How to bet the Yellow Ribbon Handicap

A very talented field of eight fillies and mares will travel 1 1/16 miles over the Del Mar turf in Saturday’s $200,000 Yellow Ribbon H. (G2). #2 Heredia (4-1) has run a pair of good ones against solid foes in the Empire State following a layoff of over 18 months and will put it all together for her first win in the U. S. in this affair. 

Yellow Ribbon Wagers

• $25 win #2 Heredia ($25)
• $5 exacta key box 2 with 1,4 ($20)

Trained by Graham Motion, the Dark Angel mare closed out her four-year-old season with a Group 3 triumph followed by a strong third in the deep 2023 Sun Chariot S. (G1) behind the fantastic Inspiral, and she is slowly getting back to her old self. The mare put in a strong late kick to miss by less than a length in a division of the Del La Rose S. at Saratoga last time and seems poised to improve off of that in her West Coast debut. Juan Hernandez will be in the stirrups atop the late runner. 

#1 Hang the Moon (3-1) garnered a pair of Grade 2 wins in 2024, including the John C. Mabee S. (G2) on this surface, for conditioner Phil D’Amato. The Uncle Mo five-year-old has been training well and steadily since April in advance of her seasonal debut and received a nice draw on the rail, as well. Kentucky-bred bay has blossomed since coming to California and will save ground throughout with regular rider Kazushi Kimura in the silks. 

In an affair lacking pace, #4 Public Assembly (5-1) could potentially inherit the lead for D’Amato. The More Than Ready filly rallied to win in the Royal Heroine S. (G3) at one mile at Santa Anita two back and has a hint of tactical speed in a cast lacking that trait. Kentucky-bred chestnut was run off her feet in the Gamely S. (G1) last time, but lands in a better spot against this group while also cutting back in distance some. She has posted a trio of solid morning drills on the green recently and should be ready with Fresu taking the reins.