Horse Racing Odds: Formidable Man wins Del Mar Derby

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Formidable Man Claims Del Mar Derby Victory for Sire City of Light

Formidable Man, a rising star on the turf, secured a significant victory in the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby on September 1, continuing the legacy of his sire, a horse racing odds favorite, City of Light. 

Owned by William and Suzanne Warren and trained by Michael McCarthy, Formidable Man’s win echoes the success of City of Light, who claimed victories in prestigious races like the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile and the 2019 Pegasus World Cup.

Race Recap: Strategic Moves Lead to Victory

Formidable Man faced five rivals over 1 1/8 miles on firm turf in the Del Mar Derby. The race began with Sketchy taking the early lead, followed by Gold Foot, Atitlan, and Formidable Man, with Stay Hot positioned at the back. 

Jockey Umberto Rispoli strategically placed Formidable Man outside of Atitlan, patiently waiting to make his move. Formidable Man surged forward as the race progressed, taking the lead at the sixteenth pole. Despite a strong challenge from Stay Hot, Formidable Man won by a half-length, finishing the race in 1:49.87.

This victory marks Formidable Man’s third consecutive win at Del Mar, showcasing his strong affinity for the course. His consistent performances have made him a favorite in the Saratoga betting scene and among those analyzing horse racing odds.

The Journey of Formidable Man: Rising Star on the Turf

Formidable Man’s journey began with a debut win on the Del Mar turf last September. Since then, he has accumulated four wins and two seconds in nine starts, including a second-place finish in the Grade 2 American Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs. His development under McCarthy’s guidance has been evident, with the trainer noting that the colt has improved with each race.

McCarthy, who purchased Formidable Man for $375,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September yearling sale, has high hopes for the colt’s future. Indeed, the Warrens’ investment in Formidable Man is paying off as he continues to impress.

A Legacy Continued: City of Light’s Impact 

Formidable Man is one of several graded stakes winners sired by City of Light in 2024, joining the ranks of champions like Fierceness and Chop Chop. 

City of Light, who earned over $5.6 million during his racing career, has proven to be a successful sire, with his offspring continuing to make waves in the racing world. Standing for a 2024 stud fee of $35,000 at Lane’s End, City of Light’s influence on the turf is undeniable.

His success is a testament to the quality of his lineage and McCarthy’s skilled training. For those interested in offtrack betting, Formidable Man is a name to watch closely in the coming months.