In a significant pre-race development, the highly anticipated Grade 2 San Diego Handicap has seen a major shake-up with the unexpected withdrawal of Full Serrano. The Argentine-bred contender was scratched on Saturday morning following the recurrence of persistent foot problems that have periodically plagued his career. This eleventh-hour decision leaves rival Journalism without its most formidable competitor in the $300,000 preparatory race for the Pacific Classic at Del Mar.
Trainer John Sadler conveyed that while the injury is not critical, its timing is undeniably regrettable. The 7-year-old horse had appeared sound during a morning jog around 4:15 a.m. PDT. However, by 7:30 a.m., the groom reported a subtle lameness. Subsequent examination led to the official scratch around 8 a.m. Sadler emphasized the need to address the foot issue, acknowledging that such problems, while frustrating, sometimes resolve quickly.
Full Serrano, owned by Hronis Racing, boasts an impressive record, including a victory in the 2024 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar and a narrow second-place finish in the Pacific Classic the same year. Despite a previous foot injury that caused a four-month layoff, the son of Full Mast had been training robustly for the San Diego, his last start being a fourth-place finish in the Oaklawn Mile (G3) on March 28. His withdrawal is a blow to his connections and fans alike, who were eager to see him return to top form.
With Full Serrano's absence, the field for the San Diego Handicap, initially seven entries strong, now shrinks to five. Journalism, a three-time Grade 1 winner, is now poised as the heavy favorite, carrying 125 pounds under jockey Umberto Rispoli. Other contenders include Mirahmadi, The Goat, Shea Brennan, and Iron Man Cal. The Goat, a Group 1 winner in Chile and fourth in his U.S. debut, is expected to challenge Mirahmadi for the lead. Journalism, despite being the favorite, has not secured a victory in his last four starts, with his most recent win dating back to last year's Haskell Stakes. This race traditionally serves as a crucial stepping stone towards the Pacific Classic, scheduled for August 22.
The San Diego Handicap has unfortunately faced another scratching in the San Clemente Handicap (G2) for 3-year-old fillies, run later on the card. Lookin at Diamond, who placed third in the Honeymoon Stakes (G3), was also withdrawn from the $200,000 turf mile. This leaves Kentucky shippers Raiding Party and Ground Support as the leading contenders in the remaining field. These withdrawals highlight the inherent unpredictability and challenges within competitive horse racing.
The unexpected withdrawal of Full Serrano from the San Diego Handicap due to a foot problem marks a significant alteration to the race's landscape. While the injury is not severe, its timing is unfortunate, especially given the horse's strong training leading up to the event. This incident underscores the delicate nature of equine athletes and the constant challenges faced by trainers in preparing them for competition. The modified field now sets the stage for Journalism to contend as the favorite, with other participants aiming to seize this unforeseen opportunity.