DEL MAR DAILY NOTEBOOK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
Wednesday’s feature was the Green Flash H. for three-year-olds and up
going five furlongs over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. A field of eight
went to the post with the filly Elusive Diva (Elusive Quality) being sent
off as the favorite against the boys. Unfortunately for chalk players, the
bay never really fired her best shot and finished sixth.
When the gates sprang open, Roi Charmant (Evansville Slew) bounded to the
lead and led the field through early fractions of :21 3/5 and :43 3/5. As
the four-year-old colt moved through the stretch, he appeared to be on his
way to an easy victory, but Mike Smith aboard COURAGEOUS KING (Elusive
Quality) had other ideas and the pair made up ground quickly through the
lane to take the lead and hit the finish line a length in front.
Courageous King was making his debut on the grass but looked extremely
impressive in this performance. He gave the impression of one who could
possibly stretch out beyond a sprint.
Roi Charmant ran gamely to the end and crossed the wire second, three
lengths clear of Siren Lure (Joyeux Danseur) in third.
Three sprints were contested on the main track today and horses on the
lead or closely stalking the pace won two of them. As for the three main
track routes, horses on or near the pace won two of these as well. In
addition to the feature, Wednesday featured a turf route that was also won
by a horse coming from off the pace.
Garrett Gomez picked up a win on the day to maintain the margin of his
lead in the jockey standings with 28 for the meet. Victor Espinoza picked up
one win as well and remains in second with 27. Patrick Valenzuela was idle
today, sitting out the second day of his five day suspension, but he is
still easily holding down the third spot having booted home 25 winners thus
far.
As for the trainers, there was no change at the top of the standings
today so Jeff Mullins still has the lead with 13 winners for the meet
followed by Bob Baffert with 12. Doug O’Neill remains in third with 10.
Horses to Watch
2ND – TAKE A CHANCE (Petionville) reeled off his second win in a row in
this claiming event, chasing the pace setter through early fractions of :22
2/5 and :46 3/5 before taking command in the stretch drive and rolling home
to an easy 5 1/2-length victory.
5TH – THE WAGES OF SIN (High Yield) put in a solid performance in her
first attempt on the grass as she laid off the pace early through opening
fractions that went in :23 4/5 and :47 4/5 before making her move at the top
of the stretch. The dark bay was full of run and making up ground when she
was forced to alter her course in the stretch drive, causing her to lose
serious momentum. The three-year-old filly recovered well though and had hit
her best stride when she ran out of ground and was forced to settle for
second, beaten by only a half length.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Thursday, August 18
Thursday’s stakes offering is the Harry F. Brubaker H. for
three-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles on the grass. The field of six
is headed by TERROPLANE (Fr) (Verglas [Ire]) who is coming off of a
third-place finish, beaten by only a neck, in the Wickerr H. here on July
30.
Standing in his way will be JUST WONDER (GB) (Hernando [Fr]), the fourth
place finisher in that same event who came up only a half length short of
the victory himself. Another interesting possibility in the field is the
Mike Mitchell-trained DEPUTY LAD (Mecke), who is Grade 2-placed on the grass
and coming off of a nice solid win against optional claiming company here on
July 28.
Thursday’s forecast calls for partly cloudy skies and highs in the low to
mid-70s.
Thursday’s Best Plays
1ST – ROYAL MORO (With Approval) appears to be a stand out in this
claiming event. The gray has reeled off back to back victories including a
nice effort last out against optional claiming company at Hollywood and his
BRIS Speed Ratings are up with the best of this field. The six-year-old
gelding also tops the field in BRIS Prime Power and BRIS Class Rating. Royal
Moro’s BRIS Pace Ratings indicate that he should have things his own way on
or near the lead with plenty left at the end to cross the wire in front.
3RD – GRAY BALCK N WHITE (Quiet American) will be taking a class hike in
his first start for Julio Canani but is definitely capable of moving forward
here. Canani is a solid 21 percent in the “1st After Claim” trainer category
and 25 percent in the “31-90 Days Away” category. Though the gray hasn’t
raced since being claimed in June, he has been working steadily over that
period of time and has put up back to back bullet works over the Del Mar
strip, including his work on August 4 of :58 2/5 which was the fastest of 57
that day.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
A field of six went to the gate for Thursday’s Harry F. Brubaker H. for
three-year-olds and upward going 1 1/16 miles over the Jimmy Durante Turf
Course. Positive Prize (Prized) bore sharply to his right at the start,
creating a jumble with the runners to his outside as they left the gate. The
bay then went immediately to the lead and opened up a three-length advantage
on the field. Though this was Positive Prize’s first attempt on the lawn, he
has a solid pedigree for the surface and he demonstrated it as he led the
field through early fractions of :24 1/5 and :48 3/5.
By the time the field hit the stretch, they had made up ground on the
leader but he dug in gamely, refusing to go down without a fight. RUNNING
FREE (Soft Gold [Brz]), under a nice ride by Victor Espinoza, rallied from
just off the pace to challenge the front runner and wrestled away the lead
before crossing the wire a neck in front.
Positive Prize fought all the way to the finish but was forced to settle
for second, three parts of a length in front of the favorite, Terroplane
(Fr) (Verglas [Ire]), in third.
Once more at this Del Mar meet, the stewards were forced to review the
race and, after careful consideration, disqualified Positive Prize to fourth
for interference at the start, which gave the show to Kilkea Castle
(Pleasant Colony). The dark bay had been the one immediately to Positive
Prize’s outside at the start and had endured the brunt of the contact.
There were five sprints contested on the main track Thursday and horses
coming from off the pace won three of them as well as the lone route race on
the day. In addition to the feature, there was one additional grass route
which was also won by a horse closing from off the pace.
Garrett Gomez picked up two wins on the day as did Espinoza, leaving
Gomez with a 30 to 29 advantage. Patrick Valenzuela, who is still sitting
out his suspension, remains in third with 25 winners for the meet.
As for the trainers, Jeff Mullins still leads the way over Bob Baffert by
a score of 13 to 12. Vladimir Cerin picked up a win on the day to move into
a tie with Doug O’Neill for the third spot. The pair has 10 winners each.
Horses to Watch
4TH – Positive Prize put in a game performance in his first try on the
grass, despite the disqualification. A less troubled trip next time could
land this one in the winner’s circle.
7TH – PASSIONATE HEAT (Unusual Heat) is making her second appearance on
the “Watch” list after her impressive off the pace performance in this mile
Cal-bred optional-claiming grass event. After lying near the back of the
pack early, the dark bay unleashed an explosive turn of foot to hit the
finish in front and appears to be one that can stretch out even farther.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Friday, August 19
Friday’s feature is the 6 1/2 furlong Ranch Bernardo H. (G3) for fillies
and mares three-years-old and up. A very competitive field of eight is
scheduled to go to the post headed by the Bob Baffert un-coupled entry of
RESPLENDENCY (Tale Of The Cat) and BEHAVING BADLY (Pioneering).
Resplendency will be making her first start since a dismal seventh-place
finish in the Louisville Breeders’ Cup H. (G2) at Churchill Downs. The bay
is Grade 1 placed, though, and has never finished worse than second in three
tries over the Del Mar strip. Behaving Badly is a perfect two for two
lifetime with both wins coming over this track. The four-year-old filly
broke her maiden here last year by eight lengths before taking a vacation of
nearly 11 months and then returned to beat a solid allowance field by a
length. The bay will be making her first start against stakes-company but
appears to be talented enough to be a threat in this field.
FREAKIN STREAKIN (Tactical Advantage) made the move from the turf to the
dirt in her last start and put in a stellar performance against
optional-claiming company. The chestnut posted a solid 100 BRIS Speed
rating, which by itself makes her a threat here. The Jenine-Sahadi trained
PUXA SACO (Dehere) is a Grade 3 winner who is looking to rebound off of a
subpar performance last out in the A Gleam Invitational H. (G2) at
Hollywood. A top effort, though, puts her squarely in the middle of the mix.
The weather for Friday calls for cloudy skies in the morning giving way
to sunny skies in the afternoon and highs in the mid-70s.
Friday’s Best Plays
1ST – FOLLOW THE RAINBOW (Event of the Year) appears to have a very solid
chance in this maiden special field. The three-year-old colt’s BRIS Speed
ratings top the field and he holds an advantage of more than 13 points in
the BRIS Prime Power category. Baffert will be adding the “peeps” for this
start and he is a solid 24 percent in the “1st Time Blinkers” trainer
category. Espinoza has the call and he has combined with Baffert for a 36
percent win rate over the last 60 days.
6TH – NOW VICTORY (Sharp Victor) could offer value in this
optional-claiming grass event. The chestnut lost all chance at the start
last out as he was forced to steady early but closed some ground late,
posting a nice BRIS Late Pace rating in the process, to miss by 3 1/4
lengths. Trainer Craig Lewis will be adding blinkers for this event and is a
respectable 13 percent in the “1st Time Blinkers” category. In addition, the
conditioner wins with 16 percent of his turf starters over all. Gomez has
been on the gelding in all three of his career starts and will be reunited
with him here, only adding to the list of things to like.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
Friday’s feature was the Rancho Bernardo H. (G3) for fillies and mares,
three-years-old and up, going 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track. A field of
eight went to the post headed by the undefeated BEHAVING BADLY (Pioneering)
who was sent off as the post time favorite. Chalk players had to be
delighted as the bay moved up to stalk early pace setter Dee Dee’s Diner
(Bold Badgett) through early opening fractions of :21 4/5 and :44 1/5 before
taking over in the stretch drive to hit the finish line 1 1/4 lengths in
front.
FREAKIN STREAKIN (Tactical Advantage) rallied from the back of the pack,
closing with an amazing turn of foot through the stretch to pick up the
place, a length in front of Dee Dee’s Diner in third.
There were four sprints contested on the main track Friday and horses on
or near the pace won 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
off the pace. In addition, there was one turf sprint, won by a horse
stalking the pace, and one turf route, won by a front runner.
Victor Espinoza picked up three wins on the day, including Behaving Badly
in the feature, to wrestle the lead away from Garrett Gomez in the jockey
standings. The score stands at 32 to 30. Patrick Valenzuela was allowed to
ride in the feature today but, outside of that, is still sitting out his
suspension which runs through tomorrow. He remains in third with 25 winners
for the meet.
As for the trainers, Bob Baffert picked up two wins on the day to move
into the lead in the standings over Jeff Mullins by a score of 14 to 13.
Vladimir Cerin and Doug O’Neill remain tied for the third spot with 10
winners each.
Horses to Watch
3RD – THE YELLOW SHEET (Benchmark) looked solid in her second start for
trainer Jenine Sahadi. The five-year-old mare was content to lay off the
pace early in this five furlong grass sprint before rallying through the
stretch to hit the wire 1 1/4 lengths in front. The chestnut has shown
marked improvement since moving into Sahadi’s barn and could prove to be a
threat in her next start as well.
7TH – Freakin Streakin stumbled as she was leaving the gate but rallied
well at the end of the Rancho Bernardo to miss by only 1 1/4 lengths.
Whether this cost her the victory or not is debatable but it was extremely
impressive how she overcame her start to finish second.
8TH – MY LITTLE MONKEY (Old Trieste) stayed in the gate and was trailing
the field by a bunch through the early stages of this maiden claiming event.
Once the field hit the stretch, the bay put in a tremendous closing move
that was absolutely dazzling to see and passed all but one in the field like
they were standing still. The two-year-old filly was gaining ground on the
winner as well but missed by a nose at the wire. This was an impressive
career debut and it will be interesting to see what she can accomplish next
out with a better start.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Saturday, August 20
Saturday’s feature is the Del Mar Oaks (G1) for three-year-old fillies
going nine furlongs over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. A field of 11,
including one who is also eligible, is scheduled to go to the gate for the
event and there are several in this field, under the right scenario, who are
capable of making it to the winner’s circle.
SHINING ENERGY (Rahy) is coming off of a stellar performance in the San
Clemente H. (G2) here on July 30 where she rallied from last in a field of
10 for a convincing 1 1/4 length victory. SINGHALESE (GB) (Singspiel [Ire])
held on to finish third in the American Oaks (G1) back in July then returned
to easily handle an optional claiming field here at Del Mar. THREE DEGREES
(Ire) (Singspiel [Ire]) is a Grade 2 winner on the lawn who will be looking
to rebound off of her troubled trip in the American Oaks where she finished
fifth, beaten by 6 1/2 lengths.
These are even a couple of European invaders among the field. PEACEFUL
LOVE (Ger) (Dashing Blade) is probably the more accomplished of the pair as
she is a Group 3 winner but LASIKA (GB) (Pursuit Of Love) will be adding
Lasix for her first start with the always dangerous Doug O’Neill.
The forecast for Saturday calls for mostly sunny skies and highs in the
upper 70’s.
Saturday’s Best Plays
4TH – ITTY BITTY PRETTY (El Corredor) will be making her first start
since making the “Horses to Watch” list in her career debut. The
two-year-old filly stayed in the gate that day, spotting the field a sizable
advantage. The bay finally got into the race and finished with a nice turn
of foot to hit the finish line in third. Itty Bitty Pretty’s lone BRIS speed
figure tops the field and she also holds the advantage in BRIS Prime Power.
Trainer Doug O’Neill is a solid 18 percent in the “2nd Career Race” trainer
category and 17 percent when adding blinkers, which the filly will be doing
today. Victor Espinoza has the call on the mount, only adding to the list of
things to like.
6TH – TOP THIS AND THAT (Old Topper) is another graduate of the “Watch”
list who put in an impressive performance in his first try over the lawn by
rallying from well off the pace for a neck victory. The gray tops the field
in BRIS Prime Power and the BRIS Pace Ratings of the other runners in the
race indicate that he should be once more making up ground at the end.
Trainer Dan Hendricks is a solid 29 percent in the “2nd Grass Race” trainer
category and jockey Alex Solis, aboard last time, has elected to take the
mount again. The gelding is a threat to make his turf record a perfect two
for two.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
A field of nine three-year-old fillies went to the post for Saturday’s
featured Del Mar Oaks (G1). Contested at 1 1/16 miles over the Jimmy Durante
Turf Course, the Oaks assembled together a competitive group of sophomore
misses, almost any of whom were capable of picking up their first Grade 1
victory.
Dancing Edie (Moscow Ballet) had been the also-eligible in the race but
drew in and was determined to make the most of her opportunity once the
gates sprang open, bounding to the lead. The bay immediately opened up three
lengths on the field as she guided them through early fractions of :22 4/5
and :46 4/5.
Once the field hit the stretch, Dancing Edie refused to back off and dug
in gamely. SINGHALESE (GB) (Singspiel [Ire]) came off the turn four wide
with a tremendous move and eventually ran down the pacesetter. Favorite
Three Degrees (Ire) (Singspiel [Ire]) came through on the rail to challenge
but could not run down Singhalese, who hit the wire a half-length in front.
Three Degrees picked up the place, 1 1/4 lengths in front of a very game
Dancing Edie in third.
Singhalese has become quite the competitor since moving to North America
and into the barn of James Cassidy. The chestnut’s greatest accomplishment
prior to this came in the American Oaks (G1) where she put in a very
respectable performance to finish third. With a couple of months of great
turf racing still in front of us, it will be interesting to see where the
connections send her next but, wherever it is, she will undoubtedly be a
solid threat.
There were five sprints contested on the main track Saturday, all which
were won by horses on or near the lead. As for the lone route on the day, it
was won by a runner who was about three lengths off the early pace. In
addition to the feature, there were two turf routes contested on the day.
One of these was won by a front runner while in the other event a horse
coming from off the pace crossed the wire in front.
Victor Espinoza picked up two wins on the day to widen his lead in the
jockey standings. He now has 34 for the meet. Garrett Gomez picked up one
win on the day and has a solid lock on the second spot with 31 winners thus
far. Patrick Valenzuela was suffering out the last day of his suspension but
was allowed to ride in the Oaks where his mount, Rich in Spirit (Repriced),
finished fifth. Valenzuela remains in third with 25 winners for the meet.
As for the trainers, Jeff Mullins picked up a win on the day to move back
into a tie with Bob Baffert for the top spot in the trainer standings. The
pair has 14 winners each. Doug O’Neill picked up two wins today to regain
sole possession of the third spot with 12 winners thus far.
Horses to Watch
2ND – AT A BOY RUSS (Nineeleven) vied for the lead in this Cal-bred
maiden special event through early fractions of :22 1/5 and :45 3/5. The bay
dug in gamely through the stretch drive, refusing to give in, and hit the
wire a half-length in front. All in all, it was a very game effort for a
two-year-old making his first start.
4TH – SONGWRITER (Unbridled’s Song) was content to lay near the back of
the pack early in this six furlong maiden special event before unleashing an
explosive turn of foot through the lane to come up a half-length short. The
two-year-old filly is a definite threat next out and could prove to be a
nice one once she stretches out past a sprint.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Sunday, August 21
Sunday’s card brings the highlighted stakes race of the meet, the $1
million Pacific Classic S. (G1). A field of 11, including one mare, has
entered for the historic 10 furlong affair which will be headed by LAVA MAN
(Slew City Slew). The four-year-old dark bay will be looking to duplicate
his performance in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) where he absolutely
demolished the field by 8 3/4 lengths.
There are a whole slew of contenders standing in his way though which
includes PERFECT DRIFT (Dynaformer), last year’s runner-up in the Classic,
SURF CAT (Sir Cat), a five-length winner of the Swaps Breeders’ Cup S. (G2)
at Hollywood, and CHOCTAW NATION (Louis Quatorze), the recent winner of the
San Diego H. (G2) right here at Del Mar.
Also on Sunday, a field of nine, including one coupled entry, is
scheduled to contest the Pat O’Brien Breeders’ Cup H. (G2) for
three-year-olds and upward going seven furlongs. UNFURL THE FLAG
(Bertrando), recent winner of the Triple Bend H. (G1), heads the field but
he will have to deal with MCCANN’S MOJAVE (Memo [Chi]), the second-place
finisher in the Triple Bend, as well as Grade 2 winner IMPERIALISM
(Langfuhr), who will be returning to sprint competition for the first time
since February of 2004.
Tomorrow’s 10-race card, which includes a $1 million guaranteed Pick Six,
will have an early post time of 1:00 p.m. (PDT).
It looks like it will be another perfect day in Southern California as
the forecast calls for sunny skies and highs in the upper 70s.
Sunday’s Best Plays
2ND – LIFESTYLE (Indian Charlie) appears to be rounding into form for a
solid performance. The bay began his career on fire, winning his first two
career starts by a combined 23 1/4 lengths, but has not been to the winner’s
circle since. That could change today as the five-year-old horse will be
making his third start off the layoff and appears to be sitting on a top
effort. Lifestyle began his career wearing the “peeps” but they were removed
after his third start. Trainer Wesley Ward has elected to put the blinkers
back on Sunday, a maneuver he scores with 36 percent of the time.
Lifestyle’s BRIS Speed ratings are up with the best of the field and his
BRIS Pace Ratings indicate that he should be able to get the lead and
maintain his position to the finish line.
3RD – BOB AND JOHN (Seeking The Gold) will be making his career debut for
the always dangerous Baffert. The two-year-old colt has been working
forwardly and steadily since the end of June and has posted bullets in three
of his last five works. Patrick Valenzuela has been enlisted for the ride
and he has combined with Baffert for a 33 percent win rate over the last 60
days.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
A pair of graded stakes races highlighted Sunday’s racing action at Del
Mar, including the premier stakes event of the meet — the $1 million
Pacific Classic S. (G1). A field of 11 three-year-olds and upward went to
the post for the 10-furlong event, with Lava Man (Slew City Slew) sent off
by the betting public as the post time favorite. Once the field left the
gate, the dark bay immediately went for the lead as he attempted to go gate
to wire, guiding the field through quick early fractions of :22 3/5 and :45
4/5.
As the field hit the top of the stretch though, many of those that had
been content to lay near the back of the pack early came running, with
BORREGO (El Prado[Ire]) making a five wide move off of the turn. As they
moved through the stretch, Borrego continued to cut into the lead and he was
joined by Perfect Drift (Dynaformer) as the pair eventually ran down the
pacesetter. Borrego dug in gamely at the end, holding off Perfect Drift, to
hit the wire a half-length in front.
This was Borrego’s first trip to the winner’s circle since capturing an
optional-claiming event at Santa Anita back in February. The chestnut had
been competitive in most of his efforts since but had twice come up on the
short end of the stick to Lava Man. The difference today had to be the early
pace as Lava Man was faced with much hotter early fractions than he had to
contend with in either of those events and this allowed Borrego to finally
turn the tables on his rival.
In a repeat of his performance in last year’s Classic, Perfect Drift
crossed the finish line in second, a neck in front of a very game Lava Man
in third.
Unfortunately, afterward Lava Man pulled up and had to be vanned off as
did Musique Toujours (Musique d’Enfer). At the time of this writing, the
circumstances surrounding these incidents were not known.
Also on Sunday, a field of eight, including one coupled entry, contested
the seven-furlong Pat O’Brien Breeders’ Cup H. (G2). Uunfurl the Flag
(Bertrando) was sent off as the even-money favorite but, unfortunately for
chalk players, he may have been a little to close to the pace on early
fractions that went in :21 4/5 and :44. The bay was in contention at the top
of the stretch but faded through the lane to finish sixth.
In the end, it was IMPERIALISM (Langfuhr) who rallied from the back of
the pack, with a nice closing move through the stretch drive, to hit the
wire three parts of a length in front. The gray was making his first start
since finishing seventh in the Santa Anita H. (G1) back in March and this
was his first try at sprinting since February of 2004. Trainer Kristin
Mulhall definitely had the four-year-old colt ready to roll, though, as he
looked extremely impressive in his performance.
Gotaghostofachance (Silver Ghost) made a nice late move up the rail to
pick up the place, 2 1/2 lengths in front of a fast closing Taste of
Paradise (Conquistador Cielo) in third.
In addition to the two graded races, there was also one additional stakes
race contested at eight furlongs on the grass. A field of 10 three-year-old
fillies went to the gate for the inaugural running of the Aladdin Resort And
Casino H. with Brooke’s Halo (Southern Halo) being sent off as the favorite.
The chestnut bounded out of the gate and led the field through stiff early
fractions of :22 1/5 and :45. Once they hit the stretch though, she began to
get leg weary. Long-shot SHE’S A JEWEL (Successful Appeal), who had been
laying between two to three lengths off the lead, moved up to take command
and dug in gamely late to hit the finish a neck in front. Conveyor’s Angel
(Conveyor) made a nice move up the rail late to cross the wire in second, a
half-length in front of a very tired Brooke’s Halo in third.
There were five sprint races contested on the main track Sunday and
horses on or near the pace won three of them. In addition to the Pacific
Classic, there was one additional main track route today, which was won by a
front runner. As for the turf, there were three routes contested today and
horses coming from off the pace won two of them.
Victor Espinoza picked up two wins on the day to widen his advantage in
the jockey standings and now has 36 for the meet. Garrett Gomez only picked
up one win on the day but it was a big one as he was aboard Borrego for his
victory in the Classic. He has now booted home 32 winners.
Patrick Valenzuela returned from his suspension today and picked up a win
himself, giving him 26 to date. Corey Nakatani picked up three wins on the
day and has slowly been creeping into the thick of it in the standings over
the last few days with 23 winners for the meet.
There was very little change at the very top of the trainer standings as
Bob Baffert and Jeff Mullins went winless on the day to remain in a tie for
the top spot with 14 winners each. Doug O’Neill picked up a win on the day
to move within one of the top pair.
Pick 6 players get ready because no one connected on all six winners in
the $1-guaranteed Pick 6 pool on Sunday, generating a carryover pool of
$648,442 going into Monday’s card.
Horses to Watch
3RD – BOB AND JOHN (Seeking The Gold) was a little slow getting out of
the gate and didn’t seem to really have his mind on business through the
early stages of this two-year-old maiden special event. Once the field hit
the stretch, the dark bay seemed to finally get into the race and closed
with a nice turn of foot but it was too little too late as he hit the finish
line in fourth.
4TH – Imperialism looked very good in the Pat O’Brien and could prove to
be a threat next out as well whether he is going short or long.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Monday, August 22
Monday’s 2ND race is an eight-furlong optional claiming event for
three-year-olds and up contested on the grass. A field of five is scheduled
to go to the post for the event headed by Grade 2 stakes winner ST AVERIL
(Saint Ballado), who will be trying the lawn for the first time in his
career. The dark bay has a respectable pedigree for the lawn but whether
this will provide any dramatic improvement in his recent form remains to be
seen.
Another in the field who will be trying the grass for the first time is
the Mullins-trained TOUCH THE WIRE (Birdonthewire). An initial look at the
pedigree reveals that the horse does not have an overwhelming grass
influence but his trainer is a solid 18 percent in the “1st On Grass”
category so maybe he sees something in the morning that the pedigree doesn’t
show.
Monday’s forecast calls for mainly sunny skies and highs in the mid to
upper 70s.
Monday’s Best Plays
3RD – SWISS SONATA (Swiss Yodeler) appears to be one tough customer in
this state-bred maiden claiming event. The two-year-old colt has been
competitive at the special weight level and he has an advantage of over 13
points in the BRIS Prime Power category. The chestnut’s BRIS Speed ratings
tower over the field and his BRIS Pace ratings indicate that he should be on
or near the lead early with plenty of kick left at the end to hit the wire
in front. The one concern with Swiss Sonata is that he shows no published
works since his last start but the last time trainer Mike Harrington did
this with the colt, he finished second against open company and ahead of the
very talented Bashert (Tiger Ridge) who came in third in that affair.
4TH – ROYAL FUPEG (Fusaichi Pegasus) is a $700,000 purchase who will be
trying the lawn for the first time and her pedigree says she should love it.
Fusaichi Pegasus is a 16 percent sire when his offspring try the turf for
the first time and the dam sire, Royal Academy, hits a respectable 12
percent of the time when his progeny first try the lawn. Trainer Eoin Harty
wins 15 percent of the time in the “1st On Grass” category and is 18 percent
in the “1st At Route” category. Gomez has the call on the mount only adding
to the positives.
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2005
by Brian P. Turner
A mere field of five went to the gate for Monday’s 2ND race, an optional
claiming event for three-year-olds and up going eight furlongs on the grass.
ST AVERIL (Saint Ballado) was sent to the post as the favorite and went to
the front out of the gate, leading the field through dawdling early
fractions of :24 2/5 and :48 3/5 as no one in the field seemed to really
want the lead. Once the field approached the stretch, it turned into an all
out sprint for the wire as less than four lengths separated the field.
St Averil rewarded the chalk players by continuing on gamely to the
finish, crossing the wire a head in front. Spencer’s Magic (Unusual Heat)
had been right with St Averil the whole way, even poking his head in front
at one point in the race, and held on for the place. It was another two
lengths back to the Jeff Mullins-trained Touch The Wire (Birdonthewire) in
third.
This was St Averil’s first try on the grass but, given the European-style
early pace scenario, it is a bit difficult to determine if he has found a
new specialty or was fortunate enough to find an easy spot to make his
debut.
There were three sprints contested on the main track today and horses on
or near the pace won two of them. As for the two routes, both were won by
horses on or near the lead. In addition to the second race, there was one
other turf route and one turf sprint with the route being won by a horse
coming from off the pace while the sprint was won by a front runner.
Victor Espinoza went winless on the day but still has the lead in the
jockey standings with 36 for the meet. Garrett Gomez picked up a win and is
firmly in second with 33. Patrick Valenzuela also picked up a win to
maintain a tight hold on the third spot with 27 winners to date.
As for the trainers, Jeff Mullins had a winner on the day which once more
moves him ahead of Bob Baffert in the standings by a score of 15 to 14. Doug
O’Neill went winless and remains in third having saddled 13 winners.
Horses to Watch
4TH – ROYAL FUPEG (Fusaichi Pegasus) was just asked to do too much in her
grass debut as jockey Gomez had her at the back of the pack early, some 20
lengths off the lead. Though she hit the stretch full of run and made up
ground it was too little to late as she crossed the finish line in fourth,
less than two lengths behind the winner, but was moved up to third via
disqualification. A better-timed ride next out could yield better results.
6TH – SPEED ROUSER (Flying Continental) had a very solid performance for
new trainer Jeff Mullins. The chestnut unleashed an entirely new dimension
to his game by going to the lead, where as in the past he had rallied from
off the pace, and guided the field through early fractions of :23 and :47
1/5 before digging in gamely through the stretch drive to hit the finish
line a head in front.
Outlook for Wednesday, August 24
A field of seven is scheduled to go to the gate for Wednesday’s 7TH race,
an optional claiming event for three-year-olds and up going 5 1/2 furlongs
on the main track, and the event has attracted three who have had success at
the graded stakes level in the past. HASTY KRIS (Kissin Kris) was the winner
of the San Carlos H. (G2) at Santa Anita back in February and recent winner
of an optional claiming event right here over the Del Mar strip.
Also scheduled to compete is CAPTAIN SQUIRE (Flying Chevron), who will be
returning after a lay off of well over a year. The bay has been working
steadily for his return to racing, though, including his latest clocking of
:47 1/5 here at Del Mar. SIPHONIZER (Siphon [Brz]) was the winner of the
2003 Del Mar Futurity (G2) but has never seemed to progress much from that
point as he has only been to the winner’s circle one time since.
Wednesday’s forecast calls for partly sunny skies and highs in the low
70s.
Wednesday’s Best Plays
4TH – TRESOR LA VIE (Tresor Du Mesnil [Fr]) has fired back-to-back
bullets in the morning since being claimed out of his career debut,
including his latest clocking of :57 4/5, the fastest of 61 that worked over
the Del Mar strip that day. The chestnut will be making his first start for
trainer Frank Monteleone, who wins 25 percent of the time in the “1st After
Claim” trainer category and Valenzuela, who has combined with the trainer
for a 50 percent win rate over the last 60 days, has been enlisted for the
ride. Tresor La Vie will be taking a bit of a class jump but Monteleone is
also a solid 23 percent in the “Up One Class” category. All in all, there
are a lot of things to like at what should be a square price.