Atitlan's Preparations for the Del Mar Handicap
Charting the Course: Atitlan's Pursuit of Glory at Del Mar
Atitlan's Swift Morning Breeze at Del Mar
At Del Mar, the esteemed racehorse Atitlan completed a three-furlong workout in an impressive 35.8 seconds this Tuesday morning, marking the fastest time among five competitors at that distance. This training session precedes his participation in Saturday's Del Mar Handicap (G2), an event where he secured a third-place finish in the previous year's running.
A Glimpse into Atitlan's Distinguished Career
The five-year-old progeny of The Factor, trained by Richard Mandella, boasts a remarkable career. His victories include the Charles Whittingham (G2) at Santa Anita on May 3, 2025, and the Twilight Derby (G2) at the same venue on October 26, 2024. Additionally, he triumphed in the San Luis Rey (G3) at Santa Anita on March 22, 2025. After finishing third in the Del Mar Handicap (G2) on August 30, 2025, he returned from an almost eleven-month hiatus to claim fourth place in the Wickerr, a mile turf race at Del Mar on July 19. His career record stands at 13 starts with 4 wins, 0 second-place finishes, and 4 third-place finishes, accumulating earnings of $468,000 for owner John O'Connor.
Recent Workouts of Notable Graded Stakes Winners
Atitlan was one of four graded stakes winners to have published workouts on Tuesday. Banishing (Ghostzapper), a Grade 2 winner of the 2025 Charles Town Classic, covered four furlongs in 50.4 seconds at Churchill Training. Three Technique (Mr Speaker), who won the 2023 John A. Nerud (G2), clocked four furlongs in a leading time of 47.8 seconds at Saratoga. Harrodsburg (Constitution), the 2026 Bango (G3) winner, completed four furlongs in 48.0 seconds at Churchill Downs, placing him among the fastest for the distance.