HORSE RACING
TODAY AT DEL MAR
By Richard Eng
Post Time 2 p.m.
Race 1 - 1 mile (turf), Purse $51,000, Claiming $50,000, 3-year-olds
Rivergrade Boy - Been away 4-months, but has been pointed for Del Mar; has speed, the rail and could control things early.
One Only - Has earned his promotions up the claiming ladder since tagged by Bill Spawr in January; showed he can rate too.
Long Shot - Guts
Race 2 - 1 mile, Purse $63,000, Optional claiming $25,000, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up
Super Strut - John Sadler plays chicken with other trainers by dropping this one in for $25k; more than enough class to win.
Lucky Honey - Tepid chalk in an open heat; claimed by Mike Mitchell, one of the best "move up" trainers in the business.
Long Shot - Muscle 'n Mane
Race 3 - 6 furlongs, Purse $53,000, Maiden special weights, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Judy Patootie - FTS from Paddy Gallagher, who has an uncoupled entry in here; bullet workouts point to a live one for the Mig.
Only First Class - Tepid chalk has had plenty of chances in an 0-for-8 career; second start for her off a 4-month hiatus.
Long Shot - Wings of an Angel
Race 4 - 1 1/16th miles (turf), Purse $64,000, Claiming $80,000, 4-year-olds and up
Rush Rush - Got a test drive at Golden Gate off an 8-month hiatus; is spotted nicely here to get his picture taken.
Minister Blair - He has earned the promotion off a pair of good wins for Steve Knapp; Bejarano saves the ground, grinds late.
Long Shot - Maroon
Race 5 - 6 furlongs, Purse $20,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Dice Afare - Exits a bullet workout and Vladimir Cerin adds blinkers on too; Rafael Bejarano remains loyal to the cause.
Absolutely Smitten - Did a classic pop and stop as the heavy chalk in last; third start off a 14-month hiatus can be better.
Long Shot - Warren's Cookie
Race 6 - 1 1/16th miles, $300,000 San Diego Handicap, 3-year-olds and up
Well Armed - Classy animal returns off a 4-month hiatus; he ran well in the Dubai World Cup, showed affinity for synthetics.
Surf Cat - Miserable try in the Californian, so trainer Bruce Headley switches to David Flores; chance to rebound in here.
Long Shot - Rebellion
Race 7 - 1 1/16th miles (turf), Purse $46,000, Claiming $40,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Missoula - Jeff Mullins has an uncoupled entry; naturally this is the longer price of the two, sits a trip and grinds late.
Heathersdaddysbaby - Popped and stopped last time while facing much tougher; big class drop, see if she has anything left.
Long Shot - Exclusive Danielle
Race 8 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $33,000, Claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds and up
North Folk - Claimed by Mike Mitchell, a very strong angle for improvement; exits a bullet workout and faces some softies.
Angus - Was well positioned but faltered late last time; key for me is Rafael Bejarano stays on, chance to improve.
Long Shot - Cable Dancer
Race 9 - 1 1/16th miles (turf), $85,000 Osunitas Handicap, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Kris' Sis - Gets big time class relief exiting five grade 2 stakes for this; parking lot post will hurt her some.
Fleet Caroline - Just missed facing a similar type field in last; tactical speed to sit close up and fight it out late.
Long Shot - Marzelline
Race 10 - 6 furlongs, Purse $20,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Dumaani's Gold - If she were claimed by a bigger outfit, her odds would show it; offers value at 5/1 morning line odds.
Bella Madeira - Ran well from post 11 and a wide trip throughout; she could improve naturally in her second career start.
Long Shot - The Legends Prize
Best Bet - Super Strut (race 2)
Del Mar Friday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 14/3/$17.40; Long Shots, 8/1/$14.80; Best Bet, 1/0/$0
Del Mar Totals - 45/12/$84.60; Long Shots, 25/1/$14.80; Best Bets, 3/1/$6.00
