DEL MAR DAILY NOTEBOOK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
A field of seven, including one coupled entry, went to the gate for
Wednesday’s featured Escondido H. for three-year-olds and upward going 11
furlongs over the lawn. Trainer Bobby Frankel’s Qsar (Ger) (Tiger Hill
[Ire]) was scratched from the field as was Julio Canani’s Sleepless Joy (Joyeux
Danseur), taking a bit of the luster off of what had been a very solid
field.
After all was said and done though, the race still provided more than its
share of drama as once the field hit the stretch, it became a two horse race
between favorite LAURA’S LUCKY BOY (Theatrical [Ire]), who had been just a
little off the pace early, and last year’s champion Sarafan (Lear Fan), who
had been lying next to last early. The pair dueled gamely through the
stretch with Sarafan gaining the lead late to hit the wire a head in front
of his rival, apparently defending his championship and apparently
establishing a new course record of 2:12 for 11 furlongs.
In no time at all though the “Inquiry” light began flashing on the tote
board and the stewards went about viewing replay after replay, which
revealed that there had been some contact made through the stretch drive
with the greatest majority of it occurring just as the pair was crossing the
wire. The stewards deliberated for what seemed like an eternity but
eventually ruled to disqualify Sarafan from first to second, giving Laura’s
Lucky Boy the victory.
Continental Red (Flying Continental) put in a game effort from just off
the pace to cross the finish line two lengths farther back in third.
When asked just after the race about what is next for Laura’s Lucky Boy,
trainer Richard Mandella indicated that they are aiming for the Del Mar H.
(G2) on August 28.
Jockey Patrick Valenzuela picked up two wins on the day to open up a bit
of breathing room in the rider standings with 16 winners for the meet.
Garrett Gomez also rode two winners and Victor Espinoza grabbed one, putting
the pair in a tie for second with 14 winners each.
Bob Baffert picked up a win on the day to move into a tie with Jeff
Mullins atop the trainer standings. The pair has eight winners each. Doug
O’Neill is still in third with six winners for the meet.
There were four sprints contested on the main track Wednesday and there
was an equal distribution as horses on or near the pace won twice and
runners coming from off the pace captured the other two races. As for the
two main track routes, runners near the pace won both of them. In addition
to the Escondido, there was one other turf route contested today and it was
won in gate-to-wire fashion.
With two full weeks of racing in the book, now would be an ideal time to
take a look at the track bias for the meet as a whole through Monday, August
1. As for the main track sprints, horses on or near the pace have held a
solid advantage. At 5 1/2 furlongs, horses on or near the pace have won 12
of the 16 races, and at 6 1/2 furlongs they have won 10 of 13. The lone
exception would be six-furlong races where horses coming from off the pace
held an advantage early in the meet, but the bias has changed over the past
few days and it now stands that 14 of the 25 races at this distance have
been won by horses on or near the lead.
In the main track routes, the bias isn’t nearly as pronounced as 10 of
the 17 races contested at either a mile or 1 1/16 miles have been won by
runners near the front of the pack.
On the Jimmy Durante Turf Course, runners coming from off the pace have
dominated the eight furlong routes, winning 10 of the 11 contested. At 1
1/16 miles, a bias hasn’t really been as noticeable given that only six of
the 11 races run were won by horses closing on the leaders. At distances
nine furlongs and greater, three of the four races were won by horses coming
from off the pace. As for the grass sprints, there really haven’t been
enough races contested at those distances to provide any meaningful
information as to how they are playing at this time.
Horses to Watch
3RD – MY MISS STORM CAT (Sea Of Secrets) returned from her lay off of
over a year with a visually impressive performance. The three-year-old filly
was content to lay a half length to a length off the lead early in this
allowance event before coming through on the inside to take the lead in a
quarter that went in :21 4/5. The dark bay then opened up through the
stretch, under a hold and without ever seeing the whip, to hit the finish
line six lengths in front.
4TH – DANCING EDIE (Moscow Ballet) made her second start on the grass an
impressive one as he took the lead out of the gate and never looked back in
this Cal-bred maiden special event to hit the finish line seven lengths
clear of the field.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Thursday, August 4
A mere field of five is scheduled to contest Thursday’s featured event, a
6 1/2 furlong optional claiming event for fillies and mares, three-years-old
and up. SIPHON HONEY (Siphon [Brz]) will probably be the one to beat but
beware of FREAKIN STREAKIN (Tactical Advantage), who will be making the turf
to dirt move in her second start for Julio Canani, and Florida invader CUT
THE MUSTARD (Double Honour), who will be making her first start for trainer
Bill Spawr.
Thursday’s forecast calls for sunny skies and a high of 76.
Thursday’s Best Plays
3RD – COSMIC LADY (High Brite) appears to tower over the field in this
$20,000 claiming event. The bay’s BRIS Speed Ratings tops the field and she
holds a solid advantage of over six points in the BRIS Prime Power category.
The three-year-old filly will be taking a bit of a class drop for this event
and trainer Frank Monteleone is a solid 21 percent in the “Down One Class”
trainer category. Valenzuela has ridden Cosmic Lady in each of her last two
starts and will be reunited with her for a third time, only adding to the
list of things to like.
6TH – SONG SUNG GOLD (Sultry Song) will be making the move from the grass
to the main track in this maiden claiming event and trainer Vladimir Cerin
wins 21 percent of the time with the “Turf to Dirt” maneuver. The
four-year-old filly has a 13 point BRIS Prime Power advantage and her BRIS
Pace Ratings indicate that she can have things her own way on the lead.
Cerin has enlisted David Flores for the mount and the two have combined for
29 percent winners over the last 60 days.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
A mere field of five went to the gate for Thursday’s 6 1/2-furlong
optional-claiming event for fillies and mares, three-years-old and up.
Siphon Honey (Siphon [Brz]) was sent off as the favorite but encountered
trouble before the field ever got into the starting gate. The six-year-old
mare was behind the gate, preparing to load, when she reared and flipped
over backward. Jockey Patrick Valenzuela showed a great deal of agility to
get out of the way at the last moment and avoid serious injury.
Surprisingly, the track vet cleared Siphon Honey to run and allowed her and
Valenzuela to go to the post as scheduled.
In the end, FREAKIN STREAKIN (Tactical Advantage) contested early
fractions that went in :21 4/5 and :44 2/5 before scampering away late to
hit the finish line two lengths in front. Long shot Dawn’s Angel (General
Meeting) rallied from off the pace and hit the stretch full of run. The bay
could not chase down the winner though and was forced to settle for second,
two lengths in front of Champ’s Rocket (Fabulous Champ) in third.
After contesting the pace early, Siphon Honey faded to finish another two
lengths back in fourth.
Valenzuela picked up another win on the day to widen his lead atop the
jockey standings and now has 17 winners for the meet. Both Garrett Gomez and
Victor Espinoza went winless on the day and are still tied for second having
booted home 14 winners each.
There was no change today atop the trainer standings so Bob Baffert and
Jeff Mullins are still tied with eight winners apiece. Julio Canani picked
up a win on the day to move into a tie with Doug O’Neill for the third spot
in the trainer standings. The pair has six winners each.
There were five sprints contested on the main track on Thursday with
horses on or near the pace winning four of them. In addition, there were
three route races and horses on or near the pace won two of these. For the
first time this meet, there were no turf races scheduled on the day.
Horses to Watch
1ST – GUIDEBOOK (Notebook) looked extremely impressive in her first start
for trainer Mike Mitchell. The five-year-old mare was coming off
back-to-back dismal performances where she beat one horse over the course of
the two races. The move to Mitchell’s barn though seemed to revive the mare
as she took the lead early in this eight-furlong claiming event and never
looked back, crossing the finish line with a nine-length margin of victory.
3RD – COSMIC LADY (High Brite) vied for the lead throughout in this
$20,000 claiming event. The three-year-old filly contested early fractions
of :22 1/5 and :44 1/5 before opening up in the stretch drive to hit the
wire seven lengths clear of the field. Trainer Molly Pearson claimed the
gray out of the race so she will be making her next start for a new, but
very capable, barn.
6TH – DIAMOND FOR KACI (Diamond For King [Fr]) put in a very impressive
career debut for trainer Michael Machowsky as she moved up to vie for the
lead early in this maiden claiming event and guided the field through early
fractions of :21 3/5 and :44 2/5. Once the dark bay hit the stretch, she
opened up on the field to hit the wire 7 1/2 lengths in front. Diamond For
Kaci was claimed out of the event and one has to wonder if the connections
are now having second thoughts about running her for a tag as she could have
been extremely competitive at the special weight level.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Friday, August 5
A field of nine is set to go to the post for Friday’s feature, an
eight-furlong main track allowance event for fillies and mares
three-year-old and up. TWO TIMES WON (Memo [Chi]) holds interesting
possibilities as she will be making the move from Cal-bred stakes company
into open allowance company.
Friday’s forecast calls for a few passing clouds in the morning giving
way to sunny skies in the afternoon and highs in the mid- to upper 70s.
Friday’s Best Plays
3RD – CHAIRMAN’S AGENDA (Souvenir Copy) will be making her second start
for trainer Jeff Bonde, who wins 25 percent of the time in the “2nd Start
with Trainer” category. The four-year-old filly’s BRIS Prime Power Rating,
BRIS Class Rating and BRIS Speed Ratings are at the top of the field. A look
at her BRIS Pace Ratings indicate that she should be lying on or near the
lead early and have plenty left at the end for jockey Victor Espinoza to
have her in front at the finish.
4TH – SILVER RECALL (Bertrando) has been putting in some very impressive
times recently over the Del Mar strip in preparation for his debut in this
Cal-bred maiden special event. In addition to his works being fast, they
have also been steady, dating back to the early part of June. Bertrando’s
progeny win a respectable 13 percent of the time when making their first
start and the dam, Instant Recall (Silver Deputy), has had three winners
from three starters. Espinoza has the call on Silver Recall, who has a
respectable chance in this field at what should be a very square price.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
A field of nine went to the post for Friday night’s featured event, a
wide open eight-furlong allowance for fillies and mares three-years-old and
up. SHIMMER (Pulpit), under a nice ride from Victor Espinoza, rallied from
the back of the pack and absolutely engulfed the field through the stretch
drive to hit the finish line 1 1/4 lengths in front. Royal Kleven (Kleven)
closed from just off the pace and picked up the place, three parts of a
length in front of a fast-gaining Run For Dessert (Belong To Me) in third.
Espinoza came back to capture the 9TH race as well, giving him two
winners on the card and helping him to gain ground on Patrick Valenzuela in
the jockey standings. Valenzuela picked up one win on the day and still
holds the lead by a score of 18-16. Garrett Gomez went winless and is
currently in third with 14 winners for the meet.
Jeff Mullins and Bob Baffert remain tied atop the trainer standings with
eight winners apiece. Mike Mitchell picked up a win on the day, creating a
log jam in the third spot as he, Doug O’Neill, and Julio Canani all have six
winners each.
There were five sprints contested on the main track with horses on or
near the pace winning four of them but the lone route was won by the
aforementioned Shimmer who closed from last. As for the turf, there was one
sprint and one route with the sprint being won by a front runner and the
route going to a horse coming from off the pace.
Horses to Watch
2ND – ABBI’S CHOICE (Slewacide) was making a nice move up the rail in
this $32,000 claiming event when his hole completely closed on him. Jockey
Espinoza was forced to check sharply and the seven-year-old gelding could
never get back on track afterwards. A cleaner trip next out could yield
better results.
4TH – ASPIRING SUMMER (Siberian Summer) was impressive in his second
career start for trainer Bill Spawr. The dark bay was beaten by 14 lengths
in his debut but rebounded well here as he vied for the lead through early
fractions of :21 4/5 and :44 4/5 before pulling away in the stretch drive to
cross the finish line five lengths clear of the field.
6TH – WHAT SOLDIER (Lost Soldier) is now a perfect two for two on the
lawn. The dark bay vied for the lead early in this five-furlong sprint
allowance event before scampering away in the stretch to hit the wire 2 1/4
lengths in front, setting a new course record of :55 in the process.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Saturday, August 6
Two year-old fillies will have the center stage on Saturday as a field of
nine is set to go to the post for the 6 1/2-furlong Sorrento S. (G3). While
this could prove to be a wide-open event, the betting public will probably
center their attention on HYSTERICALADY (Distorted Humor), recent winner of
the Juan Gonzalez Memorial S. at Pleasanton, and INDIAN BREEZE (Indian
Charlie), winner of the Landaluce S. at Hollywood.
BULLY BONES (Hesabull) is another to keep an eye on as she ran a 102 BRIS
Speed Rating in her only career start at Hollywood back in April. The
chestnut has been burning up the Del Mar strip in the mornings and could
have a shot at a bit of a price. TIGER ON THE LOOSE (Tale of the Cat) is
another coming off of a win at Hollywood where she posted a solid 95 BRIS
Speed Rating against a solid field of maidens.
Saturday’s forecast calls for morning clouds giving way to mostly sunny
skies in the afternoon and highs in the mid to upper 70s.
Saturday’s Best Plays
1ST – RECKLESS HERO (Smokester) will be making the move from the grass to
the main track in this 6 1/2-furlong allowance event and trainer Gary
Mandella is a solid 17 percent in the “Turf to Dirt” trainer category. The
gray’s BRIS Speed Ratings top the field and he holds the advantage in both
BRIS Prime Power and BRIS Class Rating. Reckless Hero’s BRIS Pace Ratings
indicate that he should be able to dictate the pace on the front end and
still have something left at the end for the run to the wire.
3RD – ART MODERNE (Woodman) will be taking a big class drop in this N1X
allowance turf event as he has been competing against stakes company in
Europe. His new trainer, Bobby Frankel, obviously has big plans for the
chestnut and has found what appears to be a soft spot for him to make his
North American debut. The five-year-old horse should be ready to go as he
has been working steadily since the middle of June and this is a situation
Frankel thrives in as his 41 percent win percentage in the “Shipper to U.S.”
trainer category stands testament. Valenzuela has been enlisted for the
ride, only adding to the list of things to like.
5TH – STEVIE WONDERBOY (Stephen Got Even) should appreciate getting away
from What A Song (Songandaprayer) and back into maiden special company. The
chestnut has had the misfortune of tangling with What A Song in both of his
career starts and has come up on the short end of the stick on both
occasions. Stevie Wonderboy towers over this field in every BRIS category,
including Prime Power where he holds a nearly 12-point advantage. The
two-year-old colt’s BRIS Pace Ratings indicate that he should be able to
have things his own way on or near the lead and have plenty left at the end
to hit the finish line in front.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
A field of nine went to the gate for Saturday’s 6 1/2-furlong Sorrento S.
(G3) for two-year-old fillies. Indian Breeze (Indian Charlie) was sent to
the gate as the favorite by the betting public but disappointed the chalk
players when she moved up to contest the pace early before quickly packing
it in when the field was still on the backstretch. The bay staggered home a
disappointing eighth .
In the end, it was BULLY BONES (Hesabull) who was on the pace from start
to finish and prevailed for the victory. The chestnut was making her first
start since capturing a maiden special event at Hollywood in April but came
back to the races full of run as she contested early fractions of :21 3/5
and :44 2/5 before taking the lead in the stretch and digging in gamely at
the end to hit the wire 1 1/2 lengths in front.
Acceleration (Vision and Verse) was exiting a starter allowance event but
looked like a graded-stakes competitor here as she closed from well off the
pace to pick up the place, three lengths in front of Slick Road (Mud Route)
in third.
Jockey Patrick Valenzuela picked up three wins on the day, giving him 21
for the meet. Garrett Gomez rode two winners to move into a tie for the
second spot in the standings with Victor Espinoza. The pair has 16 winners
each.
As for the trainers, Jeff Mullins picked up a win on the day to regain
the lead in the trainer standings over Bob Baffert by a score of nine to
eight. Doug O’Neill’s beast STEVIE WONDERBOY (Stephen Got Even) got him a
win on the day, helping him to regain soul possession of third place with
seven winners for the meet.
There were six sprints contested on the main track Saturday with horses
on or near the pace winning five of them. In addition, there were two
main-track routes which were both won by runners on the pace. As for the
turf, there were two routes contested on the day and they were both won in
front-running fashion.
Horses to Watch
2ND – ROBERT E (Boston Harbor) went winless in his first 14 career starts
but once he came to life, he did so in a big way. After wiring the field in
this eight- furlong Cal-bred optional-claiming event, the five-year-old
gelding has now reeled off his third victory in a row. Robert E bounded to
the early lead and guided the field through early fractions of :22 1/4 and
:46 1/5 and dug in gamely at the end to hit the wire three parts of a length
in front.
5TH – Stevie Wonderboy was the easiest of winners in this 6 1/2-furlong
maiden special event as he stalked the pace early before taking over at the
top of the lane and opening up an insurmountable lead in the stretch drive.
Jockey Garrett Gomez began winding him down well before the finish but still
hit the wire four lengths clear of the field. Owner Merv Griffin indicated
afterward that the next start for Stevie Wonderboy would probably come in
the seven-furlong Del Mar Futurity (G2) on closing day. The distance should
suit the chestnut just fine as he appears to be one that will only become
more dangerous the further he stretches out.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Sunday, August 7
Sunday’s feature will be the Clement L. Hirsch H. (G2) for fillies and
mares, three-years-old and upward. A field of eight is set to go to the gate
for the 1 1/16-mile event headed by ALPHABET KISSES (Alphabet Soup), who is
coming off a solid three-length score in the A Gleam Invitational H. (G2) at
Hollywood in early July. While the gray is definitely a solid contender in
the field she could be a tad vulnerable as 1 1/16 miles is definitely not
her best distance.
For those willing to play against her, there are several choices as this
is a very competitive field and all of them appear to have chinks in their
armor. GIRL WARRIOR (Elusive Quality) is coming off a victory in the El
Encino S. (G2) at Santa Anita in January but will be making her first starts
since then. STAR PARADE (Arg) (Parade Marshal) is a multiple Grade 1 winner
but her form has been on the decline over her last few starts. If her recent
works over the Del Mar strip are any indication though, she could be ready
to make another run toward glory.
VALENTINE DANCER (In Excess [Ire]) came up only three lengths short of
Alphabet Kisses last out in the A Gleam. Grade 1 winner HOLLYWOOD STORY
(Wild Rush) likes the distance and is more than capable in this situation.
Mostly cloudy skies are on tap for Sunday with highs in the mid- to upper
70s.
Sunday’s Best Plays
6TH – DA STOOPS (Distorted Humor) has had the misfortune of hooking up
with a couple of nice ones in each of his first two career starts and
finishing second both times. It started in June when he crossed paths with
eventual Graduation S. winner Cougar Mtn Lodge (Comic Strip) and then he
followed that up with a defeat on opening day of the Del Mar meet to the
Doug O’Neill-trained Bro Lo (In Excess [Ire]). There appear to be no beasts
of that caliber in this Cal-bred maiden special event which should mean he
can finally make it to the winner’s circle.
9TH – MIGHTY WILL (Mighty) has been showing improvement since moving into
the barn of O’Neill. The three-year-old gelding’s recent BRIS Speed Ratings
are better than anyone’s in the field and he holds a BRIS Prime Power
advantage of over 11 points. The bay’s BRIS Pace Ratings indicate that he
should be able to compete on or near the lead early and have something left
for the drive to the finish.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
Sunday’s feature was the Clement L. Hirsch H. (G2) for fillies and mares,
three-years-old and upward, going 1 1/16 miles. A field of eight went to the
gate headed by Hollywood Story (Wild Rush), who was sent off as the
post-time favorite. The four-year-old filly put in a game effort, closing
from well off the pace, but came up a nose short at the wire.
In the end, it was TUCKED AWAY (Unusual Heat) who rallied from off the
leaders and closed with a nice turn of foot through the stretch to cross the
wire in front. The Cal bred was virtually ignored by the betting public as
she had not been to the winner’s circle since September of last year, though
that victory came right here at Del Mar. When the race was finally made
official, Tucked Away lit up the tote board with a $40.40 pay off.
Valentine Dancer (In Excess [Ire]) proved to be the best of the rest as
she finished 2 1/4 lengths behind Hollywood Story in third.
As has become the norm at Del Mar, the “Inquiry” light began flashing on
the tote board at the conclusion of the event. The question was whether or
not Tucked Away had interfered with Muir Beach (Skip Away) in the stretch
drive. After careful consideration, the stewards ruled that while Muir Beach
was forced to check when Tucked Away came over in front of her, the incident
was actually caused by Star Parade (Arg) (Parade Marshal) drifting out from
the inside. The order of finish was allowed to stand.
There were four sprints contested on the main track today and horses on
or near the lead won three of them. In addition to the feature, there was
one additional main-track route which was won by a horse coming from about
three lengths off the pace. There were three turf routes contested on the
card with horses rallying from off the pace winning two of them.
Patrick Valenzuela picked up a win on the day to give him 22 for the
meet. Victor Espinoza and Garrett Gomez went winless and remain in a tie for
second with 16 winners for the meet. Alex Solis picked up three winners on
the day, including his victory aboard Tucked Away in the feature, to gain
ground on that pair and now has 14 winners thus far.
Both Jeff Mullins and Bob Baffert picked up a winner on the day, making
the score in the trainer standings 10 to nine with Mullins holding the
advantage. Doug O’Neill picked up a win as well and has soul possession of
third place with eight winners for the meet.
Horses to Watch
2ND – MISS NORMAN (Artax) was a $300,000 purchase that began making her
money back in earnest in this maiden special event as she guided the field
through early fractions of :22 1/5 and :45 2/5 on her way to a 1 1/4-length
victory. The two-year-old filly looked solid throughout, though she was
becoming a little leg weary at the end. Still, the dark bay is definitely
one to keep an eye on.
4TH – EL DON (Cee’s Tizzy) put in an outstanding effort in his first try
on the grass by rallying from well off the pace and closing with a blazing
turn of foot in the stretch drive to win this optional-claiming event by 1
1/2 lengths.
6TH – DA STOOPS (Distorted Humor) made short work of this field of
two-year-old Cal-bred maidens by sprinting to the lead early and guiding the
field through early fractions of :22 3/5 and :45 3/5. Once he hit the
stretch, the dark bay opened up on the field, widening his margin with every
step without ever once seeing the whip, to hit the wire 8 1/4 lengths in
front.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Monday, August 8
A field of 10, including two who are also eligible, is entered for
Monday’s 6TH race, a five-furlong optional-claiming event for
three-year-olds and up which will be contested on the grass. CELTIC SWORD
(Arg) (Hidden Prize) is one among the field to keep an eye on as he has had
a great deal of success sprinting on the lawn.
SEX MACHINE (Aus) (Shagny) is another in the field that will garner some
attention and is more than capable despite the fact that he has failed as
the favorite in each of his last two starts.
Monday’s forecast calls for clouds early giving way to mostly sunny skies
in the afternoon and highs in the mid-70s.
Monday’s Best Plays
2ND – NOTNERASGOODASHERS (Gold Fever) will be taking a class drop and
will be moving to the main track in her second-career start for trainer Doug
O’Neill. The three-year-old filly has put in a couple of solid works over
the main track since her last start, including a clocking of :46 4/5, the
second fastest of 35 that morning, over this same Del Mar strip. The
chestnut will be adding blinkers for this event and O’Neill’s runners win 18
percent of the time in their first start with the “peeps.” O’Neill is
consistent in that he also produces 18 percent winners in the “2nd Career
Race” and the “Turf to Dirt” categories. The filly could have a big shot in
this maiden claiming event at what could be a square price.
7TH – BRITE LORELEI (High Brite) is a best play that comes from the
“Horses to Watch” list. The three-year-old filly was impressive last out as
she rallied from off the pace to pick up the win by three lengths against
$40,000 claiming company. Jeff Mullins claimed her out of the race and is
stepping her up to the $50,000 claiming level but she still tops the field
in BRIS Prime Power and her new trainer produces 26 percent winners in the
“Up One Class” trainer category. In addition, Mullins is also a solid 33
percent in the “1st After Claim” category. Jockey Garrett Gomez rode her to
victory in her last start and has elected to return for the ride in this
event, only adding to the list of things to like.
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
A field of eight went to the gate for Monday’s featured race, a
five-furlong grass sprint for three-year-olds and up. CELTIC SWORD (Arg)
(Hidden Prize) was sent to the post as the 2-1 favorite and rewarded his
backers by rallying from the back of the pack, making a nice move up the
rail, to hit the finish line 2 1/4 lengths in front.
There was a blanket finish for the second and third spots but when the
photo had developed, it showed Outofthe Blue Slew (Slewledo) crossing the
finish line in second, a nose in front of Crosscut (Woodman) in third.
Though it now sounds like a broken record, the “Inquiry” sign immediately
lit up on the tote board and the stewards began sifting through the various
angles of film which showed a great deal of bumping involving the eventual
winner and Zayed (In Excess [Ire]) during the stretch drive. Once all was
said and done though, it was revealed that the fourth-place finisher, Sex
Machine (Aus) (Shagny), had created a chain reaction that led to Zayed
getting sandwiched between the winner and the Art Sherman-trained Greenie
(Iron Cat). Sex Machine was disqualified and placed last.
Patrick Valenzuela rode a winner on the day, giving him 23 for the meet.
Garrett Gomez picked up two wins on the day to close some ground and take
sole possession of second with 18 winners thus far. Victor Espinoza is in
third with 16.
As for the trainers, Jeff Mullins picked up a win on the day to widen his
lead in the standings over Bob Baffert. The score currently stands at 11 to
nine. Doug O’Neill is in third with eight winners for the meet.
There were three sprints contested on the main track with horses on or
near the pace winning all of them. As for the two main-track routes, one was
won in gate-to-wire fashion while the other was won by a runner coming from
well off the pace. In addition to the feature, there were two turf routes
contested on the grass Monday and horses coming from off the pace won both
of them.
Horses to Watch
1ST – AN ANNIKA MOMENT (Mecke) went to her knees at the start of this
eight-furlong claiming event and, though she righted herself, it looked as
is she had lost all chance. The four-year-old filly didn’t quit though and
put in a nice closing move from well off the pace, even wrestling the lead
away late in the stretch drive, only to lose by a head bob at the wire.
5TH – DYNAWHITE (Lite The Fuse) vied for the lead early in this claiming
event, contesting early fractions that went in :21 4/5 and :44 2/5. Once the
field came off the turn, the gray sprinted away, widening his margin through
the stretch to hit the wire six lengths in front.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Wednesday, August 10
A field of 12, including two who are also eligible, is scheduled to go to
the post for Wednesday’s Osunitas H., for fillies and mares three-years-old
and up going 1 1/16 miles over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. TICKER TAPE
(GB) (Royal Applause [GB]) will be dropping out of graded stakes competition
in search of a return to the winner’s circle. The four-year-old filly is
coming off of a last place effort in the John C. Mabee H. (G1) but should
find the competition here a little more to her liking.
SECRET CHARM (Ire) (Green Desert) will be making her second start in
North America for trainer Neil Drysdale and has been working steadily over
the lawn, including three works right here at Del Mar, since finishing
fourth in the Royal Heroine Invitational S. (G3) at Hollywood last out. BOND
DEAL (Pivotal) is another European import of interest that will be making
her first start in North America for trainer Ben Cecil.
SCROFA (Unusual Heat) holds some interesting possibilities in this event.
The Cal-bred’s BRIS Speed ratings are near the top of the field and she will
be getting Valenzuela for the ride.
Wednesday’s forecast calls for cloudy skies in the morning giving way to
mostly sunny conditions in the afternoon and highs in the mid-70s.
Wednesday’s Best Plays
5TH – BLUE STELLER (Ire) (Barathea [Ire]) returned from a near 18-month
layoff with a solid second-place effort against claiming company at
Hollywood in July. The bay was only going eight furlongs that day and
appeared to want more ground, which he will get in this nine-furlong $62,500
claiming event. The seven-year-old horse tops the field by over 10 points in
the BRIS Prime Power category and has never been out of the money in four
starts at Del Mar. Jockey Alex Solis is a solid 21 percent grass rider and
trainer Bobby Frankel wins 24 percent of his turf starts.
7TH – Secret Charm came up just short to Ticker Tape last out in the
aforementioned Royal Heroine but that was her first start in over nine
months. The bay has been working steadily since that time and should show
improvement in her second start for Drysdale at what could be a square
price.