Bing Crosby

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

A field of nine will go forward in Sunday’s $300,000 Bing Crosby H. (G1) at
Del Mar. Making his first start in four months is multiple Grade 1 winner PICO
CENTRAL (Brz), who finished a close fourth in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1)
in March. Pico Central could find himself a little rusty, so we will try to beat
him with Churchill Downs H. (G2) victor BATTLE WON (Honour and Glory).

The Charles Simon trainee exits a second in the Aristides Breeders’ Cup H.
(G3) behind an explosive Kelly’s Landing (Patton), who set a new track at the
Louisville, Kentucky, track going six furlongs in 1:07 2/5 and eclipsing Kona
Gold’s previous record of 1:07 3/5. Despite having never made a start at Del
Mar, Battle Won has excelled at the Bing Crosby distance of six furlongs, having
never placed off the board in six starts (3-2-1) at three-quarters.
The five-year-old dark bay has put together some decent works since arriving at
the track nine days ago and will have top jockey Pat Valenzuela for piloting
duties here.

Despite his four-month respite, the Paulo Lobo-trained Pico Central is always
dangerous. He has been putting together some sharp workouts in the mornings,
going five furlongs in :59 2/5 over a fast track at Santa Anita on July 24. The
six-year-old veteran will face a disadvantage as he will be loaded with the
highweight of 123 pounds, conceding seven pounds to his nearest rivals. Jockey
Mike Smith will make his first start aboard the dark bay.

GREG’S GOLD (Lake George) comes off a three-length defeat of allowance
opponents and will be making his graded stakes debut here. Although the David Hofmans trainee makes a huge jump in class, he has been posting numbers
comparative of his top rivals on Sunday, earning two consecutive century-topping BRIS Speed figures. His first test of the stakes waters three back in the Tiznow S. was disappointing after a troubled start, but he still managed to
rally for third to eventual Triple Bend H. (G1) winner Unfurl the Flag (Bertrando).
The gray four-year-old possesses a good late kick should a speed duel
materialize in the front. David Flores will ride.

TOP COMMANDER (Kingmambo) comes off a two-month freshening for conditioner
Cole Norman after getting edged at the wire in the Turf Sprint H. at Lone Star
Park. He should return to better form here as he switches back to the dirt and
will be on the lead from the beginning of this one for a possible duel with Pico
Central or STORM WOLF (Stormin Fever) in the early fractions. The five-year-old
gelding also has an affinity for six furlongs and could be a contender under
Garret Gomez.

Storm Wolf is the least experienced member in the field, making only his
fifth start here. Despite his lack of starts, the three-year-old youngster
proved he can handle graded company when annexing the Lazaro Barrera Memorial S.
(G2) in his last outing by six lengths. The Bruce Headley trainee is riding a
three-race win streak into the Bing Crosby and could grab part. Regular rider
Alex Solis has the call.

AREYOUTALKINTOME (Smokester) was not able to fire in the Triple Bend and came
home an unthreatening sixth. The cut back in distance should help the Doug
O’Neill charge as he has compiled a record of 8-3-4-1 at six furlongs. O’Neill
has been successful so far this meet and his four-year-old gelding should be
considered for the bottom of the gimmicks. Tyler Baze will ride.

STORMIN’ LYON (Storm Boot) comes off a close turf loss last out and could
improve here while returning to the main track. He likes the distance, but all
of those have come against weaker competition. Gary Mandella will see if blinkers
can improve TASTE OF PARADISE’s (Conquistador Cielo) performance here, but the
dark bay six-year-old has not shown lately that he has what it takes to compete
against this field. PT’S GREY EAGLE (Pleasant Tap) excelled at sprints last
year, but has so far been cold in 2005. He should improve as trainer Craig
Dollase cuts the four-year-old back to one-turn races, but we will go against.