West Point struck early at the Del Mar meet with Indispensable in a gutsy victory that could launch him into stakes company in the older male division.

Overcoming a wide trip, Indispensable seized the lead in upper stretch only to immediately meet a challenge from Lyell’s Song, who stuck a head front past the eighth pole and the two horses battled the rest of the way. They exchanged bumps before Indispensable dug in along the inside to prevail at the wire, and he survived a stewards inquiry after it.

Hector Berrios guided Indispensable, who now owns two wins and a stakes placing over the track at Del Mar for trainer John Sadler. Michael Talla and West Point acquired the 4-year-old Constitution colt at the 2022 Keeneland September yearling sale.

Photos From WPT’s Opening Weekend at Del Mar

Indispensable sacked out in his stall on Sunday morning: