DEL MAR NOTEBOOK
JULY 30, 2009
by John Mucciolo
A star-studded field lined up in the opening weekend feature at Del Mar, but
it was a longshot who stole the headlines.
Eddie Read S. (G1): L-Bo Racing and Monty Pyle’s GLOBAL HUNTER (Arg)
(Jade Hunter) finally broke through with a signature win on U.S. soil, taking
over in the lane and powering home under Corey Nakatani. The six-year-old, who
has knocked heads with some of the better horses in the west for the better part
of two years, finished off 1 1/8 miles on the firm turf in 1:46 1/5 to give
trainer A.C. Avila his initial Grade 1 conquer.
Track Stats
From a total of 47 races held over the coastal racetrack during the four-day
week, favorites won at a 17 percent clip and the top two betting choices
combined for 38 percent of the wins. From 34 frays contested on the Polytrack
oval, nine animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (26 percent), while one of the 13
grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (8 percent).
It’s pretty obvious that this venue plays far differently than that of the
recently concluded meet at Hollywood Park. The turf course, over the opening
week, was not nearly as kind to speed as it was in Inglewood, though the right
horse on or near the front could certainly win a race. Late runners seemingly
have more of a chance at Del Mar.
From a post position standpoint, horses breaking from the rail won just two
of the 47 races, suggesting that saving ground is not nearly as important as it
is at other Southern California tracks. Horses leaving from gate 7 and wider
attributed to 42 percent of the wins, while runners breaking from posts four and
out bagged 79 percent of the races.
The quirky main oval looked to be tiring if nothing else. Spread out fields
at the wire and the inability of deep closers making up consistent ground backs
up that theory. Speed was very dangerous over the opening five days, and not
only did early leaders win their fair share, but those types also held on for
many minor awards instead of backing up, as we’ve seen over the Polytrack
previously. Exotics players must take note of gate speed and any runner expected
to be in the mix early on.
Handicappers did a decent job by selecting eight winning favorites and 10
winning second choices; these numbers are more than respectable considering the
field sizes and unique main oval thrown at them. Expect those numbers to slowly
rise over the next few weeks as bettors, and horses and jockeys, adjust to the
track and its surroundings.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 47 | |
| CUSHION TRACK: | 34 | |
| TURF: | 13 | |
| FAVORITES: | 8 (17 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 10 (21 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 1 (8 percent) | |
| CUSHION WIRE: | 9 (26 percent) |
Post Positions (wins):
| RAIL: | 2 | |
| 1-3: | 10 | |
| 4-6: | 17 | |
| 7-out: | 20 |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (7/22)
3RD — BROTHER MAN (I am the Iceman) finished a good third in this event
after opening up a clear edge in the lane for Peter Miller. Considering four of
the top five finishers sat in seventh, eighth, ninth and 11th at the half-mile
mark shows how well the gelding performed here.
4TH — Miller was also responsible for PUNCTUAL (Werblin), who rolled home by
7 1/2 lengths at first asking under Tyler Baze. The juvenile miss may have
distance limitations, but she obviously belongs with open company.
8TH — Woodbine invader AFLEET EAGLE (Northern Afleet) looked the part in
here for Valdimir Cerin, streaking home an impressive winner of the Oceanside S.
While the competition may be questionable, one can’t help but be impressed by
the winner, who got his final quarter-mile in a rapid :22 4/5.
Friday (7/24)
2ND — BRUCE’S DREAM (Atticus) returned from a lengthy break to put this
field away late beneath Garrett Gomez. The Mike Puype trainee should be
stakes-bound in the very near future.
4TH — We tabbed IRISH GYPSY (Hennessy) in the past and were glad to see the
sophomore filly rally for the win under Aaron Gryder. The Kentucky-bred doesn’t
seem like a world beater, but she has ability and a lot of room for improvement.
Saturday (7/25)
6TH — CHALULA ONE (Bertrando) is as honest as they come for Richard
Mandella, and the talented filly finished a solid second in this affair.
SAUCEY EVENING (More Than Ready) is much better than she showed on this day
and deserves a long look in her return for Graham Motion.
7TH — While much of the attention will go to the top three finishers of this
race, we liked the performance of first-time starter MARCELLO (Johannesburg) as
much as any. The juvenile colt was beaten less than three lengths and has every
right to improve for a barn that is much better with second timers.
9TH — MAJORMOTIONPICTURE (Action This Day) was all the rage after winning at
first asking last summer at this venue, and it was good to see the Michael
Machowsky trainee return to the races. The colt showed some rust while finishing
fourth behind a fair bunch, and while it’s no guarantee that he’ll be the horse
many thought he once would be, he makes sense next out if properly spotted.
Sunday (7/26)
5TH — MEYDAN PRINCESS (Ire) (Choisir [Aus]) seems to have finally put it
together for James Cassidy, and the four-year-old was tons the best in this
field. We’ve burned a lot of greenbacks chasing this filly, but she made us
proud by proving that she belongs with some of the better turf distaffers in
California.
6TH — THE GREAT ATLANTIC (Stormy Atlantic) showed excellent early foot
before tiring late for Mark Glatt, and the two-year-old filly deserves a long
look in her subsequent test.
7TH — DATE WITH FATE (Comic Strip) looked good here last summer and returned
from a lengthy layoff with another good try on the Del Mar Polytrack, finishing
third for conditioner Jose DeLima. We’ll bet this one next out if it comes at
this venue.
A Look Ahead
A pair of graded stakes races will be contested this weekend at Del Mar.
Saturday marks the date for the $150,000 San Clemente H. (G2), a one mile turf
affair for three-year-old fillies. The Sunday showpiece is the $250,000 San
Diego H. (G2), expected to be led by defending champ and reigning Dubai World
Cup (UAE-G1) romper WELL ARMED (Tiznow).