DEL MAR NOTEBOOK
AUGUST 1, 2012
by John Mucciolo
A trio of graded races on the Polytrack headlined the second week at Del Mar.
Bing Crosby H. (G1): Trainer Bill Spawr et al’s champion AMAZOMBIE
(Northern Afleet) was asked for his best in the stretch and delivered a
punishing blow, driving home past the two leaders to win going away under Mike
Smith. The superb six-year-old sped six panels in a brisk 1:08 3/5 to be 1 1/4
lengths clear under the line.
San Diego H. (G2): Jay Em Ess Stable’s RAIL TRIP (Jump Start) got back
to his winning ways in this one with a game, half-length tally in this event
under pilot Jose Valdivia Jr. The Ron Ellis trainee went 1 1/16 miles on the
main oval in 1:43 to return to his winning ways.
Cougar II H. (G3): Zabeel Racing’s RICHARD KID (Lemon Drop Kid) waited
patiently until mid-stretch and then exploded to a measured, 1 1/2-length win in
here for Bob Baffert. The seven-year-old went 1 1/2 miles on the Polytrack oval
in 2:29 1/5 under the guidance of Rafael Bejarano.
Track Stats
From a total of 44 races held over the Southern California racetrack during
the past week, favorites won at a 41 percent clip and the top two betting
choices combined for 54 percent of the wins. From 33 frays contested on the
Polytrack oval, seven animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (21 percent), while
two of the 11 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (18 percent).
We saw a few different ovals this week in our opinion. Wednesday had two
wire-to-wire winners on the main oval, and all six first-place finishers were
first, second or third at the half-mile call.
Deep closers were dominant on Thursday and Friday, while the surface seemed
to be more balanced on Saturday and Sunday.
Both turf wire jobs occurred on Sunday in route events.
Horses breaking from the rail were 1-for-41 on the Polytrack for the first
seven days of the meeting, but six came through over the weekend from 21 main
track events. It’s hard to figure that out.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 89 | |
| POLYTRACK: | 62 | |
| TURF: | 27 | |
| FAVORITES: | 34 (38 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 16 (18 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 6 (22 percent) | |
| POLY WIRE: | 14 (22 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (7/25)
1ST — BARES TRIPPER (Sky Mesa) showed good gate speed and was very
professional in kicking clear on cue turning for home in a solid debut win for
conditioner Peter Miller. The juvenile miss likely didn’t beat much in this
short field, but did so the right way and could be a useful lass.
4TH– LAKERVILLE (Unusual Heat) was most impressive for the second time in a
week here, going from well back to the win in seemingly just a few jumps yet
again for trainer Barry Abrams. The four-year-old colt returns to this list from
the last notebook and should surely see stakes foes soon. He loves this lawn.
BATTI MAN (Manipulator) put in a much improved run in his first start since
coming to the states, and it’s possible the Mike Puype trainee found his niche
on the green. We’ve long thought he has good ability.
7TH — SUGGESTIVE BOY (Easing Along) put in his second fine run since coming
to the U.S. for trainer Ron McAnally, darting past this field once clear late in
a sharp stakes victory. The four-year-old colt got his mile on the lawn in a
brisk 1:33 1/5, and will see graded foes next time.
Thursday (7/26)
5TH — MAKER OR BREAKER (Empire Maker) was left at the start, but picked up
momentum turning for home while widest and grinded out a most impressive debut
tally for trainer Bob Baffert. The sophomore miss had to be a few lengths the
best in this one against experienced foes, and she could turn out to be a real
nice one.
8TH — OUTTA SPLASH (Out of Place) made good improvement with blinkers on in
this one, and was simply outmoved to the wire by the top pair. The Craig Lewis
charge is no world beater, but the equipment change seems to have done its job.
We’ll try the gelding next out.
Saturday (7/28)
3RD — BOLLER BOMB (Unusual Heat) made a nice late run from last to be second
in this field behind the clear winner. The A.C. Avila pupil could appreciate
more ground next time out. This was the second fine first-timer sent out by this
barn during the week.
Sunday (7/29)
2ND — The ultra-consistent CHURCH AVENUE (Vicar) was easily best of this
field and we were surprised that nobody put a claim on this one in here. The
six-year-old mare led at every call in never being challenged, and looms large
if she returns again at this meeting for Ellis.
5TH — ROYAL IMPORT (Royal Applause), who rallied from well back to upset
this field, could be a real nice claim by conditioner Vann Belvoir as the late
runner adores this Polytrack oval. Keep a close eye on this one coming back if
it occurs at this meeting.
6TH — CHAPMAN’S PEAK (Chapel Royal) didn’t win this one, but he’s now strung
together a few good races in succession and is starting to resemble the runner
who looked like a nice prospect in his first few starts. We also have a hunch
that the one that beat him is a good one.
A Look Ahead
This weekend Del Mar will play host to a pair of graded stakes: the Grade 1,
$300,000 Clement L. Hirsch on Saturday and the Grade 2, $150,000 Best Pal on
Sunday.