Christel Clean turned Thursday’s feature at Del Mar into a one-horse show, taking command shortly after the start and drawing away to win by 7 1/2 lengths under Joel Rosario.

The seaside oval has brought out the best in Christel Clean. All three of her career victories have come at Del Mar, beginning with a 3 1/2-length debut score in August 2025. She added another Del Mar victory last fall and entered Thursday’s race off a runner-up finish over the same course on August 6. Her career record now stands at three wins and four seconds from 10 starts, with earnings of $203,840.

Christel Clean’s success also provides a timely example of the potential West Point’s buying team searches for at the yearling sales. Trainer John Sadler helped identify the California-bred daughter of Violence at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings and Horses of Racing Age Sale, where West Point purchased her for $32,000 from the McCarthy Bloodstock consignment.

Campaigned by West Point and Spartan Equine Racing, Christel Clean has earned more than six times her purchase price and continues to reward the confidence John showed in her at the sale.

Breaking from the rail as the 6/5 favorite, Christel Clean established the pace through fractions of 22.44, 46.85 and 1:11.93. Rosario asked her to finish the job approaching the stretch, and the 4-year-old responded by opening a three-length advantage before putting the field away under minimal urging. She completed the mile on the dirt in 1:37.25.

Del Mar: Christel Clean Much the Best in Thursday Feature