July 31, 2024 – Of the nine turf experts who will mow some lawns on Sunday at Del Mar in the 51st running of the Grade 2, $250,000 Eddie Read Stakes, Johannes and Du Jour are predicted to draw the majority of wagers.

The new morning-line maker at Del Mar, veteran handicapper Jeff Siegel, chooses between the 4-year-old colt Johannes (2-1) and the 6-year-old horse Du Jour (5-2) in the 1 1/8-mile event.

Johannes has won five of his last six starts, including a victory in the Shoemaker Mile at Santa Anita on May 27. Owned by Cuyathy, Johannes is trained by Tim Yakteen, former assistant to Bob Baffert, who trains Du Jour. Du Jour, in the silks of Jill Baffert and Debbie Lanni, aims to add to his six wins and $1,154,220 in earnings.

Last year’s Eddie Read winner, Gold Phoenix, returns along with runner-up Balnikhov. Master Piece, the 2022 Eddie Read champion, also joins the 2024 lineup, adding further intrigue to the race.