The $200,000 San Diego Handicap (G2) was the feature race at Del Mar on Saturday. A field of 7 older horses went 1 1/16 miles on the Polytrack in this Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" event for the Dirt Mile. 25,087 fans came out to the seaside oval under sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 70's. John Scott, winner of his last two starts both in allowance company, was sent off as the lukewarm 3-1 favorite over 13-4 second choice Kettle Corn, third in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) last out, and 7-2 third choice Take Control, undefeated in two starts and making his stakes debut.
Jockey Victor Espinoza sent John Scott to the lead first time by and he set slow fractions of 25.13, 49.98, and 1:14.14 while pressed by 9-2 fifth choice Rail Trip 1/2 a length behind and to his outside. Entering the stretch, jockey Jose Valdivia Jr. sent Rail Trip to challenge and he put his head in front. The pair battled to the line through 1 mile in 1:37.29, but Rail Trip prevailed, completing the distance in 1:43.14. It was another 1/2 length back to late-running Kettle Corn third.
