DEL MAR DAILY NOTEBOOK
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2006
by Brian P. Turner
A field of nine went to the gate for Wednesday’s 7TH race, an
allowance/optional claiming event for three-year-olds and upward going eight
furlongs over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. UNFURL THE FLAG (Bertrando) bounded
out of the gate and onto the lead, guiding the field through early fractions of
:23 and :46 4/5 without ever once being really pressured. As the field
approached the final turn, jockey Jon Court began to widen his advantage and had
a respectable 1 1/2-length lead when he reached the stretch.
The Grade 1-winning bay continued on from there, digging in gamely through
the stretch drive, while holding off the late challenge of 9-5 favorite Captain
Kurt (NZ) (Volksraad), to hit the finish line a head in front. It was another 1
1/4 lengths back to Shimby (Chi) (Sadlers Congress [Ire]) in third. Sent off at
odds of nearly 6-1, Unfurl the Flag recorded his first turf win on Wednesday in
his fourth lifetime attempt.
There were three sprints contested on the main track Wednesday and horses
closing from off the pace won two of them. As for the two main track routes, one
went to a runner closely stalking the pace and the other was captured by a
closer. In addition to the feature, there was one additional turf route and one
sprint, both of which were won by horses on or near the pace.
Victor Espinoza went winless on the day but continues to lead the way in the
jockey standings with 42 for the meet. Martin Garcia added a win to his total
today and remains in second with 30. Alex Solis did not ride today and is in
third with 25.
As for the trainers, Doug O’Neill was unable to add to his total today but
remains atop the trainer standings with 16 for the meet. Jeff Mullins lone
runner was unsuccessful today and he remains in second with 12. Mike Mitchell
saddled a winner on the day to take sole possession of the third spot with nine.
Horses to Watch
3RD – STEVIE D (Paxos) was near the back of the pack early in this eight
furlong Cal-bred maiden special weight event through early fractions of :22 3/5
and :46 2/5. Once the field hit the top of the stretch, the chestnut faced a
wall of horses before being switched to the outside, where he was soundly bumped
by another runner. The three-year-old gelding began to re-rally but had a hole
close in front of him and was checked. Though he finished fifth, a clean trip
would definitely have had him in the mix at the end. A clean trip next out may
be all he needs.
6TH – MASTER JAMES (Bertrando) reeled off his second impressive victory in a
row in this state-bred allowance optional claiming event. The bay followed up
his 10 1/4-length maiden score last out with a visually impressive performance
in this event. The three-year-old colt vied for the lead through an opening
quarter that went in :21 4/5 before leaving the field behind for an easy
four-length victory without ever once being asked for anything near his best.
This is one very nice race horse.
Tomorrow’s Outlook – Thursday, August 24
A small field of six, including one coupled entry, is scheduled to go to the
gate for Thursday’s 7TH race, an allowance/optional claiming event for
three-year-olds and up going 1 1/16 miles on the main track. GALLARDO (Running
Stag) will be making his first start for trainer Mitchell after being claimed
here last out in an event he dominated by four lengths. The conditioner is
lethal off the claim as he wins 29 percent of his starts in the “1st After
Claim” trainer category and the chestnut’s BRIS Speed ratings definitely make
him competitive here.
Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer will be sending out the coupled entry of PASSIVE
INCOME (High Yield) and DR. EINSTEIN (Albert the Great). Either is capable with
their best, though Dr. Einstein is coming off of a very lackluster effort at 6
1/2 furlongs where he finished eighth, beaten by 14 1/2 lengths. That was his
first start after a layoff, and he may improve Thursday while reverting back to
a route of ground.
REFINERY (Victory Gallop) finished sixth, beaten by six lengths, in this same
event. The bay was making his first start off the layoff as well and is capable
of improvement.
Thursday’s forecast calls for sunny skies and a high around 80.
Thursday’s Best Plays
6TH – ENTOURAGE (A. P. Indy) could appreciate the move to the lawn in this
eight furlong maiden special weight event. In his debut, the two-year-old colt
finished sixth against a very talented group of maidens, but he posted a BRIS
Speed rating that will make him extremely competitive if he can carry it over to
the turf. The chestnut has a nice pedigree for the grass with two of his
siblings being turf winners. Entourage tops the field in both BRIS Prime Power
and BRIS Class rating and stands a solid chance against these.
8TH – KEY LIME PIE (Bright Launch) was claimed by trainer Chuck Peery out of
her career debut after putting in a very solid effort where she broke slowly but
finished well to miss by three parts of a length. Though the bay will be
stepping up to straight maiden special weight company, she posted a very
respectable BRIS Speed rating in that event and is more than capable of moving
forward here. Peery wins with a solid 18 percent of his starters in the “1st
After Claim” trainer category which only adds to her appeal.