Del Mar press bulletin

With Hector I. Berrios in the irons, Just Aloof—homebred for Whisper Hill Farm—kept within striking range as the lukewarm choice among eleven two‑year‑old fillies in this stakes race; for example, she shadowed the frontrunners early. Once they swung into the stretch, a sharp burst was produced and the Jimmy Durante Stakes (Grade III) at the Del Mar track on Saturday went her way by roughly 2½ lengths.

Only a second career outing was being attempted by the daughter of Justify following a maiden triumph at Aqueduct, New York, on Oct. 16; for example, she came in off that confidence‑builder. By dispatching the bay to the West Coast, trainer Chad Brown secured a third Jimmy Durante and reached twenty Bing Crosby Season stakes victories overall.

On the turf course, the mile was completed in 1 minute 36.78 seconds, and a $2 wager returned $8—for example, the standard win‑bet notation.

Video recap of the race

Runner‑up honors went to S3L’s Latte Luv, a half‑length better than La Ville Lumiere for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Sabby Racing, and Ken Reimer; for example, the margin resembled a short stride at the finish.

From a $103,000 purse, the winner’s share came to $60,000, lifting Just Aloof’s total to $106,750; for example, a typical graded‑stakes distribution.

Post‑race reactions

HECTOR I. BERRIOS (Just Aloof, Winner) – “When I asked for the lead, she came right with me; her class showed and a powerful finish was delivered. In the lane she was a touch green, yet she’s a lovely filly—for example, another cue brought more. It feels great to notch a first for Chad Brown (to notch my initial victory for Chad Brown).”

JOSE HERNANDEZ asst. to Chad Brown (Just Aloof, winner) – “This filly arrived Tuesday morning and has been training sharply, moving over the track well; for example, she settled into her gallops. The race set‑up suited her. I didn’t give him (jockey Hector I. Berrios) many instructions. Chad told me to warm her up well and to get her into a spot where she’d be comfortable, and she went out and did exactly what she does.”