Del Mar Press

After roughly seven months away from the races, bay runner Unconquerable Keen returned to a configuration he relishes and knows, then uncorked a sharp stretch burst. That late kick produced a third consecutive score in the Stormy Liberal Stakes at Del Mar, Sunday afternoon, for example echoing prior success when the rail placement felt familiar.

Irish-bred and six years of age by Clodovil, he got there by a neck margin in a crowded turf scramble—a classic photo finish, for instance. Piloted by Umberto Rispoli, the five-furlong dash quite possibly sealed the fall riding crown at the seaside oval for the veteran Italian jockey.

Phil D’Amato conditioned the winner, and in Southern California grass events he is widely regarded for maximizing European-bred runners on this circuit.

The sprint stopped the clock at 56.10 seconds—fifty‑six and one‑tenth—and a $2 ticket returned $21.60 on this turf sprint.

In the $100,000 stakes for ages three and upward, Joe Navarro’s Zio Jo finished runner‑up, a head in front of Sorrento Sky for CYBT, Gevertz or Nentwig, et al; think only inches at the wire on this racecourse.

Unconquerable Keen posted lifetime victory eight in start number twenty‑four and collected $60,000 as first money; that pushes his purse total to $449,129.

UMBERTO RISPOLI (Unconquerable Keen – Winner) – “He’s a pleasure to pilot. He used to want to run off, but we invested plenty of time teaching him to switch off and relax. Like last year, I came from far back today because he actually finds extra when he’s covered up behind rivals and he loves to knife between them—for example, splitting a pair late. That approach lets me stalk instead of rush, and with the rail down the turf rides beautifully. He’s versatile, and the honest pace up front helped; I told Phil I’d ride him exactly as I did a year ago since taking cover is how he finishes hardest.”

PHILIP D’AMATO (Unconquerable Keen, winner) – “Threading between horses is Umberto’s signature; he loves this horse and mapped out the perfect trip to get it done, for instance saving ground inside. We shipped him earlier this year and, after that Kentucky stake, he needed a breather. He came back terrific. Winning this for a third straight season is a lot of fun, and with the right management maybe we can come right back and try again next year.”