DEL MAR DAILY
NOTEBOOK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST
9, 2006
by Brian P. Turner
A field of eight went to the gate for Wednesday’s Osunitas H. for
fillies and mares, three-years-old and up, going 1 1/16 miles over
the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. This event marked the return of Mea
Domina (Dance Brightly), who was making her first start since
November of last year. The bay ended 2005 in style, visiting the
winner’s circle in each of her last two starts, both of which came
against graded company and included a solid gate-to-wire victory in
the Gamely Breeders’ Cup H. (G1) at Hollywood.
Standing in her way on Wednesday was Three Degrees (Ire)
(Singspiel [Ire]), who was returning to her preferred surface after
a dismal showing in the main track El Encino S. (G2) at Santa Anita
way back in January. There was no doubt that a return to the grass
made the Grade 2 winner a legitimate threat.
Mea Domina was content to stalk the pace early while Three
Degrees laid last, some six lengths off the lead, through early
fractions of :23 3/5 and :47 2/5. Once the field hit the stretch,
Mea Domina moved up to take the lead, but her time in charge was
short lived as 13-1 shot POLYFIRST (Fr) (Poliglote [GB]) rallied
from off the pace with an explosive move through the stretch drive
to hit the wire 2 1/4 lengths in front. The bay was coming off of a
nice second-place effort against allowance/optional claiming company
earlier in the meet, but this was by far the biggest score to her
credit since arriving in North America.
Three Degrees closed well late, running down Mea Domina at the
wire, to pick up the place by a nose.
There were five sprints contested on the main track Wednesday and
horses closing from off the pace won three of them. In addition to
the Osunitas, there were two more turf routes, one of which was won
by a front runner and the other by a horse closing from off the
pace.
Victor Espinoza went winless on the day but remains on top in the
jockey standings with 28 for the meet. Corey Nakatani took off all
mounts again today which allowed Martin Garcia, who booted home a
winner, to move into a tie with him for the second spot. Each rider
has 17 wins.
Doug O’Neill went winless on the day but still leads the way in
the trainer standings with 11 for the meet. Jeff Mullins added one
to his total today and remains in second with eight. Neither Jerry
Hollendorfer nor John Sadler saddled a winner on the day and remain
in a tie for third with six.
No one put all the pieces of the puzzle together in today’s Pick
6 so there will be a carry over of $138,861 going into Thursday’s
card.
Horses to Watch
2ND – OUR FINALE (Mr. Greeley) was content to lay some four
lengths off the pace through early fractions of :23 3/5 and :47 3/5
in this allowance/optional claiming turf event. Once the field hit
the stretch, the bay appeared to be full of run but had absolutely
nowhere to go as he was trapped along the rail. Jockey Garcia
finally found a way through but it was too little too late as he was
forced to settle for fourth, beaten by 1 1/2 lengths. A better trip
next out could yield better results.
6TH – MASTER JAMES (Bertrando) got over the hump in his second
career start as he absolutely demolished this Cal-bred maiden
special weight field. The bay was content to stalk the pace through
an opening quarter that went in :21 3/5 but had moved up to wrestle
away the lead in a half that went in :44 3/5. Once the field hit the
stretch, it was only a matter of how much Master James was going to
win by as he unleashed an explosive turn of foot. The three-year-old
colt hit the finish line 10 1/4 lengths in front while stopping the
clock for the six furlongs in 1:08 4/5.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Thursday, August 10
A field of 10 is scheduled to go to the gate for Thursday’s 7TH
race, an allowance/optional claiming event for three-year-olds and
up going nine furlongs on the lawn. UNRIVALED SONG (Fusaichi
Pegasus) will be looking to make it two in a row after rallying from
off the pace to win his career debut, which came on the turf and at
this distance, last out at Hollywood. The bay posted a solid BRIS
Speed rating in that event and is capable of repeating with any
improvement at all.
FILM FORTUNE (Indy Film) came up only two lengths short last out
in the second division of the Oceanside S. here on opening day and,
prior to that, came up only two lengths short in the Cinema
Breeders’ Cup H. (G3) at Hollywood. The dark bay always puts in a
solid effort on the grass and should appreciate the drop in class.
HIT IT SKIP (Skip Away) finished only a length behind Film Fortune
last out in the Oceanside. Prior to that, the gray had reeled off
two wins in a row on the grass so it wouldn’t be surprising to see
him cross the line in front here.
RATEAU (Rahy) will be stretching out after breaking his maiden
last out going 5 1/2 furlongs. The chestnut’s pedigree says the
added distance will be right up his alley.
Thursday’s forecast calls for sunny skies with highs in the low
80s.
Thursday’s Best Plays
1ST – KEY LIME TIME (Cat Thief) is coming off of a game three
parts of a length victory against maiden claiming company but
appears more than capable of making it two in a row here. Trainer
O’Neill will be giving her a bit of a class drop and he wins 27
percent of his starts in the “Down One Class” trainer category. The
three-year-old filly tops the field in BRIS Prime Power and also
posted the best last race BRIS Speed rating. Key Lime Time’s BRIS
Pace ratings indicate that she should be able to stalk the pace
early and have plenty left in the tank at the end for the run to the
finish line.
7TH – Unrivaled Song has a solid chance and could offer a fair
price in this event. Trainer Neil Drysdale wins 26 percent of his
starts in the “2nd Career Race” category and 24 percent of his
starts in the “2nd Grass Race” category. Unrivaled Song broke a bit
slowly in his debut but closed with a nice turn of foot late to
determinedly hit the finish line in front. Jockey Corey Nakatani has
been red hot on the lawn thus far for the meet, only adding to the
list of things to like.
DEL MAR DAILY
NOTEBOOK
THURSDAY, AUGUST
10, 2006
by Brian P. Turner
A field of 10 went to the post for Thursday’s 7TH race, an
allowance/optional claiming event for three-year-olds going nine
furlongs over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. UNRIVALED SONG
(Fusaichi Pegasus) was sent to the post as the favorite despite the
fact that he had only one career start to his credit, a maiden win
going this distance on the grass at Hollywood. The bay rallied from
off the pace that day and finished gamely through the stretch drive
for a solid 1 1/4-length victory.
When the gates sprang open in this event, Unrivaled Song was
content to lay off the pace early through opening fractions of :24
1/5 and :49 2/5. As the field entered the final turn, the bay began
to make up ground and came wide into the stretch, closing with an
extremely impressive turn of foot to cross the finish line 1 1/4
lengths in front.
Rateau (Rahy) vied for the lead early and dug in gamely late for
second, a head in front of Presidential Cause (Giant’s Causeway) in
third.
There were five sprints contested on the main track Thursday with
horses on or near the pace winning three of them, while the lone
dirt route was won by a runner closing from off the pace. In
addition to the feature, there was one other turf offering, a
five-furlong sprint which was won by a horse closing from off the
pace.
Victor Espinoza booted home a winner today and continues to lead
the way in the jockey standings with 29 winners for the meet. Once
more, Corey Nakatani took off his mounts today, and Martin Garcia
was able to take advantage to move ahead of Nakatani in the
standings by a score of 18 to 17.
Doug O’Neill’s lone runner on the day absolutely dominated,
solidifying his spot atop the trainer standings, and he now has 12
wins for the meet. No runners were sent out by Jeff Mullins today so
he remains in second with eight and he is followed by Jerry
Hollendorfer and John Sadler who have six winners each.
Horses to Watch
1ST – KEY LIME TIME (Cat Thief) reeled off her second win in a
row in this claiming event. The dark bay stayed four lengths off the
pace early through opening fractions of :21 4/5 and :45 4/5 before
moving up to take command near the quarter-pole. From there, the
three-year-old filly opened up on the field through the stretch
drive with a nice turn of foot, before hitting the finish line eight
lengths clear of her competition. Trainer O’Neill had her sitting on
ready for this race, and he may be a bit sorry to see her go as she
was claimed away from him. Key Lime Time will be making her next
start for the always dangerous Juan Garcia.
2ND – DAISYKILLER (Gilded Time) had an impressive career debut
for Chuck Peery in this maiden claiming event and lit up the tote
board in the process. The two-year-old filly bounded out of the gate
and vied for the lead through early fractions of :22 2/5 and :46
2/5. Once the field hit the stretch, the bay still had another gear
left and bounded away from the competition to hit the finish line 4
1/2 lengths in front, furnishing a tremendous $112.20 win payoff.
7TH – Unrivaled Song has had two impressive efforts in as many
starts. Despite losing a ton of ground coming wide in this event,
the three-year-old gelding still handled this field so easily that
jockey Jose Valdivia Jr. had already begun to wind him down before
the wire. This effort was much more impressive than the charts will
show.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Friday, August 11
A mere field of five is scheduled to go to the gate for Friday’s
Real Good Deal S. for Cal-bred three-year-olds going seven furlongs.
DA STOOPS (Distorted Humor) will be dropping back down to face
fellow state-breds after finishing a well beaten third in the Dwyer
S. (G2) at Belmont on Independence Day. The dark bay has had success
at Del Mar in the past and always seems to put in his best efforts
in state-bred stakes races.
BOLD CHIEFTAIN (Chief Seattle) will be making his first start
since finishing third in the El Camino Real Derby (G3) at Bay
Meadows back in January. The dark bay has been putting in some
stamina building works for his return and even shows a bullet
five-furlong clocking of 1:00 at Golden Gate back in mid-July. SEVEN
NATION ARMY (General Meeting) has a win and a place to show from two
starts at Del Mar, with his second-place effort coming here on July
23 against optional claiming company. The bay will need a quick pace
early to set up his late kick.
RED STATE (Smoke Glacken) has a ton of early speed and could be a
danger if allowed his own way on the lead. BUDDYANDROWDY (Soft Gold
[Brz]) has one career start, a runner-up effort against open maidens
back in April.
Friday’s forecast calls for partly cloudy skies and a high of 80.
Friday’s Best Plays
3RD – BRENDOLYN (Knockadoon) is coming off a solid second-place
effort against this level in her last start where she rallied from
just off the pace and closed determinedly late to miss by a length
at the wire. The chestnut tops the field in both BRIS Prime Power
and BRIS Class rating, while her best BRIS Speed ratings are on line
with the best of this field. Trainer Craig Dollase’s runners have
been sitting on ready so far this meet as they have a record of
3-3-0 from 10 starts.
7TH – BEAUTYANDTHEBEAST (GB) (Machiavellian) will be making her
first start since April in this eight-furlong turf allowance. The
chestnut was entered for Wednesday’s Osunitas H. but scratched,
opting for this event instead. This appears to be a good spot for
her to make her return to the track as she tops the field in BRIS
Prime Power by more than six points and also has the advantage in
BRIS Class rating. Her best BRIS Speed ratings at the distance and
on the surface top the field and she should prove to be tough if
trainer Neil Drysdale has her ready after the vacation.
DEL MAR DAILY
NOTEBOOK
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11,
2006
by Brian P. Turner
A small field of five went to the post for Friday’s Real Good
Deal S. for Cal-bred three-year-olds going seven furlongs on the
main track. Da Stoops (Distorted Humor) was sent to the gate as the
overwhelming favorite. It was completely understandable that the
betting public would jump squarely in his corner due to the success
he has had in the past when competing against fellow state-breds.
The dark bay was coming off of a third-place effort in the Dwyer S.
(G2) at Belmont and it looked like the class drop would be exactly
what he needed to get him back into the winner’s circle.
When the gates sprang open, Red State (Smoke Glacken) bounded out
of the gate and onto the lead, closely trailed by Da Stoops, Bold
Chieftain (Chief Seattle), and SEVEN NATION ARMY (General Meeting)
through an opening quarter that went in :22 2/5. By the time they
reached the half, it appeared that Seven Nation Army was through as
he quickly dropped off the pacesetters to trail by some four
lengths.
When the field hit the stretch, Da Stoops took control and looked
like he was well on his way to sending the chalk players to the
window to cash when Seven Nation Army re-rallied and closed
determinedly through the stretch drive. Seven Nation Army caught the
leader near the wire and crossed the finish line a half-length in
front. A tiring Da Stoops finished second, 1 1/4 lengths clear of
Bold Chieftain in third.
In addition to the Real Good Deal, there were three additional
sprints contested on the main track today and horses coming from off
the pace won two of them while the lone route on the card was won by
a runner closely stalking the pace. As for the three turf routes,
horses closing from off the pace won all of them.
Victor Espinoza didn’t visit the winner’s circle today but
remains on top in the jockey standings with 29. Martin Garcia booted
home two winners on the day to solidify his hold on the second spot
and now has 20 winners for the meet. Corey Nakatani was off his
mounts again today. It has been reported that he is suffering from a
severe virus and, at this time, it is not known exactly when he will
return to the races. Alex Solis added a win to his total today to
move into a tie for the third spot with Nakatani. The two riders
have 17 winners each.
Doug O’Neill went winless on the day but still leads the way in
the trainer standings with 12. Jeff Mullins added two to his total
today and remains in second with 10. Jerry Hollendorfer didn’t send
out any runners today and neither of John Sadler’s two runners had
their picture taken so the two trainers remain in a tie for third
with six each.
Horses to Watch
4TH – TAHTHEEB (Ire) (Muhtarram) appears to have rounded into
solid form as she looked extremely impressive taking the victory in
this 11-furlong optional-claiming turf event. The bay was content to
lie between seven and eight lengths off the lead early through
testing opening fractions of :23 1/5 and :46. Once the field hit the
stretch, the five-year-old mare swung to the outside and gradually
began to eat up the competition as she strode out nicely, finishing
with nice action and under nothing but a hand ride, to hit the
finish line 1 3/4 lengths in front.
5TH – STOCK SPLIT (Storm Cat) looked extremely impressive in
breaking his maiden in this seven-furlong claiming event. The
chestnut bore out badly at the start but jockey Michael Baze hung
with him and gradually angled him in to trail the field through
early fractions of :22 2/5 and :45. The gelding began to make up
ground on the field and came four wide in the stretch before
unleashing a tremendous late closing turn of foot to absolutely
engulf the competition and cross the wire 1 3/4 lengths in front.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Saturday, August 12
A field of seven is set to contest Saturday’s La Jolla H. (G2)
for three-year-olds going 1 1/16 miles on the lawn. PORTO SANTO (Fr)
(Kingsalsa) is coming off of a second-place effort in the second
division of the Oceanside S. here on opening day where he broke
badly then rallied from the back of the pack before being steadied
in the stretch drive only to miss by a head. The bay put in an
extremely impressive performance, considering the trouble he got
into, and closed with an explosive turn of foot to narrowly miss at
the wire. A clean trip makes him a solid threat.
Neil Drysdale will be sending out CARIBBEAN (GB) (Sadler’s
Wells), who will be making his North American debut after competing
against some very tough company over in Ireland. Though the gelding
has not visited the winner’s circle since breaking his maiden, he
should find the company here to be easier than what he has been
facing across the pond. The bay has posted three solid works since
arriving, including a bullet clocking of :47 flat right here at Del
Mar, and should be sitting on a top effort.
ARSON SQUAD (Brahms) is coming off of a nice victory in the Swaps
Breeders’ Cup S. (G2) at Hollywood where he stalked the pace early
before gamely wrestling the lead away in the stretch drive for a one
length victory. Though the gelding will be making his turf debut, he
has a solid pedigree for the lawn and looms a threat should he
handle the surface switch. GET FUNKY (Straight Man) was beaten by
only a head in the first division of the Oceanside S. The dark bay
has put in two solid efforts on the grass from two starts and could
have an impact with any improvement at all.
A. P. WARRIOR (A.P. Indy) will be making his turf debut in this
event and could definitely have an impact if the takes to the new
surface. The dark bay has an OK pedigree for the surface, but if he
can carry his dirt form over to the grass he definitely has a shot
as he has some of the best BRIS Speed ratings in the field. THE FIVE
J’S (Lost Soldier) is one of the speediest members of the field and
could have an impact if allowed to have his own way on the lead. ICY
RIDGE (Ire) (Orpen) puts in a nice effort from time to time but may
be overmatched here.
Saturday’s forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with highs in
the upper 70s.
Saturday’s Best Plays
2ND – HOTEL HALL (Ire) (Cozzene) will once more run for the barn
of Art Sherman in this event. Though the tough old gelding keeps
getting claimed away from the Northern California trainer, he keeps
claiming him right back. Hotel Hall is an extremely consistent
claimer and though he will be taking a jump up in class and has not
started since May, he appears to fit in well here. Any of the BRIS
Speed ratings earned over the course of his last five starts would
make him pretty tough to beat in this event and he is near the top
of this field in both BRIS Prime Power and BRIS Class rating. The
layoff offers little reason for concern as he has run well off of a
freshening before and his trainer wins 26 percent of his starts in
the “31-90 Days Away” trainer category. Hotel Hall even fired a
bullet here on July 27 which indicates that he is ready to roll.
8TH – Porto Santo made the “Horses to Watch” list after his
troubled effort in the Oceanside last out and he should prove to be
tough to beat here. The bay tops this group by nearly 11 points in
BRIS Prime Power and his BRIS Class rating is near the top of the
field. The colt’s lone BRIS Speed rating earned during the course of
his gallant effort in the Oceanside is at the top of the field and
he is more than capable of improving upon that number with a clean
trip. Trainer Julio Canani wins 22 percent of the turf races and 19
percent of the graded stakes races he has a runner in, which only
adds to the list of things to like.
DEL MAR DAILY
NOTEBOOK
SATURDAY, AUGUST
12, 2006
by Brian P. Turner
A field of seven went to the gate to contest Saturday’s featured
La Jolla H. (G2) for three-year-olds going 1 1/16 miles over the
Jimmy Durante Turf Course. Porto Santo (Fr) (Kingsalsa) was sent to
the post as the favorite by the betting public off his performance
in the second division of the Oceanside S. on the opening day of the
meet. On that occasion, the bay overcame a slow start and being
steadied in the stretch drive to miss by only a head at the wire.
Those placing their dollars on him to win had to feel that all he
needed to claim victory in this event would be a clean trip.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case.
When the gates sprang open, Get Funky (Straight Man) and The Five
J’s (Lost Soldier) bounded out of the gate and opened up on the
field as the pair led the way through early fractions of :23 3/5 and
:48. Porto Santo was content to lie near the back of the pack, some
eight lengths off the early pace setters. As the field approached
the final turn, Porto Santo began to make up ground and moved up
into contention as the field entered the stretch. From there, it
appeared that it was only a matter of time until the bay engulfed
the field, but A. P. WARRIOR (A.P. Indy) had other ideas as he too
began to make a tremendous late move through the stretch.
A. P. Warrior took the advantage with Porto Santo right by his
side as the pair fought gamely through the stretch, and at the
finish line, A. P. Warrior got his head down at exactly the right
moment to claim the victory by a nose. Despite setting the early
pace, Get Funky kept on bravely to the end and finished another
three parts of a length back in third.
A. P. Warrior was making his turf debut after facing the best
three-year-olds in the country over the course of his career, which
was highlighted by a win in the San Felipe S. (G2) at Santa Anita
this past March. The dark bay handled the surface switch easily and
appears to have a future on the grass should the connections decide
to continue on this course.
There were six sprints contested on the main track Saturday with
horses on or near the pace winning four of them, while the lone
route was won by a runner closing from off the pace. As for the
three turf routes, two were won by horses on or near the lead.
Victor Espinoza went east to ride on the Arlington Million (G1)
card, but his lead in the jockey standings was far from being in
jeopardy and he still leads the way with 29 for the meet. Martin
Garcia added one to his total today to close a little ground on the
leader and now has 21. Alex Solis rode two winners today to take
sole possession of third with 19.
Doug O’Neill sent out one runner on the day, but it did not visit
the winner’s circle. He still leads the way though with 12 winners
for the meet. Jeff Mullins had no starters today but has a secure
hold on the second spot with 10. Jerry Hollendorfer and John Sadler
remain in a tie for the third spot with six winners each.
Horses to Watch
1ST – ELLEN K. (Muqtarib) had an extremely impressive career
debut in this Cal-bred two-year-old maiden special weight event. The
bay bounded out of the gate and opened up a four-length lead on the
field while setting early fractions of :21 3/5 and :45 1/5. Once
they hit the stretch, it appeared that the competition was going to
make a run at her, but Ellen K. had a little something left in the
tank and re-rallied to hit the finish line 4 1/2 lengths in front.
5TH – AWESOME GEM (Awesome Again) had a very nice effort in his
second career start and his first try on the main track. The
chestnut was content to lie a little off the pace through early
fractions of :22 and :45. Once the field hit the stretch, the
three-year-old closed with a nice turn of foot late to miss by a
jump, coming up a nose short at the wire. Awesome Gem will not be
denied much longer, especially if he stretches out.
9TH – HORSE GREELEY (Mr. Greeley) looked extremely impressive in
this two-year-old maiden special weight event as he easily got over
the hump in his second career start. The chestnut vied for the lead
early through opening fractions of :22 1/5 and :45 1/5, but once he
hit the stretch he still had plenty left in the tank. Horse Greeley
opened up on the field and easily strode home four lengths clear,
stopping the clock for the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17 3/5.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Sunday, August 13
A field of eight two-year-olds is set to go to the gate for
Saturday’s Best Pal S. (G2). Contested at 6 1/2 furlongs, the Best
Pal will undoubtedly be a good measuring stick as to who the
frontrunners are for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Churchill
Downs on November 4. PRINCIPLE SECRET (Sea of Secrets) enters the
race off an impressive maiden score here on July 22, where he
pressed the pace early before taking over in the stretch for a
commanding 4 3/4-length victory. The dark bay posted a very solid
BRIS Speed rating in that event and, if he is able to repeat that
effort here, he definitely looms as a solid threat.
GREAT HUNTER (Aptitude) is the most accomplished member of the
field and is coming off a solid second-place finish in the Hollywood
Juvenile Championship S. (G3) at Hollywood, where he rallied from
well off the pace with a five-wide move to finish second, beaten by
2 3/4 lengths. The dark bay has a chance here with any improvement
at all. STELLA’S POSADA (Star of Valor) got on the right track in
his most recent start as he demolished a starter allowance field
here on July 27. The chestnut took command early then opened up in
the stretch drive for a commanding 7 1/4-length victory. A repeat of
that effort could land him in the winner’s circle.
COBALT BLUE (Golden Missile) will be making his first start since
his debut maiden score at Hollywood back in June. The chestnut ran
in midpack that day before closing well through the stretch drive to
cross the finish line a neck in front. The colt posted a solid BRIS
Speed rating in that event and is capable if ready after the short
vacation. STORMELLO (Stormy Atlantic) was soundly thrashed by Cobalt
Blue in his debut but returned to easily dispose of a maiden special
weight field by 3 1/2 lengths here on July 29 while being geared
down before the wire. Espinoza has elected to stay aboard, which
only makes this one more interesting.
DIVIDE AND CONQUER (Mr. Greeley) had a solid career debut at
Hollywood, where he rallied from just off the pace for a 2
3/4-length victory. Though the BRIS Speed figure he posted was a bit
light compared to other members of this field, two-year-olds are
capable of vast improvement from race to race and he already knows
how to win. Bob Baffert will be sending out the uncoupled entry of
MR. NEGOTIATOR (Stormin Fever) and HOT FLAME (Flame Thrower). Both
have shown flashes of talent and the mere fact that they come from
Baffert’s barn is enough to make them a threat.
Sunday’s forecast calls for partly sunny skies and highs in the
upper 70s.
Sunday’s Best Plays
2ND – TIZ US (Cee’s Tizzy) will be taking a bit of a class drop
in his second start for trainer Mullins. The bay is coming off a
second place-effort last out against slightly better where he
stalked the pace early before moving up to take the lead in the
stretch drive. Though he surrendered it late to cross the wire in
second, beaten by only a length, it was a solid enough effort to
make him a threat here. The four-year-old gelding is near the top of
the field in BRIS Prime Power and BRIS Class rating and his best
BRIS Speed ratings make him competitive with this field. Mullins
wins 24 percent of his starts in the “Down One Class” trainer
category and 27 percent of the claiming races he has a runner in.
Tiz Us has posted a solid work of :47 since his last start, the
second fastest time of the 63 that worked four furlongs that
morning, which only adds to the list of things to like.
8TH – Principle Secret was extremely impressive in his career
debut as he easily handled a respectable field of maidens without
ever once being asked for his best. The dark bay tops the field in
BRIS Prime Power and is near the top in BRIS Class rating. The 97
BRIS Speed rating he earned in his debut tops this field and his
BRIS Pace ratings indicate that he should have things his own way on
or near the lead early, which will leave him plenty in the tank for
the run to the wire. The second-place finisher in Principle Secret’s
debut was the aforementioned Horse Greeley, and his performance was
absolutely dominating. Though wagering on two-year-olds can be a bit
of a risk, this one appears to have a bright future ahead of him.
DEL MAR DAILY
NOTEBOOK
SUNDAY, AUGUST 13,
2006
by Brian P. Turner
A field of eight went postward for Sunday’s Best Pal S. (G2) for
two-year-olds going 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track. PRINCIPLE
SECRET (Sea of Secrets) was sent to the gate as the favorite off his
impressive maiden win here on July 22, where he pressed the pace
early before taking over in the stretch drive for an authoritative 4
3/4-length victory. The second-place finisher in that event, Horse
Greeley (Mr. Greeley), came back to break his maiden by four lengths
here on Saturday.
When the gates sprang open, the chalk players had to be a little
discouraged as Principle Secret broke awkwardly from the gate and
found himself some four lengths off the lead early as longshot
Stella’s Posada (Star of Valor) guided the field through opening
fractions of :22 1/5 and :45 1/5. As the field approached the turn,
Principle Secret began to make up ground to the point that, when
they came off the turn, he was vying for the lead.
From there, the dark bay took command and gradually kicked clear
of the field, opening up by three lengths by the time he hit the
wire. Great Hunter (Aptitude) rallied from off the pace to pick up
the place, 2 1/2 lengths in front of Stormello (Stormy Atlantic) in
third.
In addition to the feature, there were three additional sprints
contested on the main track Sunday with horses on or near the pace
winning two of them. As for the two main track routes, one was
captured by a front runner and the other by a horse closing from off
the pace. There were three turf routes contested today and horses on
or near the pace won all of them.
Victor Espinoza added four wins to his total today and continues
to lead the way in the jockey standings with 33 for the meet. Martin
Garcia booted home a winner on the day and continues to hold down
the second spot with 22. Alex Solis added a win to his total when he
guided Principle Secret to the winner’s circle in the feature and
remains in third with 20.
Doug O’Neill had plenty of opportunities today but none of his
runners were able to get their picture taken. Still, he leads the
way in the trainer standings with 12 winners for the meet. Jeff
Mullins wasn’t able to add to his total today but still remains in
second with 10. Mike Mitchell and Neil Drysdale added a win each to
their totals today to move into a tie for the third spot with Jerry
Hollendorfer and John Sadler. The four trainers have six winners
apiece.
Horses to Watch
3RD – RED DIADEM (GB) (Pivotal) was the victim of a slow pace in
her North American debut. The three-year-old filly was 4 1/2 lengths
off the early lead in this maiden special weight turf event through
dawdling early fractions of :24 4/5 and :50 3/5. Once the field hit
the stretch, the dark bay closed with a tremendous turn of foot, but
the early pacesetter still had too much left in the tank so she was
forced to settle for second place, beaten by only a length. An
honest pace next out should be all she needs to get into the
winner’s circle.
8TH – Principle Secret was extremely impressive in the Best Pal.
The dark bay overcame the bad break to professionally handle this
very solid field of two-year-olds.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Monday, August 14
A small field of six is set to go to the gate for Monday’s 7TH
race, an allowance/optional claiming event for three-year-olds and
up going six furlongs on the main track. PADDY MURPHY (Forest Camp)
will be looking to reel off his second straight win here. The dark
bay is coming off a solid victory at Hollywood where he pressed the
pace early before opening up in the stretch drive for an easy 4
1/2-length victory. The three-year-old colt posted a solid BRIS
Speed rating in that event and a repeat of that effort could make
him tough here.
SUNSHINE ALPINE (Gold Case) will be returning to the dirt after
taking a shot on the lawn in the first division of the Oceanside S.
on the opening day of the meet. That race should have served as a
good stamina builder for the chestnut, which will suit him nicely
for his return to the main track. THE PHARAOH (Forest Camp) is
coming off a respectable effort against similar here on July 27. The
chestnut could have an impact with any improvement at all.
JEFFRIES BAY (Gone West) is coming off a lackluster effort
against stakes company at Pleasanton, but a rebound back to his
prior form would definitely make him a threat.
Monday’s forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with highs in the
upper 70s.
Monday’s Best Plays
2ND – QUIET KIM (Quiet American) will be returning to the main
track in this allowance/optional claiming event after a respectable
second-place effort on the lawn, and she should be hard to beat.
Prior to her lark on the lawn, the three-year-old filly had been
taking on stakes competition, and even has a second-place effort in
the Santa Anita Oaks (G1) to her credit. The bay tops the field in
both BRIS Prime Power and BRIS Class rating and her best BRIS Speed
ratings are at the top of the field. Quiet Kim has shown the ability
to both stalk the pace and rally from well off it, which should give
her the versatility to be in perfect position for the stretch drive
regardless of the type of pace battle that develops in front of her.
5TH – LESLIE LILL (Crowning Storm) will be looking for her third
win in a row in this claiming event. The bay appears to be the speed
of the field and her early BRIS Pace ratings indicate that she
should be able to have things her own way on the front end early,
which will leave plenty in the tank for the run to the finish line.
The three-year-old filly tops the field in BRIS Prime Power by four
points, and also has the advantage in BRIS Class rating. Leslie
Lill’s recent BRIS Speed ratings tower over this field and it should
take nothing more than a typical race from her to get her to the
finish line in front.
DEL MAR DAILY
NOTEBOOK
MONDAY, AUGUST 14,
2006
by Brian P. Turner
A field of six went to the gate for Monday’s 7TH race, an
allowance/optional claiming event for three-year-olds and upward
going six furlongs on the main track. Paddy Murphy (Forest Camp) was
sent to the post as the favorite off his impressive victory last out
at Hollywood where he pressed the pace early before scampering away
from the field in the stretch drive for a solid 4 1/2-length
victory.
When the gates sprang open in this event, BUSHWACKER (Outflanker)
bounded out onto the lead with Paddy Murphy pushing him every step
of the way. The pair guided the field through early fractions of :22
1/5 and :44 4/5 before hitting the stretch drive in exactly the same
position as they started. Try as he might though, Paddy Murphy could
not run down the pacesetter. Bushwacker crossed the wire in front,
stopping the clock for the six furlongs in 1:09 2/5, a neck in front
of Paddy Murphy.
It was another 1 1/2 lengths back to Sunshine Alpine (Gold Case),
who closed from well off the pace, in third.
There were five sprints contested on the main track Monday with
horses on or near the pace winning three of them. As for the two
dirt routes, one was won by a horse pressing the pace while the
other was won by a runner closing from just off the pace. The lone
turf route on the day was won by a horse closing from off the pace.
Doug O’Neill sent out three runners today with two of them
visiting the winner’s circle and still leads the way in the trainer
standings with 14 for the meet. Jeff Mullins did not fare well with
his lone starter on the day and remains in second with 10. None of
the trainers sitting in third saddled a winner today so there is
still a four-way tie between Jerry Hollendorfer, Mike Mitchell, Neil
Drysdale and John Sadler. The four trainers have six winners each.
Victor Espinoza added a win to his total today and remains in the
top spot in the jockey standings with 34 winners for the meet.
Martin Garcia added one onto his total today and remains in second
with 23. Alex Solis added one as well today to keep pace in the
third spot with 21.
Horses to Watch
2ND – QUIET KIM (Real Quiet) returned from vacation in fine form
in this allowance/optional claiming event. The bay was content to
lie between two and three lengths off the lead through opening
fractions of :23 4/5 and :48 1/5. Once the field hit the stretch,
the three-year-old filly moved up to take command and widen her
advantage from there to cross the finish line 4 3/4 lengths in front
under nothing but a hand ride.
6TH – GLIMMERING PETE (Larry The Legend) put in a very nice
effort in his first attempt on the grass and going a route of
ground. The chestnut was lying off the early pace through opening
fractions of :24 and :47 3/5. Once the field hit the stretch, the
three-year-old gelding unleashed a nice closing move but ran out of
ground and was forced to settle for third, beaten by only a length.
Outlook for Wednesday, August 16
A field of eight has been entered in Wednesday’s Green Flash H.
for three-year-olds and upward going five furlongs over the Jimmy
Durante Turf Course. This is a particularly hard race to get a feel
for as many of the more accomplished runners in the field have yet
to try the turf in their careers. Of those that have tried the
grass, OSIDY (Storm Cat) is definitely the most accomplished. The
bay won the 2005 running of the Will Rogers S. (G3) at Hollywood
before coming back two starts later to miss by a length in the Del
Mar Derby (G2). Though his most respected efforts have come while
competing in route races, he does hold a record of 2-1-0 from three
starts at this distance.
THOR’S ECHO (Swiss Yodeler) definitely looms a threat should he
take to the new surface. The chestnut has been a model of
consistency over the course of his career as he always puts in a
hard fought effort. The four-year-old gelding will be making his
first start since competing in Dubai back in March where he finished
second, beaten by only 1 1/4 lengths, against some of the best
sprinters in the world. Thor’s Echo has been working forwardly for
his return to the track and definitely looms as a major threat.
CARTHAGE (Smoke Glacken) had reeled off five impressive wins in a
row before faltering badly last out in the Bing Crosby H. (G1) here
on July 30. The gelding is another who will be making his debut on
the lawn but his dam has thrown only one turf winner from 10
starters and Smoke Glacken’s progeny only win 3 percent of their
starts when trying the grass for the first time.
RAILROAD (Double Honor) has had some success on the lawn in the
past which includes a win at this distance two starts back against
stakes company. Though he was well beaten here against optional
claiming company last out, the turf is definitely his preferred
surface and he is capable of having an impact at what should be a
square price.
Wednesday’s forecast calls for sunny skies and highs in the upper
70s.
Wednesday’s Best Plays
3RD – MY MISS STORM CAT (Sea Of Secrets) will be making her first
start since the end of May but should dominate this six-furlong
optional claiming event. The four-year-old filly is definitely the
speed of the field and her BRIS Pace rating indicates that she
should have things her own way on or near the lead early which will
leave jockey Espinoza plenty left in the tank for the run to the
finish line. The dark bay ran well in her only other trip to Del Mar
where she absolutely crushed an allowance field by six lengths while
posting a very impressive 105 BRIS Speed rating. My Miss Storm Cat
has a nearly six point advantage in BRIS Prime Power and her BRIS
Class rating also tops the field. It would definitely be a surprise
to see her beaten in this spot.
4TH – JOHN THE MAITRE D (Silky Sweep) will be looking to reel off
his second win in a row since moving into the barn of Rafael Becerra
in this six-furlong starter allowance event. The chestnut is coming
off a game victory against maiden claiming company last out where he
dueled through a quick early pace before opening up in the stretch
drive for a respectable 1 1/4-length victory. The BRIS Speed rating
earned in that event labels him a threat here and he is near the top
of the field in BRIS Prime Power. The fact that Espinoza has taken
the call on the mount, and that Becerra wins 27 percent of his
starts in the “Maiden Winner Last Race” trainer category, only add
to the list of things to like.