DEL MAR — Saturday, November 7, 2026 — Race 1

A crowded field of 11 California-bred runners will contest the $100.000 Chosen Stakes at Del Mar on Saturday, November 7, 2026, with seven furlongs on dirt providing a demanding test of speed and stamina. Sitting On A Dream, representing Oneonta Racing, seeks his third consecutive victory after capturing two six-and-a-half-furlong events over the Del Mar main track. His ability to stalk the early leaders before accelerating could prove decisive against a field featuring several aggressive front-runners. Time To Begin arrives with three consecutive victories and considerable early speed, while Soul Code Party enters following an encouraging Santa Anita victory. With both capable of contesting the opening fractions, the Chosen Stakes may ultimately favor a runner who can conserve energy before launching a sustained challenge.

The Chosen Stakes enters its second documented renewal following the inaugural 2025 running, when Super Powers captured the seven-furlong event for La Canada Racehorses with Ayuso A aboard, stopping the clock in 1:21.12. La Canada Racehorses returns with Moonshine Empire, seeking another victory in the event, while Ayuso A attempts to repeat his winning performance aboard Soul Code Party. Last year’s winning time provides an early benchmark for a race whose brief history offers several connections the opportunity to establish a lasting presence.

The Contenders

1 — Moonshine Empire

Owner/Trainer: La Canada Racehorses | Jockey: Berrios H I | Projected Odds: 12-1

Moonshine Empire represents the defending ownership and brings useful experience at Saturday’s distance. The three-year-old bay gelding has won twice from 11 starts, earning $88.720, and finished fourth, beaten only a neck, in the seven-furlong Real Good Deal Stakes at Del Mar in July after briefly taking command. His latest appearance produced a second-place finish behind Soul Code Party at Santa Anita, where he advanced from the rear to challenge late. That effort suggests he could benefit from a contested pace, although his limited winning record remains a concern. Winning chance: A credible outsider with proven seven-furlong ability, but he must improve his finishing effort to reverse his recent defeat against Soul Code Party.

2 — Hearts And Spades

Owner/Trainer: Mojica Racing | Jockey: Bautista A L | Projected Odds: 20-1

Hearts And Spades has finished first or second in all four appearances this season, but the six-year-old bay gelding faces a substantial change in distance. His latest victory came over one mile at Delta Downs, where he rallied from eighth to prevail by a nose. Earlier starts at 1¼ and 1½ miles demonstrated stamina rather than the sustained sprinting speed required Saturday. His lifetime record stands at five victories from 23 starts, with earnings of $10.200. Although his recent consistency deserves acknowledgment, the sharp reduction to seven furlongs places him at a tactical disadvantage against established sprinters. Winning chance: A substantial outsider whose recent route performances offer limited evidence that he can match this field’s sprinting ability.

3 — Soul Code Party

Owner/Trainer: Chili King Stables | Jockey: Ayuso A | Projected Odds: 4-1

Soul Code Party enters following an October 12 victory at Santa Anita that established him as a serious contender. The five-year-old bay gelding pressed the early leader through six-and-a-half furlongs before taking command and defeating Moonshine Empire by one length. That performance marked an encouraging return to dirt after several turf sprints. His November 1 five-furlong workout at Santa Anita was the fastest of 66, reinforcing his current condition. However, Saturday’s additional half-furlong and the presence of Time To Begin could force him into a demanding early contest. Ayuso A, winner of last year’s Chosen Stakes, returns seeking another victory. Winning chance: A leading contender whose tactical speed and sharp recent form make him dangerous, although an extended pace battle could expose him late.

4 — Bowser

Owner/Trainer: Night Rider Stables | Jockey: Smith M E | Projected Odds: 15-1

Bowser returns from an extended absence after last racing in the Thor’s Echo Stakes at Santa Anita on May 23. The five-year-old bay gelding finished fourth, beaten only one length, after racing in the second half of the field. His lifetime record of six victories from 20 starts and earnings of $151.840 suggests considerable ability, but his limited activity during 2026 raises questions about his readiness. A November 4 five-furlong workout at Del Mar indicates recent preparation, although his current racing condition remains uncertain. Winning chance: A possible minor contender whose previous stakes competitiveness warrants respect, but the lengthy layoff makes him difficult to favor.

5 — Awakening World

Owner/Trainer: The Sidley Stud | Jockey: Van Dyke D | Projected Odds: 25-1

Awakening World has struggled to convert competitive efforts into victories, winning only twice from 20 lifetime starts while earning $84.960. The four-year-old black gelding remains winless in six appearances this season, although his latest effort produced a third-place finish in a six-furlong allowance at Finger Lakes after advancing from sixth. Earlier seven-furlong performances include a third-place finish at Keeneland and a fifth-place effort at Churchill Downs. Those races establish some ability at the distance, but his limited winning record and inconsistent finishing strength present substantial challenges against stronger opposition. Winning chance: A longshot who would need considerable improvement and a favorable pace collapse to threaten the leading contenders.

6 — Sinissippi Chicken

Owner/Trainer: The Sidley Stud | Jockey: Buick W T | Projected Odds: 15-1

Sinissippi Chicken has remained competitive without winning during 2026, recording two seconds and three thirds from nine appearances. The six-year-old bay gelding possesses enough early speed to influence the opening stages, having briefly assumed command in several shorter sprints before weakening. His April appearance over six-and-a-half furlongs at Fonner Park was particularly revealing, as he established the pace but faded to sixth. A sharp October 16 six-furlong workout at Parx, fastest of 48, suggests he is physically prepared. Nevertheless, seven furlongs against multiple speed rivals could prove demanding. Winning chance: Capable of contributing to the early pace, but his repeated late weakening makes him an unlikely winner if the leaders face sustained pressure.

7 — Le Freak

Owner/Trainer: Gdp Inc | Jockey: Kimura K | Projected Odds: 8-1

Le Freak owns one of the strongest lifetime records in the field, with eight victories from 19 starts and earnings of $366.270. His recent form has been less convincing, including a tenth-place finish in the Grade I Goodwood Stakes over 1⅛ miles and an eighth-place effort in the Grade III San Carlos Stakes at seven furlongs. His July third-place finish in the Hall Memorial Stakes at Ellis Park provides a more encouraging sprint comparison, while his December 2025 victory at Gulfstream Park demonstrated the ability to stalk and accelerate. His October 29 five-furlong workout at Santa Anita was the fastest of 48. Winning chance: A dangerous contender with proven sprinting ability, although his inconsistent recent form leaves questions about his effectiveness at seven furlongs.

8 — Mystic Freak Party

Owner/Trainer: Maxmillion Farm | Jockey: Maldonado E | Projected Odds: 12-1

Mystic Freak Party has won four of 20 lifetime starts, earning $485.550, but enters following disappointing performances in the Grade I Forego Stakes and a Belmont optional claiming event. His earlier summer form was considerably stronger, including a six-furlong allowance victory at Saratoga after advancing from fourth and a runner-up finish over six-and-a-half furlongs at Churchill Downs. Those efforts suggest he possesses the ability to capitalize on a contested pace, although his recent results raise questions about his current form. A sharp seven-furlong workout at Santa Anita in October offers some encouragement. Winning chance: A potential rebound candidate whose best summer performances would make him competitive if the early leaders weaken.

9 — Heavy Current

Owner/Trainer: Lanfranco Stable | Jockey: Aguilar A | Projected Odds: 6-1

Heavy Current brings a lightly raced but promising profile into the Chosen Stakes, having won four of ten lifetime starts and earned $101.600. His most relevant performance came in a seven-furlong optional claiming victory at Parx on July 1, where he tracked the leaders before taking command and winning by one length. He subsequently finished fifth in the Grade III Ack Ack Stakes over one mile at Churchill Downs, a more demanding assignment against stronger opposition. His ability to settle behind the early leaders and produce a sustained advance could prove particularly effective Saturday. Winning chance: A legitimate contender whose seven-furlong victory and tactical versatility make him one of the principal beneficiaries of a contested pace.

10 — Sitting On A Dream

Owner/Trainer: Oneonta Racing | Jockey: Hernandez J J | Projected Odds: 5-2

Sitting On A Dream returns to Del Mar seeking a third consecutive victory after capturing two six-and-a-half-furlong California-bred optional claiming events. The five-year-old bay gelding has won five of 15 lifetime starts, earning $170.170, with four victories from six appearances this season. His September 6 victory came after he settled third early, advanced to second, and took command before prevailing by a neck. His July 30 success followed a similar pattern, demonstrating a consistent ability to stalk and accelerate. Hernandez J J retains the mount, having partnered him in both victories. Winning chance: The preferred selection. His improving form, proven Del Mar effectiveness, and tactical versatility make him particularly well suited to the projected pace scenario.

11 — Time To Begin

Owner/Trainer: Mb Stables | Jockey: Laprida J | Projected Odds: 3-1

Time To Begin arrives with three consecutive victories and the strongest recent early-speed profile in the field. The five-year-old bay gelding has won five of ten lifetime starts, earning $53.800, and captured his latest race over six furlongs at Del Mar after briefly surrendering the lead before regaining command. His previous Saratoga victory came after leading throughout, confirming his preference for prominent early positioning. A sharp October 19 six-furlong workout at Santa Anita, fastest of 44, indicates continued readiness. However, seven furlongs represents an additional challenge, particularly with Soul Code Party capable of applying early pressure. Winning chance: The principal danger to Sitting On A Dream. His current winning streak and early speed make him formidable, but the additional furlong and potential pace pressure could expose him late.

Projected Pace Structure

The Chosen Stakes features several runners whose strongest performances have come from prominent early positions, creating the possibility of a demanding opening tempo. The seven-furlong distance adds another dimension, as horses accustomed to controlling shorter sprints may find their finishing strength tested by sustained pressure.

Early pace — Time To Begin, Soul Code Party, and Sinissippi Chicken

Time To Begin appears the most likely horse to establish the early lead, having demonstrated a consistent preference for racing prominently. Soul Code Party presents the most significant challenge, particularly following his latest Santa Anita victory, where he pressed the leader before taking command.

Sinissippi Chicken also possesses enough speed to become involved, although his recent tendency to weaken suggests that an extended contest for the lead would work against his interests.

Stalking group — Sitting On A Dream, Heavy Current, and Le Freak

Sitting On A Dream appears ideally positioned to track the leaders. His consecutive Del Mar victories demonstrate the ability to settle just behind the pace before advancing decisively.

Heavy Current offers a similar tactical profile, having captured a seven-furlong race at Parx after racing third through the early stages. Le Freak also possesses stalking ability, although his recent performances have been inconsistent.

Late challengers — Moonshine Empire, Mystic Freak Party, and Bowser

Moonshine Empire demonstrated the ability to advance from the rear in his latest appearance at Santa Anita, while Mystic Freak Party produced a successful late rally in his July allowance victory at Saratoga.

Bowser has also shown the ability to improve his position during races, although his lengthy absence since May introduces uncertainty about his current condition.

Projected race development: Time To Begin is expected to establish or contest the early pace, with Soul Code Party providing the principal pressure. Sinissippi Chicken could contribute additional speed, potentially creating a demanding opening tempo.

Sitting On A Dream and Heavy Current should be positioned behind the leaders, conserving enough energy to challenge as the field approaches the final stages. The most likely outcome is a race in which Time To Begin remains dangerous throughout but faces enough pressure to create an opportunity for a tactically positioned rival.

Sitting On A Dream’s recent Del Mar performances make him the preferred beneficiary, while Heavy Current could also capitalize if the leaders weaken.

Predicted Finish — Top Four

Final Assessment — Sitting On A Dream Gets the Nod

The $100.000 Chosen Stakes brings together several runners with compelling recent performances, but the anticipated pace structure suggests that tactical versatility may prove more valuable than outright early speed.

Sitting On A Dream is the selection, primarily because his consecutive victories at Del Mar demonstrate precisely the running style likely to prove effective in this field. He has shown the ability to settle behind the leaders, advance at the appropriate moment, and sustain his effort through the finish.

Time To Begin represents the principal danger. His three-race winning streak and considerable early speed make him a formidable opponent, particularly if he can establish a favorable rhythm without becoming involved in an extended duel. However, the presence of Soul Code Party and Sinissippi Chicken creates the possibility of sustained pressure, which could compromise his finishing strength over seven furlongs.

Soul Code Party also deserves serious consideration following his latest victory at Santa Anita. His tactical speed and encouraging recent workout suggest that he is capable of competing effectively, although the additional distance and potential pace pressure introduce some uncertainty.

Heavy Current provides another intriguing alternative. His seven-furlong victory at Parx demonstrated the ability to advance from a stalking position, and his relatively light racing schedule leaves room for further improvement.

The historical dimension adds interest, with La Canada Racehorses seeking another Chosen Stakes victory and Ayuso A attempting to repeat his winning performance from the inaugural running.

Projected Winner: Sitting On A Dream (5-2)

His excellent current form, proven effectiveness at Del Mar, and ability to produce a decisive advance from just behind the leaders give him the narrow advantage in what promises to be a competitive renewal of the Chosen Stakes.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded