June 12, 2025
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Stated Intentions
One month after a stout rally earned Margie’s Intention the top prize in the Black-Eyed Susan (G2), the 3-year-old filly finds herself across the DMV to compete in Saturday’s $300,000 Delaware Oaks (G3).
Making the 72-mile trip from Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, to Delaware Park in Wilmington, Delaware, Margie’s Intention is riding high following her first graded score.
The tenacious triumph by three-quarters-of-a-length at 5-2 pushed the Brad Cox charge to 3-2-0 through six lifetime starts.
Oddsmakers are bullish on the prospects of a repeat performance in the 1 1/16-mile Oaks, listing Margie’s Intention as the early 5-2 choice.
One for the Books
A spot in the history books is up for grabs on Saturday at Delaware Park, as 11 hopefuls vie for the distinction of ‘Delaware Derby Champion’ in the $200,000 stakes’ inaugural edition.
Admiral Dennis, a 3-year-old colt with six starts under his belt, leads the charge as the early 3-1 favorite.
Under the command of trainer Brad Cox, Admiral Dennis has compiled a 2-0-1 record across half-a-dozen starts.
The sophomore has contested the stakes ranks three times (Gun Runner, Grade 2 Rebel, and Grade 1 Blue Grass), missing the podium altogether.
That said, Admiral Dennis showed well in the Blue Grass last out, finishing fourth against top-flight competition.
Signature Showing
For 28-start veteran Trademark, the path to $1 million contained several detours, including a pair of prolonged winless streaks, past (seven) and present (six).
The resilient seven-figure gelding, looking to get off the schneid, returns for his 2025 debut in Saturday’s $150,000 Salvator Mile (G3) at Monmouth Park.
After notching his first career graded title in the 2023 Clark (G2), Trademark failed to reach the winner’s circle in 2024.
However, after a lengthy eight-month layoff, the Victoria Oliver trainee has a chance to turn the corner in the Salvator Mile at 6-1.
Daytona 500
An 0-for-2 start didn’t deter Motorious (GB) from putting together a memorable 2024 campaign.
In fact, it only motivated him.
The accomplished Phil D’Amato charge successfully defended his Green Flash Handicap (G3T) crown before finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) and ending the year with a Joe Hernandez (G2T) victory.
Motorious, fresh off a well-deserved break, motors into Santa Anita in search of graded championship number five in Saturday’s $100,000 Daytona (G3T).
Slotted into post seven, the Antonio Fresu mount with more than $800,000 banked (21: 8-5-2), paces the field at 6-5.
Right There
Since coming over from his native France last June, Divin Propos (FR) has competed at the graded ranks five times but has yet to break through.
The 5-year-old’s sixth chance – and fourth at Santa Anita – comes this Sunday in the 86th renewal of the $100,000 San Juan Capistrano (G3T).
Authoring a second (Grade 3 San Luis Rey) and fourth (Grade 3 San Marcos) in his last two visits to the southern California oval, Divin Propos hasn’t been lacking in effort.
Come Sunday, the Phil D’Amato-trained gelding will need to find an extra gear at 1 3/4 miles against seven seasoned competitors, including three-time stakes winner Mrs. Astor.
