DEL MAR NOTEBOOK
AUGUST 22, 2012
by John Mucciolo
A pair of graded races highlighted the week at Del Mar Race Course.
Del Mar Oaks (G1): Hronis Racing LLC’s LADY OF SHAMROCK (Scat Daddy)
annexed her second straight Grade 1 race with a flying finish after being last
early under Mike Smith. The John Sadler pupil went 1 1/8 miles on the firm turf
in 1:46 1/5 and was a half-length clear under the line.
Rancho Bernardo H. (G3): Spendthrift Farm’s homebred WINDING WAY
(Malibu Moon) blew the break and spotted the field a handful of lengths early,
but put in a huge late run to grab this race in the final jumps under the
guidance of Rafael Bejarano. The unbeaten sophomore traveled 6 1/2 furlongs in
1:15 4/5 for conditioner Carla Gaines.
Track Stats
From a total of 42 races held at the Southern California racetrack during the
past week, favorites won at a 36 percent clip and the top two betting choices
combined for 55 percent of the wins. From 28 frays contested on the Polytrack
oval, five animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (18 percent), while none of the
14 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead.
We thought closers could have had an edge on the main oval last week, with a
lot of late runners coming through from far back. It seemed that any early
leader that was pressed had a hard time having much left late.
Not a single runner when all the way on the front on the lawn this week, but
we still have no issue backing runners into the race early on the lawn.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 217 | |
| POLYTRACK: | 152 | |
| TURF: | 65 | |
| FAVORITES: | 73 (33 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 42 (19 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 11 (17 percent) | |
| POLY WIRE: | 35 (23 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (8/15)
1ST — MUNY (Najran) proved that he still had a lot of fight left in him with
a classy win in this opener for trainer Mike Mitchell. The seven-year-old
gelding rated off of a fast pace, took the lead in early stretch and fought off
a few late threats in a fine score. We like him at this distance best.
2ND — OSCILLATOR (Decarchy) was well backed in this debut run for trainer
Jorge Periban and delivered a fine 5 1/2-length romp at first asking. The
sophomore filly beat a decent field for the level and could surely win right
back, likely with starter allowance foes.
4TH — CINCO DE MARIO (Candy Ride) didn’t have the cleanest of runs in his
turf debut here for trainer Doug O’Neill, and displayed greenness late when in
with a big chance, and we’ll tab this one for future success on the green as he
showed nice improvement today.
Thursday (8/16)
1ST — KOKO LOCA (Kodiac) had a ton of run turning for home and bravely split
horses late to win going away in a fine display of talent. The O’Neill trainee
has run well on both ovals at this meeting and could be stakes-bound before
long.
3RD — ADRENALINE SHOT (Anziyan Royalty) put in a solid run to be a clear
second at first asking for conditioner Rafael Becerra, and the juvenile colt
shouldn’t be a maiden for long with any improvement going forward.
8TH — MADEOFTHE RIGHTSTUF (Perfect Mandate) was tons the best in this field,
taking the lead and drawing away with ease in equaling the track mark for 5 1/2
furlongs. The Peter Miller charge should be real tough next out.
Saturday (8/18)
2ND — FLOATING FEATHER (Lucky Pulpit) ran a big one first off the claim for
O’Neill, leading throughout and holding off a real solid field for the level in
a pretty fast final time. The gelding avoided a claim and seems a perfect fit
for the level. He can run on the lawn, too.
6TH — DISTINCTIV PASSION (With Distinction) had his hand forced from the
rail and sped to the front, setting wicked early splits, before tiring inside
the final furlong in this dash. The juvenile colt clearly has ability and might
just need a better post draw to graduate next time out.
Sunday (8/19)
6TH — Winding Way put in a most superb run after a poor start in which this
lightly raced sophomore spotted her accomplished foes a lot of ground at the
start. We were mostly speechless watching this filly run past this group late in
one of the finer wins we’ve seen in some time. It’s worth watching this replay
if you’ve yet to see it.
A Look Ahead
A huge Sunday of stakes racing is ahead of us, with the signature race of the
meeting, the Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic leading the way. On the Sunday
undercard is the Grade 2, $250,000 Pat O’Brien Stakes and the Grade 2, $200,000
Del Mar Mile Handicap.
The spotlight event on Saturday will be the Grade 2, $200,000 Del Mar
Handicap.