HORSE RACING

TODAY AT DEL MAR

By Richard Eng

Post Time 2 p.m.

Race 1 - 7 furlongs, Purse $20,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds and up

Athenry - Like the turn back in distance from two 2-turn routes races for this elongated sprint; best stride will come late.

Russian Liquor - This horse is doing the opposite, stretching out in distance; subtle class drop can only help him.

Long Shot - Sincity Glow

Race 2 - 6 furlongs, Purse $40,000, Claiming $32,000, 4-year-olds and up

Cape Town King - Came back off a year hiatus with a monster win; some bounce off an effort like that, but he won eased up late.

Storm Machine - Claimed by John Sadler who hires the main man Rafael Bejarano; is well spotted for a quick return on investment.

Long Shot - Euroglide

Race 3 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $53,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

Major Smoke - Gets a big rider switch to Bejarano for the money shot; exits two bullets works so expect a kitchen sink try.

Draft Choice - Tepid chalk in another interesting heat; second start off a 3-month hiatus, he has good tactical speed.

Long Shot - One Chin Again

Race 4 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $53,000, Maiden special weights, Fillies, 2-year-olds

Irish Gypsy - Got a test drive at the end of the Hollywood meet; Bob Baffert figures to have him cranked up for Del Mar.

Montana Fields - FTS from the maestro Jerry Hollendorfer; fast bullet workouts and Rafael Bejarano, it's a lot to like.

Long Shot - Kinesiology

Race 5 - 1 1/16th miles (turf), Purse $51,000, Claiming $50,000, 4-year-olds and up

Sacred Light - Forgiving handicappers can give him a big shot to upset; his race two back is fast enough to win.

Cowboy Cruiser - Tepid chalk in a mad scramble of a turf race; Garrett Gomez will likely sit off the pace set by Wild Buddy.

Long Shot - Wild Buddy

Race 6 - 1 mile, Purse $68,000, Optional claiming $80,000, 3-year-olds and up

Rush With Thunder - First race off the claim by Doug O'Neill; he has an uncoupled entry in here, and this is the longer odds.

Soul City Slew - Don't expect the O'Neill horses to duel with each other; logic dictates this guy takes back a little bit.

Long Shot - Sensational Score

Race 7 - 7 furlongs, $100,000 Fleet Treat, Cal-breds, Fillies, 3-year-olds

Lethal Heat - Did not run with her usual vigor in the Flawlessly; gets class relief facing state-breds, bounces right back.

Spring Awakening - Chalk has not been out in 7-month; the good news is she will be fresh, the bad is she may need a race.

Long Shot - Final Fling

Race 8 - 1 1/8th miles (turf), $400,000 Eddie Read Handicap, 3-year-olds and up

Spring House - Been away 4-months since a brutal try in Dubai; he's a talented horse and the race shape will flatter him.

Monzante - May be a tough favorite to swallow considering he is 0-for-5 lifetime on grass; his last race with a big step up.

Long Shot -Whatsthescript

Race 9 - 7 furlongs, Purse $20,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds and up

Special Grey Ghost - Gets class relief off a MSW effort in last; Bill Morey takes the blinkers off, adds Russell Baze.

Elusive Destiny - Favorite has proven he does not want to win; the extra ground may help, then again it may not.

Long Shot - Happy Prayer

Best Bet - Major Smoke (race 3)

Del Mar Saturday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 18/4/$26.40; Long Shots, 10/0/$0; Best Bet, 1/1/$6.40

Del Mar Totals - 63/16/$111.00; Long Shots, 35/1/$14.80; Best Bets, 4/2/$12.40