Midnight Crossing is entered in the $75,000 Osunitas Stakes on 7/20 at Del Mar. The Osunitas was carded as race 7 of 8, and has an estimated post time of 7:00 PM PT, or 10:00 ET. The Osunitas drew a full field of 12. Midnight Crossing drew post position 11, which can be a tough post in 8.5F races at Del Mar, as they start on the chute inside of the track. This leaves the horses, with a very short run into the turn onto the main track.
Midnight Crossing has been training very forward for this race, and the barn expects a big effort for her in this spot. With that said, this race is very competitive, and she will need to get a good trip if she has a chance to win. We are taking the blinkers off her in this race, which I think is very important. She has trained well without blinkers, and I think it could help her relax and have a stronger kick at the end of races. Previously, we had talked about how Midnight Crossing’s best chance to win was if she was on the lead. In this race it will be very unlikely that she gets to the lead. The #12 is very fast out of the gate, and will need to be ridden aggressively from that post. The 1 is also very fast, and is another whose post might force their hand. I would envision us breaking, and trying to follow the 12 over towards the rail. Ideally we will be in 3rd early towards the outside. She does not enjoy being in behind horses, so getting her free sailing is very important.
Midnight Crossing will hopefully get into a good stalking position early. She does not have an explosive kick, but is a grinder. Hopefully she can be on the lead with an eighth of a mile left and hold off the closers.
