Itsinthepost wears the target

DEL MAR, Calif. – Its in the post established his reputation in the spring as a turf marathoner with consecutive wins in Grade 2 stakes at 1 1/2 miles at Santa Anita and Keeneland.

Those victories have made him a target.

Its in the post tends to race near the front, which leaves him vulnerable to pressure from rivals. Since winning the Grade 2 Elkhorn Stakes at Keeneland in April, Its in the post has finished fifth in turf stakes at Santa Anita and Monmouth Park.

When Its in the post starts in Saturday’s Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap at 1 3/8 miles on turf, jockey Tyler Baze will have the task of using his speed while reserving energy for the stretch.

The stakes are much higher than the first-place prize of $150,000 in this $250,000 race. The winner of the Del Mar Handicap receives a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Turf here Nov. 4.

Its in the post has earned a career-best $363,000 this year, all for Jed Cohen’s Red Barons Barn and trainer Jeff Mullins, but is far from a standout in a field of 13. Ashleyluvssugar, the winner of the 2016 Del Mar Handicap, and Hunt, the winner of the Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf July 22, are two other prominent runners in a highly competitive race.

KEY CONTENDERS

Its in the post, by American Post Last 3 Beyers: 99-96-100

◗ Its in the post was outstanding in the spring, with wins in the San Luis Rey Stakes and Elkhorn Stakes. He was beaten 1 1/4 lengths in the Grade 2 Charles Whittingham Stakes at Santa Anita in May, and 2 1/4 lengths in the Grade 1 United Nations Stakes at 1 3/8 miles on turf at Monmouth Park on July 1.

◗ The loss at Monmouth Park left Baze frustrated. Its in the post dueled with Beach Patrol, ridden by Florent Geroux.

“He made my horse go much faster than I wanted to,” Baze said.

Beach Patrol finished third in the United Nations Stakes, and returned to win the Arlington Million last weekend.

◗ The longshot Mr. Roary, who was third in the Eddie Read, may pressure Its in the post on Saturday. Hunt, by Dark Angel Last 3 Beyers: 104-99-103

◗ Hunt starts in the longest race of his career Saturday. He finished well under jockey Flavien Prat in the Eddie Read.

“I think he’ll be in a tactical spot,” trainer D’Amato said.

Ashleyluvssugar, by Game Plan Last 3 Beyers: 102-99-94

◗ Ashleyluvssugar, who was second by a length to Hunt in the Eddie Read, will benefit from the longer race. He won the Whittingham Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf.

◗ Trainer Peter Eurton is hoping for a strong pace in the Del Mar Handicap to help Ashleyluvssugar.

“He’s got to find a path through a lot of horses in that race,” Eurton said.