Today’s highlight at Del Mar is the Chosen Vron Stakes, named in honor of a remarkable California homebred whose career was defined by speed, reliability, and consistent victories. This chestnut gelding, sired by Vronsky and out of Tiz Molly, was co-owned and trained by Eric Kruljac. Over 25 starts, he amassed 19 wins, earned $1,709,678, and claimed victory in 18 stakes races, earning back-to-back California-bred Horse of the Year titles in 2023 and 2024.
His impressive record includes winning the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar in both 2023 and 2024, with jockey Hector Berrios riding, proving his ability beyond state-bred contests. Additionally, he triumphed in the graded Laz Barrera, Affirmed, and San Carlos stakes, building streaks of eight and six consecutive stakes wins. While primarily known as a sprinter, his performances showed both speed and versatility.
An ankle injury forced The Chosen Vron into retirement in March 2025 to avoid further harm, ending a stellar career marked by two California-bred sprint championships and multiple Horse of the Year awards. To honor his impact, Del Mar renamed the Cary Grant Stakes—the event he won twice—as The Chosen Vron Stakes, ensuring his legacy remains part of the racing calendar.
While today’s race may not feature another horse of The Chosen Vron’s caliber, the lineup includes several talented California-breds. Key contenders include two seasoned competitors: Man O Rose and Big City Lights. Big City Lights aims for his 10th career victory and boasts a graded stakes win, along with a third-place finish in this year’s Grade 2 Pat O’Brien. Man O Rose, a versatile classic Cal-bred favorite trained by Jeff Mullins, holds nine wins on dirt and four on turf. Big City Lights slightly edges Man O Rose as a pick for this 7-furlong race, though Man O Rose remains a strong challenger.
Among the live long shots, Pure Madness steps back into softer company and a favored surface after a solid debut against stakes rivals in the Grade 2 Eddie D at Santa Anita. Also noteworthy is Lovesick Blues, returning from a break since last racing in March following a trip to Meydan, UAE. He captured the Grade 1 Bing Crosby in 2025 with a late-race surge, making his comeback at the same venue promising. Although likely using this race as a tune-up, he’s more than capable of competing at this level.
For wagering, The Sporting Tribune suggests a $3 Late Pick 3 bet starting with race 7 (total $27): pick 1, 5, 11 / 5 / 1, 7, 8. Best of luck!
Fan Take: The renaming of the Cary Grant Stakes after The Chosen Vron symbolizes a well-deserved tribute to a true California-bred champion, highlighting the significance of local breeding programs. This kind of legacy-building inspires fans and breeders alike, fostering pride and excitement that can help strengthen and grow the sport in the region.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
