Velocity Strikes in Del Mar Oaks, Stuns the Field

Under a flawless ride from Ricardo González, the Nyquist filly split the rail to capture her first graded victory in the G1 Del Mar Oaks, upsetting favorite Thought Process

Antonio Fresu congratulates Ricardo González (right), who scored one of his career’s finest victories/ BENOIT PHOTO

DEL MAR, California (Special for Turf Diario).- The Del Mar Oaks (G1, 1800m, turf, $303,000) is one of the most traditional summer highlights for three-year-old fillies in California, and the 69th edition, run last Saturday, will be remembered for its unexpected result. Velocity, making just her fifth career start, powered down the stretch to secure her first graded victory—earning it at the top level and paying a monumental $72 for every $2 wagered.

The Mike McCarthy-trained filly, representing Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and ridden by Aron Wellman—the same connections behind talented colt Journalism (Curlin)—showed she is ready to compete at the highest level. She decisively defeated Lush Lips (Ten Sovereigns), while favorite Thought Process (Collected) settled for third.

The race unfolded perfectly for Ricardo González, who delivered one of those rides that define a career. Positioned along the rail for the entire trip, González patiently followed Edge of Mali (Sands of Mali), waiting for the right opening. That gap appeared in the stretch: González angled Velocity through the space, kept her tight to the rail, and the filly responded with authority to seize the lead in the final 100 meters. With just enough left in the tank, she held off the late bids of Lush Lips and Thought Process, crossing the finish line a half-length clear in 1:48.45, with splits of 23.22, 46.98, 1:11.48, and 1:36.20.

For González, it was only the second G1 win of his career and his first in the Del Mar Oaks, also marking his third graded win overall on the West Coast. “To be honest, I thought she’d perform better on dirt. But the trip was perfect—I followed Antonio all the way, waiting for a hole, and when it opened, she went. This is a really fun race to ride, especially here at Del Mar,” the jockey said.

McCarthy, who notched his first Oaks win at this track and the 16th graded stakes of his career there, praised the ride: “It was one of the best rides you’ll see. The gap opened at the perfect moment and she had a fantastic day. She came in with great attitude all week and showed it.”

Velocity, a daughter of Nyquist, now boasts 3 wins in 5 starts with $274,800 in earnings. The Del Mar Oaks victory added $180,000 to the owners’ account and immediately placed her among the fillies to follow in the second half of the season.