The Grade II DMR Derby returns to Del Mar on Sunday, August 23, 2026, bringing together six three-year-olds for 1 1/8 miles on turf and a purse of $300.000. The race has a strong history dating to 2003, and Mb Stables has been particularly successful in recent editions, winning with Striped Maple in 2017, Extreme Super Hero in 2024 and Bold Decision in 2025. Nakamura Stables also owns a prior DMR Derby victory, having taken the 2022 running with Speightstown(5). This year’s field presents an interesting contrast between established turf performers and horses attempting to transfer dirt form to the grass. Regal Classic gets the narrow call based on his established route-turf record, improving recent form and ability to race effectively near the pace.

1. P C Police — Threshold / Lopez P

Projected Odds: 7-2

P C Police brings the most extensive turf-route experience in the field, with three victories and two additional placings from eight turf appearances. His latest came over this exact 1 1/8-mile distance at ELP, where he sat fourth through the opening stages and closed to finish second. Before that he encountered the Grade I BELDrb, where he remained well back throughout, but his May victory at 1 1/16 miles showed what he can do when positioned within striking range, advancing from fourth before taking command. His turf route form is reliable, and the recent seven-furlong turf works suggest he has been prepared specifically for another route assignment. Threshold trains and owns, with Lopez P scheduled to ride. He has a legitimate winning chance, particularly if the leaders make the race demanding enough to enhance his late run.

2. Terrible Tudor — Mb Stables / Velazquez J R

Projected Odds: 4-1

Terrible Tudor is intriguing because his lone turf appearance was also a victory. That came July 26 at MTH over 1 1/16 miles, where he raced essentially with the lead throughout and held on by one length. His earlier dirt route races also show considerable tactical speed, including several efforts in which he either led or raced prominently. He has not yet faced graded company on grass, so this represents a significant class test, but the surface transition certainly worked the first time. Four consecutive turf works since mid-July reinforce the impression that Mb Stables intends to keep him on grass. Velazquez J R takes the mount for Mb Stables, which is seeking its third consecutive DMR Derby victory. His ability to control or sit very close to the pace makes him dangerous.

3. Estimated Profit — Jerry Garcia Racing / Leparoux J R

Projected Odds: 15-1

Estimated Profit enters with no turf starts, making him the largest surface question in the field. His recent route efforts have come entirely on dirt, including a seventh in the Curlin at 1 1/8 miles and a ninth in the Grade III Marine. He did win an optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles in May, rallying from seventh, so he has demonstrated that he can make an impact from behind the leaders in a route race. The notable change is the preparation: his August 15 work came one mile on firm turf, suggesting Jerry Garcia Racing has given him a meaningful grass test before this assignment. Leparoux J R is listed to ride. The surface switch introduces uncertainty, and he will need a substantial step forward against horses with proven turf form.

4. Regal Classic — Mo Mentum Farm / Buick W T

Projected Odds: 5-2

Regal Classic has become a consistently effective turf route horse and enters off a victory in the 1 1/16-mile Horizon Stakes at BTP. He tracked the pace from third, moved into second and prevailed by a neck, following an authoritative three-length allowance victory at WO in which he led throughout. Earlier in the year he also finished second in the Pasadena Stakes at one mile. Overall, his turf record stands at three victories from seven starts, and he has shown the versatility to either control a race or sit immediately behind the pace. His recent preparation has remained exclusively on turf, including a mile work and another five-furlong drill at DMR. Mo Mentum Farm owns and trains, with Buick W T aboard. The combination of established turf ability, route success, tactical flexibility and current form gives him the strongest overall profile.

5. Flight Of Fancy — Barcelona Farms / Corrales G

Projected Odds: 8-1

Flight Of Fancy is perfect in his only route start, winning at one mile on turf at SA in December after rallying from seventh. Most of his subsequent racing has been at shorter distances, including victories at 6 1/2 furlongs on soft turf and five furlongs on firm turf. His last appearance came in April, when he finished fourth in the Palisades at 5 1/2 furlongs, so he returns from a considerable layoff while stretching to 1 1/8 miles for the first time. His recent work pattern has been sharp, with four consecutive five-furlong drills at SA during late July and August. Barcelona Farms trains and owns, and Corrales G is the probable rider. His turf record commands respect, but the combination of the layoff and substantial distance extension creates questions he has not yet answered.

6. Art Of Boom — Nakamura Stables / Santana R Jr

Projected Odds: 6-1

Art Of Boom has competed almost exclusively in route races this season, facing considerably deeper dirt company than several of today’s rivals. His campaign has included the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Grade III Winn, Grade III Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap and Grade II Dandy. His turf record is limited to three starts, but he does own a turf victory and a second-place finish from those appearances. The most important recent clue is his preparation: Nakamura Stables has given him two consecutive turf works at DMR, including a mile drill on August 15 and six furlongs on August 19. He has generally raced from a stalking or midpack position rather than demanding the lead, which could fit the anticipated race shape. Santana R Jr rides for Nakamura Stables, winner of this race in 2022. He has the class background to make himself felt, but must prove he can translate his recent route form back to turf.

Possible Pace Structure

Terrible Tudor and Regal Classic appear the most likely to establish the early tempo. Terrible Tudor was at or near the lead throughout his only turf victory, while Regal Classic has won both by leading and by sitting just behind another horse. Neither necessarily requires an uncontested lead, which could prevent the opening stages from becoming excessively aggressive.

P C Police should be positioned behind that pair, having repeatedly shown the ability to settle several lengths back before advancing. Art Of Boom also figures in the second flight based on his typical route pattern. Flight Of Fancy has demonstrated the ability to rally from farther back when routing, while Estimated Profit has generally produced his better route efforts when allowed to settle before making his move.

The critical point should come approaching the final turn. Terrible Tudor may try to carry his speed into the stretch, but Regal Classic has already demonstrated that he can remain effective when pressing another leader and has proven finishing ability at route distances on turf. P C Police is the most likely beneficiary if those two begin demanding too much from one another.

Projected Winner

#4 Regal Classic — Mo Mentum Farm / Buick W T — 5-2

Regal Classic receives the top selection. He has already won three turf races, enters off consecutive victories at 1 1/16 miles, has demonstrated both pace-setting and stalking ability, and arrives with turf-specific preparation at DMR. That versatility is particularly valuable in a six-horse field where the pace may be tactical rather than extreme.

Main Danger: #1 P C Police — 7-2
His proven 1 1/8-mile turf form and ability to finish from behind the pace make him the principal threat.

Next Best: #2 Terrible Tudor — 4-1
One turf start produced one victory, and his natural tactical speed gives him a chance to dictate much of the race.

Live Alternative: #6 Art Of Boom — 6-1
His recent competition has been stronger than most of this field, and the recent DMR turf works make the surface switch especially interesting.

Final Projection

1st — #4 Regal Classic
2nd — #1 P C Police
3rd — #2 Terrible Tudor
4th — #6 Art Of Boom

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES