1) or Dubai World Cup (G1). His trainer, John Sadler, allowed him all the time needed, gradually preparing him for this comeback while keeping an eye on a possible start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) over 2000 meters on dirt.

The reason for switching to turf is unclear, but with Full Serrano, it hardly seems concerning: his best victory in Argentina came on grass, winning the Clásico Tresiete (L) at San Isidro, while also placing third in the Botafogo (G3)and Embrujo (L).

Top jockey Juan J. Hernández, leading the stats this season, will ride the Haras Gran Muñeca-bred colt from post 8, carrying top weight of 126 pounds.

A winner in his U.S. debut in a conditional race and later second to Mixto (Good Magic) in the 2024 Pacific Classic, Full Serrano has been working strongly, covering 1200 meters on the 17th in 1:12.60 and 1000 meters last Sunday in 59.60, both with apparent ease, pleasing his team.

The challenge, however, will be formidable. King of Gosford (Zoustar), trained by Phil D’Amato, fresh off a Shoemaker Mile Stakes (G1) victory, comes loaded with graded stakes experience, including the Mathis Mile Stakes (G2), Let It Ride Stakes (L), Desert Code Stakes (L), and John Shear Stakes (L).

Formidable Man (City of Lights) adds further difficulty, a multiple graded winner including the Eddie Read Stakes (G2), Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes (G1), Hollywood Derby (G1), Caesars Sportsbook Del Mar Derby (G2), and Oceanside Stakes (L), and second to King of Gosford in the Shoemaker Mile.

The experienced Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile) also joins the field, with strong recent efforts including second in the Eddie Read and third in the Shoemaker Mile, plus multiple graded stakes wins like the California Crown John Henry Turf Championship S. (G2), Twilight Derby (G2), American Stakes (G3), and La Jolla Handicap (G3).

Other notable entries include Almendares (Havana Grey), winner of the Wickerr Stakes (L); Suchet (Cloth of Stars), Full Serrano’s stablemate who debuted in the U.S. with a second-place finish in a conditional race; Zio Jo (Nyquist), runner-up in the Wickerr and Frank E. Kilroe Mile; and Nesso’s Lastharrah (Sharp Azteca), with four wins from his last seven starts.

Full Serrano faces a monumental test in his return, with the weight of expectations from his stellar previous season. No South American horse has ever won the Del Mar Mile—will the brilliant Full Serrano be the first? If anyone can pull off such a feat, it’s him.