DEL MAR DAILY NOTEBOOK
OPENING DAY PREVIEW
JULY 18, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
Note: Those that have followed the Del Mar and Saratoga Notebooks
in the past will notice that we at BRIS have decided to make some changes to
the format of these two Notebooks for this year. Previously, we released
these Notebooks on a weekly basis but, in an effort to make the information
contained in the articles more timely and useful to those that follow Del
Mar and Saratoga, we have decided to begin producing the Notebooks for these
two meets on a daily basis. This allows us to provide more data to the
horseplayer regarding hot jockeys, hot trainers, track bias information,
horses to watch (including promising two-year-olds), and any other news on
the day that could prove useful. In addition, we will be doing a preview of
the upcoming day of racing in which we provide the advanced weather
forecast, a brief look at the day’s feature race, and the horses that we
believe to be the best bets of the day. As we at BRIS are always striving to
provide the horseplayer with the most beneficial and timely information at
our disposal, we feel that these changes will only enhance the usefulness of
the articles for the fans of Del Mar and Saratoga racing.
It was in 1937 that Del Mar Race Course first opened its gates to the
racing fans of Southern California. Legendary crooner Bing Crosby, one of
the founders of the ocean-side track, was on hand that day to see his dream
of a summer getaway revolving around fresh ocean air and Thoroughbred racing
come to fruition.
Though the new track was open to everyone, it quickly became the
gathering place of many Hollywood elites. Stars like W. C. Fields, Red
Skelton, Betty Grable, Lucille Ball and many others could be seen inhabiting
the grandstands of this San Diego track. Legendary funny man Jimmy Durante
spent so much time at Del Mar that once the turf course was added in 1960,
it was eventually named in his honor.
On Wednesday, Del Mar enters its 66th season of racing (it was closed for
three years during World War II) and the scene is much different than it was
in those early days. As one casts their eyes toward the grandstand, the
likelihood of spotting a star isn’t nearly as great as it was in those early
days but the one constant of Del Mar, the great Thoroughbred racing, remains
unchanged.
Over the course of the 43-day meet, Del Mar will offer 29 major stakes
races worth $6,775,000. Nineteen of these stakes are graded and will be
showcased by the $1 million Pacific Classic (G1) on August 21. Among the
other highlights of the meet are the John C. Mabee H. (G1) on July 23, the
Eddie Read H. (G1) on July 24, the Bing Crosby H. (G1) on July 31, and the
Del Mar Oaks (G1) on August 20. Del Mar will be also offering four graded
stakes events for juveniles, both fillies and colts, which will undoubtedly
have an impact on the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships on
October 29.
The biggest change to this year’s stakes schedule, outside of added purse
money to both the Bing Crosby and the Pat O’Brien Breeders’ Cup H. (G2),
came to the Del Mar Breeders’ Cup H. (G2), which has been moved off of the
main track and onto the turf for the first time in its 19-year history.
Given that the race is contested at eight furlongs, it should serve to make
the Del Mar Breeders’ Cup a solid prep race for those horses aiming for the
Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1).
As for what to expect in the upcoming meet, it sometimes becomes
necessary to look at the past to get an idea of what to expect for the
future. While everything is subject to change, we can look at last year’s
results to give us a general ideal of what might happen this year. For
instance, a look at last year’s track bias information indicates that the
main strip played favorably to horses on or near the pace in both sprints
and routes with the advantage being substantial in the sprints. The one
exception to this rule came in seven-furlong races where horses rallying
from well off the pace held a slight advantage. The most dominant bias
though came at 5 1/2 furlongs where 89 percent of the races were won by
horses on or near the pace. This is not to say that the same bias will be
prominent this meet, but it does give the horseplayer something to be aware
of when observing the first few days of racing.
When it came to the turf, horses coming from off the pace fared best
whether they were going short or long. This could be subject to change this
year though as Del Mar has put a new brand of Bermuda sod on the Jimmy
Durante Turf Course. After experimenting with several different varieties
last year to try to determine what type would hold up best, Leif Dickinson,
Del Mar’s chief agronomist, decided to re-do the surface with GN-1 Bermuda.
The “GN” stands for Greg Norman and it is the first grass patented by the
legendary golfer.
Unlike most Bermudas, this variety will build up a decent thatch base
underneath which provides more cushion for the horses competing on the
surface. This, in turn, makes for safer conditions but whether this affects
the bias of the turf course or not remains to be seen.
Corey Nakatani captured last year’s riding title, winning an outstanding
25 percent of his races from 212 starts. Nakatani’s greatest success came
when he was riding for trainer Doug O’Neill as they were hitting at a 37
percent clip together.
Keep a close eye on Tyler Baze, second in last year’s jockey standings,
when he is riding for trainer Mike Mitchell as the pair combined for a
phenomenal 42 percent win percentage from 28 starts at the just-concluded
Hollywood Park meet.
As for the trainers, O’Neill captured last year’s training title, winning
a solid 22 percent of his races from 126 starters. Jeff Mullins was second
with 26 percent winners from 93 starters followed by Bob Baffert in third
with 19 percent winners from 89 starters. Though Baffert had what would be
considered a tremendous meet last year by most trainer standards, it was a
bit sub-par for him. He looks ready to put in a solid showing this time
around though as all reports say that he has an outstanding barn full of
two-year-olds that he has been waiting to unleash at Del Mar.
A few other trainers that it would be wise to pay attention to, given
that they won between 26 percent and 30 percent of their starts last year,
would be Julio Canani (27 percent), Clifford Sise Jr. (29 percent), Craig
Dollase (30 percent) and Reuben Cardenas (26 percent).
Trainer Adam Kitchingman won 38 percent for the meet from only 13 starts.
What he lacked in numbers, he more than made up for in production.
Opening Day Outlook
The forecast for Wednesday calls for partly cloudy skies with
temperatures in the upper 70s, which should ensure ideal conditions for the
nine-race card. The opening day feature is the Oceanside S. for
three-year-olds going eight furlongs on the grass. As has been the norm for
the last several years, the Oceanside will be split into two divisions and
will kick off in the 6TH with a competitive field of nine set to go to the
post.
EASTERN SAND (Line in the Sand) will definitely be the horse to keep an
eye on in this event, but he is far from being invulnerable. The chestnut
always makes a good showing but has not been in the winner’s circle since
October of last year.
A field of 10 is set to contest the second division of the Oceanside in
Wednesday’s 8TH race. JULIESUGARDADDY (Unusual Heat) is undefeated in three
tries over the lawn and could prove to be the one to beat in this highly
contentious event. Though the gray will be making his first start since May
7, he has been working steadily and sharply for his return to racing.
Wednesday’s Best Plays
1ST – POWERFUL SISTER (Russian Courage) has a solid shot of finally
getting over the hump in this maiden claiming event. The four-year-old filly
has definitely been knocking on the door in each of her last two starts and
has found a spot where her BRIS Speed Ratings, BRIS Prime Power Ratings and
BRIS Class Ratings lead the field. The one concern would be that Powerful
Sister will be stretching out to a route for the first time, but trainer Mag
Perez is a solid 25 percent in the “Sprint-Sprint-Route” trainer statistics
category. The fact that jockey Patrick Valenzuela has the call on Powerful
Sister only adds to the list of things to like and makes her a solid threat
to clear her maiden condition in this event.
8TH – Juliesugardaddy has been on a roll since moving to the lawn and has
a versatile running style that should make him a threat regardless of the
pace scenario. Trainer Barry Abrams is a solid 17 percent in the “Non-Graded
Stakes” category and a respectable 16 percent in the “Winner Last Race”
category with a positive R.O.I. in each.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
Del Mar kicked off its 43-day meet on Wednesday with the Oceanside S. for
three-year-olds going eight furlongs over lawn. As has been the case for
years now, the Oceanside was divided into two divisions to cater to the
overflow of horses entered for this important prep for the Del Mar Derby
(G2) on September 5.
A field of nine went to the post for the first division, headed by
morning line and post time favorite EASTERN SAND (Line In The Sand) who was
looking for his first win on the grass since capturing an allowance event at
Calder in November of last year. Unfortunately for the chalk players though,
Eastern Sand lost all chance at the start of the Oceanside as he stayed in
the gate, spotting the field a solid advantage. Jockey Alex Solis was forced
to rush the chestnut up into contention, which may have taken too much out
of his charge, and after being in good position on the turn for home,
Eastern Sand faded in the stretch drive to finish seventh.
In the end, the day belonged to BECRUX (Ity) (Glen Jordan), who bounded
to the lead out of the gate and led the field through early fractions of :23
3/5 and :47 3/5. Jockey Garrett Gomez put on a brilliant ride, letting the
field stay just close enough that they thought they had a chance before
opening up in the stretch drive to cross the wire 1 1/2 lengths in front,
paying a solid $28 for the effort.
Becrux’s first start in North America came in the Hill Prince S. (G3) at
Belmont back in June where he put in an absolute dismal performance to
finish last in a field of nine, beaten by 15 3/4 lengths. A closer look at
his past performances though reveals that he was quite the performer in
Italy in August and September of last year as he won the first four starts
of his career in easy fashion. If his performance in this event is any
indication, it appears that Becrux has returned to his old form.
LEGAL PRECEDENT (Theatrical [Ire]) rallied from off the pace in a solid
effort to pick up the place, 1 1/2 lengths clear of LEO GETZ (Wild Rush) in
third.
In the second division of the Oceanside, a field of eight went to the
post headed by EL ROBLAR (War Chant), who was making his first start on the
grass after back to back wins on the dirt. Progeny of War Chant win 21
percent of the time in their first try on the grass so it was well within
the realm of possibility that he could actually improve with the move to the
lawn. Standing in his way though was JULIESUGARDADDY (Unusual Heat), who was
a perfect three for three on the grass and seemed to be improving with every
start.
This time, the chalk players were not to be denied though as El Roblar
put in a brilliant performance, rallying from off the pace with a nice
closing kick in the stretch drive to hit the finish line three parts of a
length in front.
IN EXCELSIS (Fusaichi Pegasus) put in a solid effort himself, rallying
late to pick up the place, a head in front of Juliesugardaddy in third.
The old Del Mar bias held up on opening day as horses either on the lead
or stalking won all but one of the main track events. As for the three
eight-furlong turf races contested over the newly sodded turf course, two of
them were won by horses rallying from off the pace.
Jockey Patrick Valenzuela got his Del Mar meet off to a great start as he
hit the board with each of his seven mounts on the day, including visiting
the winner’s circle twice. Valenzuela actually crossed the wire in front in
the 3RD race as well but was disqualified to second for interference in the
stretch drive.
Horses to Watch
1ST — CLEVER HUNTER (Jade Hunter) came off the second turn of this 1
1/16 mile maiden claiming event on the rail and full of run. Unfortunately,
the three-year-old filly found herself behind a wall of horses with
absolutely no way to get through. Once jockey Jose Valdivia Jr. got her
switched outside and into the open, she had geared down to the point that
she just couldn’t regain her best stride. The chestnut finished evenly and
crossed the wire in a dead heat for third.
7TH — BRO LO (In Excess [Ire]) looked outstanding in his first career
start. The dark bay took the lead early in this two-year-old Cal-bred maiden
special event and never looked back, widening his lead through the stretch
drive to hit the wire eight lengths clear of the field.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Thursday, July 21
A highly competitive field of eight is scheduled to go to the post for
Thursday’s feature race, a $72,000 allowance event for fillies and mares
three-years-old and up going eight furlongs over the Jimmy Durante Turf
Course. Among those scheduled to compete in the event is multiple Grade 2
winner HOUSE OF FORTUNE (Free House), who will be trying the grass for the
first time in her 16-race career, but one has to wonder, given her pedigree,
how well she will take to the new surface. Free House produces only 9
percent winners when his progeny is trying the turf for the first time and
House of Fortune’s dam, So Fortunate (Garthorn), doesn’t offer an
overwhelming turf influence with her pedigree either.
Keep an eye on NAVAJA (NZ) (Daggers Dawn), who is coming off of a solid
third place finish behind Grade 1 winner Intercontinental (GB) (Danehill) in
the Royal Heroine Invitational S. (G3) at Hollywood, and the Jenine Sahadi-trained
PENNY’S FORTUNE (Storm Cat) who has been to the winner’s circle in three of
her last four starts on the grass.
Mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 70s are forecasted for
Thursday’s eight race card.
Thursday’s Best Plays
3RD — FIRE BOLT (Brz) (Roba Fina [Ire]) tops the field in BRIS Speed
Ratings and BRIS Prime Power in this five furlong turf optional claiming
event. The dark bay holds a lifetime record of 8-3-5-0 on the grass and has
shown the ability in the past to either stalk the pacesetter or rally from
well off the pace, which should benefit her in this situation. Trainer Jeff
Mullins wins 26 percent of the time with his turf starters and 21 percent of
the time, over the last 60 days, when he gives jockey Victor Espinoza a leg
up on his mounts. Though Fire Bolt has finished second in each of her last
three starts, she appears to be poised to have her picture taken on
Thursday.
6TH — MEMOGRAM (Memo [Chi]) has two second-place finishes to her credit
from two starts since being claimed and moved into the barn of trainer Bill
Spawr. The bay’s connections appear to be looking for a win though as they
are dropping her down a class to compete in this $16,000 claiming event and
Spawr is a very solid 29 percent in the “Down One Class” trainer category.
Garrett Gomez, the leading rider of the just completed Hollywood Park meet,
has been enlisted for the ride and he has combined with Spawr for a 30
percent win mark over the last 60 days. Memogram posted a BRIS Speed Rating
of 86 in her last start and a repeat of that performance, combined with the
drop in class, could serve to make her one tough customer in this event.
DEL MAR DAILY NOTEBOOK
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
A field of seven went to the post for Thursday’s feature race, an
eight-furlong allowance for fillies and mares, three-years-old and up,
contested over the Jimmy Durante turf course. FENCELINENEIGHBOR (Wild Rush)
bounded from the gate and on to the early lead, guiding the field through
early fractions of :22 4/5 and :46 1/5, closely followed by HOUSE OF FORTUNE
(Free House) in second. Once the field hit the stretch, Fencelineneighbor
widened her advantage and looked to be heading for the wire in front. FLIP
FLOP (Fr) (Zeiten), who had been given a nice ground saving trip on the rail
by Alex Solis, had other ideas, though, and came through on the inside to
take the victory by a half-length
House of Fortune re-rallied through the stretch and finished well late to
pick up the place, despite what appeared to be a questionable pedigree for
the surface. It was another half-length back to Fencelineneighbor in third.
Horses on or near the lead dominated the sprint races on the day, winning
four of the five sprints, but the one route was won by a runner coming from
well off the pace. As for the turf, the lone sprint was won by a horse near
the lead while the eight furlong route race on the card was won by a horse
coming from well off the pace.
Jockey Victor Espinoza won two races on the day and Patrick Valenzuela
won one, leaving the two in an early tie in the jockey standings with three
winners each.
It was a bad day for chalk players at Del Mar as five of the eight races
on the card produced winners with double-digit payoffs. Only two favorites
finished in front on the day and one of those, the Bob Baffert trained
INVERNESS (More Than Ready), still produced a respectable $8.00 pay off.
Horses to Watch
4TH — ITTY BITTY PRETTY (El Corredor) stayed in the gate at the start of
this $100,000 maiden claiming event for two-year-old fillies, spotting the
field a solid advantage. Valenzuela gradually moved her back into contention
and stayed on the rail to save ground. Once the field hit the stretch, the
bay came through on the inside and closed with good energy late to pick up
the show. A better break next time could yield a trip to the winner’s
circle.
7TH — Flip Flop rebounded from a dismal performance in the Gamely
Breeders’ Cup H. (G1) at Hollywood where she finished last, beaten by 26 1/2
lengths, to take the victory in Thursday’s feature. The four-year-old filly
did it with a nice closing move on the rail to pick up her second win in
three starts since coming to North America. It would probably be wise to
toss out her previous performance as Flip Flop has the appearance of what
could be a nice one.
Tomorrow’s Outlook — Friday, July 22
A field of eight is set to go to the post for Friday night’s featured
California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association S. for two-year-old Cal-bred
fillies going 5 1/2 furlongs on the main track. The Doug O’Neill trained
KALOOKAN LESSIE (Deputy Commander) appears to be the one to beat. Though the
dark bay has only one start to her credit, it was an impressive one as she
absolutely demolished a state-bred maiden special field at Hollywood by a
widening five lengths, posting a solid 93 BRIS speed rating in the process.
Should the young miss falter though, it will probably come down to a
battle between BID OF GENIUS (Beau Genius), SMART KITTEN (Royal Cat), and
possibly DEVONS SMOKIN (Devon Lane) as to who picks up the top prize.
Another race on the day which could prove interesting is the 2ND race on
the card, a seven-furlong optional-claiming event featuring Grade 2 stakes
winners ST AVERIL (Saint Ballado) and HASTY KRIS (Kissin Kris). Also entered
is ROBLEDO (Robannier), who is scheduled to make his first start since
capturing the Turf Paradise Derby in February of 2003.
The first post for Friday’s eight race card will be at 4:05 p.m. (PDT)
due to Del Mar’s “Four o’clock Friday Concert Series.” Each Friday during
the meet, Del Mar will be offering a free concert at the track and the later
post time to lead into the evening event. The forecast for Friday’s
extravaganza calls for mostly overcast skies in the morning giving way to
partly cloudy skies in the afternoon and temperatures in the upper 70s.
Friday’s Best Plays
1ST — S S STRANGE (Seacliff) tops the field in both the BRIS Speed Last
Race and BRIS Prime Power categories in this $20,000 claiming event. The
three-year-old gelding will be making his second start for trainer Mike
Mitchell, who is winning an outstanding 25 percent of his races this year
and 26 percent in the “2nd After Claim” trainer category. Tyler Baze gets
the call on the mount, and he and Mitchell have combined for an unbelievable
48 percent win rate over the last 60 days.
6TH — PASSIONATE HEAT (Unusual Heat) will be stretching out in distance
and making her turf debut in this state-bred optional-claiming event.
Unusual Heat’s progeny have an AWD (average winning distance) of seven
furlongs, which means the stretch out should pose no problem. In addition,
runners by Unusual Heat win a very solid 20 percent of the time when making
their first try on the grass. Passionate Heat’s BRIS Pace Ratings indicate
that she should be laying just off the pace early with plenty left at the
end to have a solid chance at hitting the finish line in front.
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
A field of seven went to the post for Friday night’s featured California
Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association S. for two-year-old Cal-bred fillies
going 5 1/2 furlongs on the main track. The Doug O’Neill-trained KALOOKAN
LESSIE (Deputy Commander) was sent off as the overwhelming favorite.
When the gates sprang open, Kalookan Lassie immediately moved up to
contest the lead with BID OF GENIUS (Beau Genius) and the pair led the field
through opening fractions of :21 2/5 and :44 2/5. As the field entered the
turn, DEVONS SMOKIN (Devon Lane), who had been content to let the top pair
slug it out early, moved into contention on the outside.
Kalookan Lessie then came out at the top of the stretch, forcing jockey
Patrick Valenzuela to check Bid of Genius sharply. In the meantime, Devons
Smokin wrestled the lead away from Kalookan Lessie, and widened her
advantage through the stretch to hit the wire 3 1/2 lengths in front.
Kalookan Lessie finished second but was disqualified and placed fifth
behind Bid Of Genius who faded after being checked. The place went to
HARBOR’S HALO (Southern Halo), who made a nice closing move through the
stretch to cross the wire in third, and the show went to fourth-place
finisher CHULLA ISABELLA (Chullo [Arg]).
Horses that ran on or near the lead won all five of the sprints on the
day, as well as the only route race. As for the turf, both races were won by
horses rallying from off the pace.
Jockey Victor Espinoza won two races on the card to Patrick Valenzeula’s
one, giving Espinoza the five to four early lead in the rider standings.
Horses to Watch
2ND — HASTY KRIS (Kissin Kris) showed that even though he is an
eight-year-old gelding, he still has plenty left in the tank. The bay
stalked the pace setter early before taking the lead in the stretch drive of
this allowance event and crossed the wire 1 1/2 lengths in front of a very
contentious field.
4TH — DANCING GROOM (Funontherun) vied for the lead from the get go in
this state-bred maiden special event, dueling through early fractions of :21
3/5 and :44 2/5. Though the chestnut gelding eventually succumbed to the
torrid pace, he fought gamely to the wire and held on for the place, four
lengths clear of the rest of the field.
6TH — PASSIONATE HEAT (Unusual Heat) put in a solid effort in her first
try on the grass while competing in this state-bred optional claiming event.
The dark bay trailed the field throughout and was still at the back on the
turn for home. Once they hit the stretch though, she unleashed a blazing
turn of foot down Del Mar’s short run to the wire but ran out of ground,
crossing the finish line a half-length behind the winner.
Tomorrow’s Outlook — Saturday, July 23
A field of eight is scheduled to go to the post for Saturday’s featured
John C. Mabee H. (G1) for fillies and mares, three-years-old and up going
eight furlongs over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. Grade 1 winner
INTERCONTINENTAL (GB) (Danehill) is definitely the one to watch for in this
field but there are a few others scheduled to compete that have the
potential to make things interesting for her.
TICKER TAPE (GB) (Royal Applause [GB]) has tangled with the favorite a
couple of times as of late and has been getting close while AMORAMA (Fr)
(Sri Pekan) owns a Grade 1 victory of her own and it came right here in the
Del Mar Oaks. ISLAND FASHION (Petionville) is a multiple Grade 1 winner on
the main track but is yet to carry that success over to the grass. Another
filly in the field that could pose problems is WYNENDYNME (Dynaformer), who
is coming off an outstanding second-place effort to Megahertz (GB) (Pivotal
[GB]) in the Beverly Hills H. (G2) at Hollywood.
Also on Saturday, a fine field of 11 is set to go to the post for the
Fleet Treat S. for three-year-old Cal-bred fillies going seven furlongs on
the main track. This event features SHORT ROUTE (Mud Route), the victor in
the Railbird S. (G3) at Hollywood two starts back, and CEE’S IRISH (Cee’s
Tizzy), who has placed against graded stakes company in each of her last two
starts.
The forecast for Saturday’s 10-race card calls for partly cloudy skies
with highs in the upper 70s.
Saturday’s Best Plays
2ND — BRITE LORELEI (High Brite) will be making her first start for
trainer Bill Spawr in this event after being claimed last out. Spawr is an
awesome 28 percent in the “1st After Claim” trainer category and he appears
to have the three-year-old filly ready to roll as is indicated by her
four-furlong bullet work of :46 2/5 on July 14. The dark bay’s BRIS Speed
Ratings rival the best of the field and, if her recent work is any
indication, she could definitely show improvement in her first start for her
new connections. Jockey Garrett Gomez has the call on the mount and he has
combined with Spawr for 30 percent winners over the last 60 days.
4TH — SONORA DANCER (Latin American) tops the field in BRIS Speed Last
Race, BRIS Best Speed at Distance, and BRIS Prime Power in this $25,000
maiden claiming event. The three-year-old filly will be taking a slight drop
in class though she is moving from state-bred competition into open company
and trainer Juan Garcia is a solid 15 percent in the “Down One Class”
trainer category. The bay’s BRIS Early Pace Ratings tower over the field
which should mean that jockey Patrick Valenzuela can have his own way on or
near the lead and still have plenty left in the tank at the end to guide
this miss to the wire in front.
SATURDAY JULY 23, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
A field of eight went to the post for Saturday’s featured John C. Mabee
H. (G1), for fillies and mares, three-years-old and upward, going nine
furlongs on the lawn. INTERCONTINENTAL (GB) (Danehill) was sent to the gate
as the post-time favorite and looked the role through the early stages of
the races as it was all jockey Alex Solis could do to keep her restrained
behind the leaders from her ground-saving spot on the rail. As the field
made the turn for home, Solis began looking for a hole to open but found
himself facing a wall of horses. Once an opening finally appeared,
Intercontinental made her move to go through it but, just as quickly as it
had opened, it disappeared as ISLAND FASHION (Petionville) dropped in toward
the rail, forcing Solis to check and alter course. Though she closed with
good energy, Intercontinental finished third.
Solis quickly filed a claim of foul with the stewards for interference by
Island Fashion but it was disallowed.
In the end, the day belonged to AMORAMA (FR) (Sri Pekan) who came wide
off the turn and closed with a nice turn of foot through the stretch drive
to hit the wire a head in front. The dark bay had been knocking on the door
as of late but always seemed to come up a bit short when she attempted to
close from well off the pace. New jockey Martin Pedroza tried a different
tactic, keeping her a tad closer to the front runners and, needless to say,
it worked like a charm.
Island Fashion had never shown much on the grass in four previous starts
but she put in a solid effort here, pressing the pace throughout and
fighting valiantly to the wire, to finish second, 1 1/4 lengths clear of
Intercontinental.
Also on the card, a field of 10 three-year-old Cal-bred fillies contested
the seven-furlong Fleet Treat S. SOLDIER’S KISS (One Man Army) was sent off
as the slight favorite and put in a solid effort, contesting the pace
throughout, to pick up the victory by a nose. GN. GROUP MEETING (General
Meeting) was squeezed back early and rallied from the back of the pack to
pick up the place, a length in front of SHORT ROUTE (Mud Route) in third.
Jockey Patrick Valenzuela picked up two wins on the day to Victor
Espinoza’s one so the pair are once more tied in the jockey standings with
six winners each. As for the trainers, Doug O’Neill picked up two wins on
the day to give him the lead in the standings with five winners for the
meet. Bill Spawr is in second with three.
Of the 10 races on Saturday’s card, seven of them were sprints contested
on the main track. Horses on or near the pace held the advantage on the day.
The remaining three races on the card were all turf routes and they seemed
to favor horses laying a little closer to the pace than normal but, given
the pace scenarios of each, the turf seemed to play pretty fair.
Horses to Watch
2ND — BRITE LORLEI (High Brite) stalked the pace early in this $40,000
claiming event before making her move in the stretch drive and running down
the leader in midstretch. The three-year-old filly then moved clear of the
field and hit the wire three lengths in front. The dark bay put a very solid
and professional performance in her first start for new trainer Bill Spawr.
6TH — Intercontinental had excuses for her finish in the Mabee and will
undoubtedly be a threat wherever the connections decide to run her next.
Tomorrow’s Outlook — Sunday, July 24
A pair of graded stakes races highlights Sunday’s nine race card at Del
Mar and kicks off in the 2ND as a field of six is scheduled to go the post
for the $250,000 San Diego H. (G2). Contested at 1 1/16 miles over the main
track, the San Diego has drawn a decent field of handicap horses including
last year’s winner CHOCTAW NATION (Louis Quatorze). The bay gelding will be
looking to rebound from a disappointing effort last out in the Californian
S. (G2) at Hollywood where he finished fifth in a field of seven as the 2-1
favorite.
In the 8TH, a field of seven is set to go to the gate for the Eddie Read
H. (G1), for three-year-olds and upward going nine furlongs over the Jimmy
Durante Turf Course. CASTLEDALE (Ire) (Peintre Celebre) will definitely be
one in the field to keep an eye on as he is coming off back to back
victories against graded stakes company. In his most recent start, the
four-year-old colt rallied from just off the pace to pick up a solid
half-length victory in the Shoemaker Breeders’ Cup Mile S. (G1) at
Hollywood.
Standing in his way will be SWEET RETURN (GB) (Elmaamul), recent winner
of the Charlie Whittingham Memorial H. (G1) at Hollywood, and last year’s
Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) champion, SINGLETARY (Sultry Song), who will be
looking to avenge his loss to Castledale in the Shoemaker.
The forecast for Sunday calls for partly cloudy skies and highs in the
mid-70s.
Sunday’s Best Plays
1ST — BEHAVING BADLY (Pioneering) will be returning to racing after a
layoff of nearly 11 months but the last time she raced the filly absolutely
demolished a maiden special field by eight lengths over this very same Del
Mar strip, posting a 104 BRIS Speed rating in the process. Trainer Bob
Baffert is an excellent 24 percent when bringing runners back to the track
after a long lay off and the bay has been working forwardly and steadily for
her return to racing. Jockey Victor Espinoza has been tabbed for the mount
and he has combined with Baffert for a 29 percent winning clip over the last
60 days.
3RD — THREE VALLEYS (Diesis [GB]) is another on the day who will be
returning from a long lay off. The four-year-old colt was a beast in Europe
in 2003 before being sent to North America in 2004 where he finished a fast
closing third in the Citation H. (G1) at Hollywood. The chestnut has been
working steadily since the beginning of June for his return to racing and
trainer Bobby Frankel is an outstanding 30 percent when bringing his charges
back to racing after long lay offs. Frankel has found a soft spot in this
optional claiming turf event for Three Valleys to make a return to racing as
he holds a BRIS Prime Power advantage of nearly 20 points over the rest of
the field.
SUNDAY JULY, 24, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
A pair of graded stakes races highlighted the Sunday racing action at Del
Mar and kicked off in the 2ND as a field of six contested the 1 1/16-mile
San Diego H. (G2) for three-year-olds and upward. Last year’s victor,
CHOCTAW NATION (Louis Quatorze), was sent to the post as the favorite and
did not disappoint as he rallied from dead last to take the victory by a
length.
As a matter of fact, Choctaw Nation had not been to the winner’s circle
since taking last year’s running but, if this race was any indication, it
appears he has returned to top form.
Ace Blue (Brz) (Coax Me Clyde) stalked the pace throughout and finished
nicely to prove second best, a length clear of Preachinatthebar (Silver
Charm) in third.
A mere field of six also went to the post in the 8TH for the Eddie Read
H. (G1), for three-year-olds and upward, going nine furlongs on the grass.
Castledale (Ire) (Peintre Celebre) was sent off as the heavy favorite off of
back-to-back stakes victories including a solid effort last out in the
Shoemaker Breeders’ Cup Mile S. (G1) at Hollywood. Standing in his way
though were last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) hero Singletary (Sultry
Song) and SWEET RETURN (GB) (Elmaamul), the recent victor in the Charles
Whittingham Memorial H. (G1).
Sweet Return bounded out of the gate and onto the lead where he was
allowed to guide the field through early fractions of :25 and :49 1/5, with
Singletary closely stalking behind and Castledale content to run fourth,
some three lengths off the lead. As they neared the stretch, the field began
to attempt to make their move on the pacesetter but they had allowed Sweet
Return to have it far too easy on the front end and he was up to the task.
The bay held off all challengers through the stretch drive and hit the
finish line 1 1/2 lengths in front.
Forty Niners Son (Distorted Humor) came off the final turn full of run
but could not chase down the pacesetter. The chestnut was forced to settle
for the place, via a head bob at the wire, over Singletary in third.
Castledale never seemed to be in the race at any point and finished a
disappointing fourth.
There were five sprint races contested on the main track today and horses
on or near the pace won three of them. The one route on the day, the San
Diego, was won by Choctaw Nation closing from well off the pace. There were
three turf races contested on the day and only Sweet Return led the field
from gate to wire. Still, given the pace scenarios of each race, the turf
course seemed to be playing as one would expect.
Jockey Victor Espinoza picked up three winners on the day to Patrick
Valenzuela’s one to once more move ahead in the rider standings by a score
of nine to seven. As for the trainers, Paul O’Neill still leads the way with
five winners thus far but Bob Baffert and Jeff Mullins each picked up two
victories on the day to move into a tie for second with four winners apiece.
Horses to Watch
5TH — ENFORCEMENT (Tiznow) was extremely impressive in this two-year-old
maiden special event. The bay colt was content to stalk the pace early
before opening up in the stretch drive with nothing but a couple of taps of
the whip to keep his attention. Enforcement hit the wire four lengths clear
of the second-place finisher and 10 lengths clear of the third-place runner.
6TH — SUNNY DISPOSITION (Cozzene) was spectacular in this maiden special
turf event. The bay was content to lay off the pace early, chasing early
fractions of :23 3/5 and :46 3/5, before unleashing a tremendous turn of
foot through the stretch to hit the wire a widening five lengths in front.
Tomorrow’s Outlook — Monday, July 25
A field of six is scheduled to go to the post for Monday’s wide-open
feature, a $100,000 optional claiming event for three three-year-olds and
upward going 1 1/16 miles over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. Separating a
field this evenly matched will not be an easy task, but keep an eye on the
Neil Drysdale-trained GRAFTON (Rahy). The five-year-old gelding has been
knocking on the door as of late and is due for a return to the winner’s
circle.
Monday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with highs in the mid-70s.
Monday’s Best Plays
4TH — SUGAR DEPUTY (Deputy Commander) will be making his first start for
Mike Mitchell after being claimed last out for $40,000. The conditioner is
29 percent in the “1st After Claim” trainer category with a positive R.O.I.
Sugar Deputy’s BRIS Early Pace Ratings rival those of any horse in the field
and her BRIS Late Pace Ratings indicate that she should have something left
at the end for the run to the wire.
7TH — Grafton appears to be poised for a solid effort in this optional
claiming event as his BRIS Prime Power Rating and his BRIS Current Class
Rating lead the field. The dark bay has a versatile running style that
permits him to either stalk or run from well off the pace, which will give
jockey Valenzuela options to deal with whatever pace scenario develops in
front of him.
MONDAY, JULY 25, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
A field of six went to the post for Monday’s feature, a $100,000 optional
claiming event for three-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles over the
Jimmy Durante Turf Course. Though it looked like a competitive affair on
paper, WE ALL LOVE ALEYNA (Nines Wild) absolutely stole the show. The
four-year-old gelding came out of the gate full of run and there was
absolutely nothing that jockey Garrett Gomez could do to restrain him. The
veteran rider tried hard to hold him off the pace but quickly gave up and
let the dark bay have his way, at which time he engulfed the pace setters
and opened up on the field by 4 1/2 lengths.
Once the field hit the stretch, We All Love Aleyna continued on well to
the wire to claim the victory by three lengths. Cheiron (Maria’s Mon) made
up ground late to pick up the place, 1 1/4 lengths in front of Grafton
(Rahy) in third.
Jockey Patrick Valenzuela picked up three winners on the day, two of them
in tandem with conditioner Mike Mitchell, to move into the lead in the rider
standings by a score of 10 to nine over Victor Espinoza. Valenzuela’s third
win on the day came for Bob Baffert, which moved the conditioner into a tie
with Doug O’Neill atop the trainer standings. The pair has five wins each.
There were four sprints on the main track today with horses on or near
the pace winning three of them. The two routes on the day were both won by
horses lying just off the pace setter. As for the two turf routes, horses on
or near the lead definitely held the advantage.
Horses to Watch
2ND — ZATS IT (Miner’s Mark) put in a stellar performance in this 1 1/16
mile optional claiming grass event as he took the lead out of the gate,
leading the field through early fractions of :23 4/5 and :47 1/5, and
continued on to the wire to hit the finish line 2 1/2 lengths clear of the
field.
6TH — MIDNIGHT LUTE (Real Quiet) made his career debut for Baffert an
impressive one as he rallied from off the pace to take this maiden special
event by 1 1/4 lengths. The two-year-old colt broke tardily from the gate
and gradually made up ground to overtake the front runners in the stretch.
The dark bay did not hit his best stride until late and appears to be one
that will only show improvement with a stretch out.
Outlook for Wednesday, July 27
A field of seven, including one coupled entry, is scheduled to go to the
gate for Wednesday’s featured $125,000 Graduation S., for two-year-olds bred
in California. Contested at 5 1/2 furlongs, the Graduation appears to be a
battle between stakes winner DON JAUN CON (Suggest) and the Mike
Mitchell-trained COUGAR MTN LODGE (Comic Strip), who is coming off a
six-length maiden special score at Hollywood.
Wednesday’s forecast calls for patchy clouds with highs in the low to mid
70’s.
Wednesday’s Best Plays
2ND — FOLLOW THE RAINBOW (Event Of The Year) appears be a stand out in
this eight-furlong maiden special affair. The three-year-old colt’s BRIS
Speed Ratings tower over the field and he holds a solid nine-point advantage
in the BRIS Prime Power category. Baffert has enlisted Espinoza for the ride
and the pair are hitting at a 31 percent win rate over the past 60 days. A
look at Follow The Rainbow’s BRIS Early Pace Ratings reveals that he holds a
solid advantage over the rest of the field, which should allow Espinoza to
dictate the pace early and have enough left at the end for the run to the
finish line.
6TH — IBERO GRACE (Arg) (Ibero) is coming off of a solid second-place
finish against $62,500 claiming company in his last start. Trainer Michael
Machowsky will be dropping him to the $50,000 claiming level looking for a
win in this 1 1/16 miles turf event. The conditioner hits at a 30 percent
win rate in the “Down One Class” trainer category. Ibero Grace tops the
field in BRIS Prime Power and he displays a versatile running style that
should allow jockey Rene Douglas to have him well placed regardless of the
pace scenario that develops in front of him.