Desert Stone beat winners for the first time in an allowance race with a $75,000 claiming option at a mile on turf in Friday's second race, the performance trainer Richard Baltas needed to see to plan for a stakes debut at Del Mar this summer.

Leaving the winner's circle, Baltas said Desert Stone ($15) will be pointed for the $100,000 Oceanside Stakes at a mile on turf on July 18, opening day of the track's summer meeting.

Desert Stone won his second consecutive race on Friday. Ridden by Geovanni Franco, Desert Stone closed from off the pace to win by a half-length over La La Land, who was second by a head in the Singletary Stakes at a mile on May 5. La La Land is also a contender for the Oceanside.

Desert Stone was winless in four starts for trainer Rudy Rodriguez in New York last year. Owned by Zayat Stables, Desert Stone joined Baltas's stable over the winter. The Irish-bred colt by Fastnet Rock was fourth in his California debut before winning a maiden race at 1 1-8 miles on May 11.

"He beat a nice horse in La La Land," Baltas said. "I think he'll improve, but I think he'll want distance."