Del Mar unveiled a potential rising star Saturday as Intrepido dominated a maiden special weight featuring highly-anticipated first-time starters with championship bloodlines.
The Jeff Mullins trainee earned TDN Rising Star status after decisively defeating two well-bred colts from champion mares in the one-mile contest, crossing the wire 3 1/4 lengths clear in an impressive 1:35.71.
Intrepido, a chestnut son of Maximus Mischief, outran 1-2 favorite Provenance, the first foal from two-time Eclipse Award winner Monomoy Girl (Tapizar), and Plutarch, whose dam is champion 3-year-old filly Stellar Wind (Curlin).
Making his second career start after finishing fourth behind fellow TDN Rising Stars Brant and Balboa, Intrepido broke sharply under jockey Heriberto Berrios and controlled the pace throughout.
The 12-5 second choice maintained his rail position through a half-mile in :47.34 while rating kindly alongside Biggiebiggiebiggie. When Provenance launched a wide bid around the second turn, Intrepido found another gear and drew clear with authority down the stretch.
Plutarch, after trailing early, rallied late to secure second place ahead of the tiring favorite.
The winner’s journey to the winner’s circle took an interesting path through the sales ring. Initially purchased for just $30,000 at Keeneland September, Intrepido blossomed into a $385,000 acquisition at OBS April after working an eighth in a swift but green :9 4/5.
Former trainer Mike Pender signed the ticket for Dutch View Holdings and Irving Ventures — the same connections who campaign GIII Unbridled Sidney Stakes winner Queen Maxima. That filly is targeting the GIII Green Flash Handicap on Pacific Classic day, August 30.
Intrepido’s dam, Overly Indulgent, has a yearling half-brother by Caracaro and a foal half-sister by Into Mischief’s son Fulsome. She was bred back to Maximus Mischief.
The victory returned $6.80 to win and improved Intrepido’s career earnings to $52,800.
#4 INTREPIDO ($6.80) couldn't be caught in the opener at @DelMarRacing. @HIBerrios rode the two-year-old son of @SpendthriftFarm's Maximus Mischief to this maiden win. @Jmullinsracing trains.
Provenance, the first foal out of Monomoy Girl, finished third in his debut. pic.twitter.com/G9apnbGjLN
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing)
#4 INTREPIDO ($6.80) couldn't be caught in the opener at August 23, 2025
