Packs a Wahlop stalked the leader the exploded in the stretch to win Sunday’s $100,000 Del Mar Juvenile Turf going away by 4 ¼-lengths.

This was the first stakes win for the 2-year-old Eaton Sales graduate. The gray son of Creative Cause – City by the Bay was offered at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling sale on behalf of Anthony Warrender and sold to VC Racing for $27,000.

Packs a Wahlop proved to be worth much more than his purchase price with a stellar effort in Sunday’s one-mile race. Breaking from post nine, he used his speed to get to second behind Ah Jeez rounding the first turn. They ran 1-2 until about three furlongs to go, when Packs a Wahlop took over the top spot. From there, he drew off from the field and finished the mile in 1:35.96 on the firm turf.

“That was kind of the plan along,” trainer Jeff Mullins said of the decision to send the colt from his outside post. “He showed speed going five-eighths; we figured he would be laying close somewhere in a comfortable position. Mike’s worked him every time and he’s had all the confidence in this horse, we all have.”

Now owned by Red Baron’s Barn LLC and Rancho Temescal LLC, Packs a Wahlop has won two of three starts and earned $110,000.