San Diego

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

Just six will contest the San Diego H. (G2) at Del Mar on Sunday, and we like
ACE BLUE (Brz) (Coax Me Clyde) to upset defending champion CHOCTAW NATION (Louis
Quatorze) in the 1 1/16-mile event.

Recently switched to the barn of Jerry Hollendorfer, the five-year-old Ace
Blue is three for three at the San Diego distance, including a win in the Mervyn
LeRoy H. (G2) at Hollywood Park two back. The dark bay received a BRIS Speed
rating of 103 for that win, but in his first start for his new trainer the horse
was caught in a speed duel and weakened in the lane of the Californian S. (G2).
We like Ace Blue’s returning to a distance at which he is so successful, and
we’re looking for a big performance from the Brazilian bred in his second start
for Hollendorfer.

Choctaw Nation has not won since taking last year’s edition of this event,
but the Jeff Mullins-conditioned gelding has only started four times and all
were at the graded level. In the bay’s next race after the San Diego, he
finished fourth in the prestigious 1 1/4-mile Pacific Classic (G1) and filled
that same spot in the seven-furlong San Carlos H. (G2), beaten only two lengths.
Choctaw Nation then finished a valiant third in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) two
back and the five-year-old came home fifth last time after a slow start in the
Californian. Needless to say, Choctaw Nation is due, and may be hard to deny
with regular rider Victor Espinoza up.

KEEP ON PUNCHING (Silver Deputy) broke his maiden in April and proceeded to
take his next two starts, both at the San Diego distance, before finishing sixth
last out in the 10-furlong Hollywood Gold Cup H. (G1). The Anthony Saavedra-trained
bay shortens in distance and drops in class here, and with his competitive Speed
ratings he rates our longshot special. Patrick Valenzuela has the call.

Craig Dollase will saddle BEAR IN THE WOODS (Formal Gold) for the San Diego
off a second-place finish in the seven-furlong Triple Bend H. (G1)
last out, and with his closing speed he could get up for part. We think he’s
better at shorter distances, however, and we’ll let him beat us.

HARVARD AVENUE (You and I), a confirmed closer, is also better at shorter
distances and we’ll watch for now. PREACHINATTHEBAR (Silver Charm) has not
competed at this level this year and we’ll give him a race against this group.