Grable Stakes

$100.00 For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward Foaled In CA
7 Furlongs – Dirt – Del Mar – November 8, 2026

Coming into the Grable Stakes Southern Silk was on a two race winning streak. Both of those wins were wire to wire and, as they say, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. It didn’t matter that she was moving up into stakes competition; it was wash rinse threepeat to become the race’s twenty-fourth winner in a final time of 1:22.06.

Winner: Southern Silk
Owner/Trainer: Night Rider Stables
Jockey: M.E. Smith
Breeder: Nakamura Stables (Cal) – Hogshead/Red Silk (Valiant)

Eager right from the bell she went head and head on the lead with challenger Beyond The Lights outrunning the rest of the field early. Although challenged Southern Silk was determined not to be headed and she never let Beyond The Lights get on even terms and she began to separate herself after the first three furlongs. Hit the top of the stretch with a clear lead and said “catch me if you can” and no one could. Impressive win.

Second: Chantilly Road
Owner/Trainer: D J C Racing Stables
Jockey: V. Espinoza
Breeder: D J C Racing Stables (Cal) – Hard To Forgive/Versailles (Loon Lake)

Allowed to settle after the break and sit unhurried well off the pace as is her usual running style. She was asked to go after the leader and began her run around the turn. She ran gamely through the stretch and ducked into the rail late to attempt to make a run at the winner but she was too far back and never was a serious threat for the win. Second best on the day.

Third: Beyond The Lights
Owner/Trainer: Mo Mentum Farm
Jockey: D. Van Dyke
Breeder: Allinthegate (Cal) – Chase My Tail Lights/Sinful Doubt (No Doubt About It)

Went right after the winner and set the pace with that one early. Began to give way to Southern Silk as they moved into the turn but she never fully weakened and gave Chantilly Road a battle for second. Game first effort for her new barn after being claimed for just $6.50.

Fourth: Pinnacle Pride
Owner/Trainer: Martyparty
Jockey: K. Kimura
Breeder: Martyparty (Cal) – Pinnacle West/Failed With Pride (Engine Failure)

Was part of the three early trailers. Tried to follow Chantilly Road but that one had gotten the jump on her. Put in a strong stretch run but there was not enough distance left for her to break into the major prizes.

Preview Pick: Chantilly Road – Second.

This was the first Grable Stakes win for Night Rider Stables who shrewdly claimed the winner for $16.00 last November. Jockey M.E. Smith added a third Grable Stakes to his resume having previously won with Zenna The Ruler (2017) for Night Mare Racing and Off Grid (2024) for Asgar. In extending her winning streak to three races and gaining her first stakes win since late 2024 Southern Silk raised her career earnings to $257.20.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded