DEL MAR NOTEBOOK
AUGUST 13, 2009
by John Mucciolo
ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire]) ran her remarkable win streak to a dozen with a
thrilling finish on Sunday.
Clement L. Hirsch S. (G1): Jerry and Ann Moss’ Zenyatta left it a little late in this one, but
the John Shirreffs dynamo proved why she is a champion for the ages with a
rallying triumph under Mike Smith. The unbeaten five-year-old went 1 1/16 miles
in 1:43 1/5 while finishing a head clear.
Bing Crosby H. (G1): Zayat Stables’ ZENSATIONAL (Unbridled’s Song) picked up his second straight
Grade 1 win versus elders with a 2 1/2-length romp for Bob Baffert. Piloted by
Victor Espinoza, the three-year-old sped six panels in a sharp 1:08 2/5.
Best Pal S. (G2): Mike Pegram et al’s LOOKIN AT LUCKY (Smart Strike) made good on his 7-5 favoritism
with a professional tally under Garrett Gomez, inching clear to win by
three-quarters of a length. The Baffert pupil reached the wire in 1:16 for 6 1/2
furlongs to remain unbeaten from two starts.
Sorrento S. (G3): Southern Equine Stables’ MI SUENO (Pulpit) picked a good way to break her
maiden with a dominant, 6 1/2-length score for Eric Guillot. The impeccably bred
juvenile filly finished off 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:16 2/5 beneath Mike Baze.
Track Stats
From a total of 46 races held over the coastal racetrack during the four-day
week, favorites won at a 43 percent clip and the top two betting choices
combined for 52 percent of the wins. From 37 frays contested on the Polytrack
oval, 11 animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (30 percent), while two of the nine
grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (22 percent).
It was an odd week at Del Mar, as speed horses were prominent yet late
runners had almost just as much success. In addition to that, 20 favorites won
yet a lot of huge bombs came in as well.
Wider posts are still winning at a higher clip than the inside three posts,
and we don’t envision that statistic changing anytime soon. Just seven of the 37
winners from Thursday through Sunday won while breaking from post positions 1-3.
Meet Totals
| RACES: | 139 | |
| POLYTRACK: | 107 | |
| TURF: | 32 | |
| FAVORITES: | 44 (32 percent) | |
| 2ND CHOICES: | 24 (17 percent) | |
| TURF WIRE: | 4 (13 percent) | |
| POLYTRACK WIRE: | 27 (25 percent) |
Post Positions (wins):
| RAIL: | 15 | |
| 1-3: | 39 | |
| 4-6: | 50 | |
| 7-out: | 50 |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (8/5)
5TH — LAVENDER TOUCH (Touch Gold) held on after opening up a big
early lead and will now go to conditioner Doug O’Neill after being claimed out
of this dash. The four-year-old has ability and can run on any oval in Southern
California, so we expect a big effort next out.
7TH — HERMIONE’S MAGIC (GB) (Systematic) made a strong U.S.
debut for Kathy Walsh, rallying from well back to win under Smith. The
sophomore miss warrants respect in her return.
Thursday (8/6)
2ND — STREAKIN EXCESS (In Excess [Ire]) beat a potentially nice field like a
good thing under Gomez, and the Ted West charge should be stakes bound
before long.
Friday (8/7)
6TH — SHADOW OF ILLINOIS (Illinois Storm) drilled five grassy
furlongs in a swift :55 1/5 to dust this field for conditioner Anthony Saavedra.
The gelded nine-year-old is still very good on his best days.
7TH — MR. HOT STUFF (Tiznow) was clearly overbet in here and never
factored in his return to the races, but the three-year-old could still turn out
fine for Eoin Harty. The well-bred colt should be turf bound soon after seeing
his full brother thrive on the lawn last week.
Saturday (8/8)
4TH — SPURRIER (Dixieland Band) has really evolved into a solid
runner and finished a clear second in a fine effort on this day for Baffert. The four-year-old colt fits well in high-level claiming or allowance
fields.
Sunday (8/9)
4TH — We tabbed maiden-winning juvenile Lookin at Lucky as a horse
to keep an eye on at this meet, and we see this colt as a future Breeders’ Cup
Juvenile (G1) champ after another solid win.
6TH — SOFTLY SINGING (Holy Bull) was a sharp second at first
asking for Jerry Hollendorfer, and the juvenile filly should be in the winners’
circle before long.
A Look Ahead
The $150,000 La Jolla H. (G2) will highlight Saturday’s card, while Sunday’s
$350,000 John C. Mabee S. (G1) is the weekend’s top draw.