How to bet the 2024 San Clemente Stakes

A dozen sophomore fillies will trek one mile on the Del Mar lawn in the opening-day feature on Saturday, the $200,000 San Clemente S. (G2). I can make a case for numerous three-year-olds in the well-matched affair, but two particular contenders have caught my eye most in the heat. 

San Clemente Wagers

• $10 win/place/show #5 Invincible Molly ($30)
• 50-cent trifecta 5,10 with 5,6,10 with all ($20)

Euro import #5 Invincible Molly has shown slight improvement in each of her trio of tries since arriving in the States, led by a nice score most recently in her first with blinkers on. Trained by Jeff Mullins, the daughter of Invincible Army has solely sprinted to this stage of her development, but she is bred to get the mile and her running style suggests that she might thrive with more ground to work with. 

While the bay defeated just four foes in her allowance victory in May, I liked how she overcame a bit of adversity en route to the win. She will surely need to improve by a few lengths to take down this deep cast, but I feel that she will do so with Edwin Maldonado riding. Invincible Molly will likely stalk the action from midpack to the top of the lane before putting in her best run. The price will be right, as well. 

The unbeaten #10 https://x.com/TwinSpires/status/1814019654223814844 ran her spotless streak to four when eclipsing the Providencia S. (G3) at Santa Anita in her latest venture. One of two talented runners in the field for conditioner Peter Eurton, the Honor Code filly was not quite as sharp going 1 1/8 miles last out, and the cutback to eight furlongs in this spot is ideal for the miss. She overcame the rail and a troubled trip to win in impressive fashion on debut on the course in December, and she possesses the versatility to win from up close, or from well back, in the early going. Regular pilot Antonio Fresu has the call. 

Phil D’Amato’s #6 Iscreamuscream is the wildcard in the group coming off of two daylight wins while sprinting on the green. The Twirling Candy filly can be any type in her initial route attempt, and while I’m not in love with her in this race, I acknowledge that she has to be included, nonetheless. Hector Berrios inherits the ride.