DEL MAR DAILY NOTEBOOK
MONDAY, AUGUST 29
by Brian P. Turner
A field of six went to the post for Monday’s 7TH race, an optional claiming
event for fillies and mare, three-years-old and up, going eight furlongs over
the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. When the gate sprang open, Argentinisima (Arg)
(Candy Stripes) bounded to the lead and guided the field through early fractions
of :21 3/5 and :44 2/5. By the time the field came off the final turn though,
the bay was finished, which set it up for runners closing from off the pace.
Morning-line and post-time favorite Domaine (Chi) (Hussonet) came through the
stretch full of run but so did the Ron McAnally trained CHARM THE GIANT (Ire)
(Giant’s Causeway) who blew by the favorite to hit the finish line two lengths
in front. Domaine was well clear for the place, 2 1/2 lengths in front of Jordyn
Macoma (Dynaformer) in third.
There were four sprints contested on the main track Monday and horses coming
from off the pace won three of them. There were also two routes contested on the
main track today with a closer winning one and a front runner winning the other.
In addition to the 7TH, there was an another turf race on the day which was also
won by a horse closing from off the pace.
Victor Espinoza went winless on the day but still has possession of the top
spot in the jockey standings with 42 winners for the meet. Garrett Gomez picked
up a winner on the day to close ground on the leader and has now booted home 40
winners thus far. Patrick Valenzuela also guided home a winner today and remains
in third with 32.
The big story on the day though was Alex Solis, who rode four winners on the
eight race card and is now breathing down Valenzuela’s neck with 31 winners to
date.
None of the three trainers at the top of the board in the standings made it
to the winner’s circle today so Jeff Mullins remains in the lead with 19 winners
for the meet followed by Bob Baffert and Doug O’Neill who are in a tie for
second with 16 apiece.
Horses to Watch
1ST – MALLEY GIRL (Malek [Chi]) had a fine career debut for trainer Dan
Hendricks. The dark bay was last through the early stages of this 5 1/2 furlong
maiden claiming event but came off the turn full of run. The two-year-old filly
closed with a nice turn of foot through the stretch drive and chased down the
favorite to hit the wire a length in front but eight lengths clear of the
third-place finisher. Provided the connections don’t become too ambitious with
her placement, Malley Girl could pose a threat in her next start as well.
3RD – INDY MISS (A. P. Indy) was second from last through the early stages of
this eight-furlong maiden special turf event. The two-year-old filly began to
close ground on the backstretch but was still far behind the leader when the
field turned for home. As the group made their way down the stretch, the bay
appeared that she was going to make a nice showing for herself in her career
debut and perhaps pick up the place. Indy Miss then found her best stride and
hit another gear, overtaking the leader near the wire and hitting the finish
line a half length in front. This young miss could turn out to be any sort.
Outlook for Wednesday, August 31
Wednesday’s feature is the Generous Portion S. for Cal-bred two-year-old
fillies going six furlongs on the main track. KALOOKAN LESSIE (Deputy Commander)
will be looking to rebound off of her disappointing effort in the California
Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association S. where she was sent off as the post time
favorite. Though the dark bay crossed the finish line in second, she was
disqualified to fifth for interference.
Standing in her way will be R LUCKY STRIKE (In Excess [Ire]), who was a
convincing three-length winner in her career debut here at Del Mar, and SIERRA
SWEETIE (Old Topper), who finished second in her last start but posted a solid
BRIS Speed rating.
Wednesday’s forecast calls for mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid to
upper 70s.
Wednesday’s Best Plays
2ND – R Lucky Strike appears to be a legitimate threat in the Generous
Portion. The dark bay posted some solid BRIS Early Pace ratings in her career
debut and didn’t appear to be asked for her very best through the stretch as she
had the race all but sewn up at the top of the stretch. Trainer Wesley Ward wins
26 percent of the time in the “2nd Career Race” trainer category and 15 percent
of the time when he runs horses in non-graded stakes races. Patrick Valenzuela,
one of the best gate riders in the country, has been enlisted for the mount
which should ensure that she gets out of the gate quick. After that, it is just
a matter of whether or not anyone can catch her.
8TH – ENCHANTING LADY (In Excess [Ire]) is an interesting possibility in this
1 1/16 miles state-bred maiden special grass event. The three-year-old filly put
in a respectable performance in her only other try on the lawn which came
against open company and at 5 1/2 furlongs. Enchanting Lady stalked the pace
early and ran evenly to the end to finish fourth, beaten by only 2 1/2 lengths.
In Excess is a solid 18 percent grass sire and the dam, Sharp Looking Lady (Glaros
[Fr]), has produced two turf winners from five starters including millionaire
Continental Red (Flying Continental). The dark bay appears to have a solid
chance here at what should be a square price.