HORSE RACING

TODAY AT DEL MAR

By Richard Eng

Post Time 2 p.m.

Race 1 - 1 3/8th miles (turf), Purse $75,000, Optional claiming $40,000, 3-year-olds and up

Steven's Being - Rafael Bejarano rides the longest priced horse in the field for Neil Drysdale; exits a key race back in May.

Toasted - Logical chalk makes a red flag move to run for a modest $40k price tag; maybe Mike Mitchell figures that it's time.

Long Shot - Mr. Chairman

Race 2 - 6 furlongs, Purse $65,000, Maiden special weights, Fillies, 2-year-olds

Internallyflawless - Bob Baffert has an uncoupled entry, I expect one of them to win; this FTS was working with Midshipman.

Toro Bonito - Ran well in her career debut; Baffert babies tend to improve with racing, suspect this will be no exception.

Long Shot - Hot Summer Breeze

Race 3 - 1 1/16th miles (turf), Purse $50,000, Claiming $32,000, 4-year-olds and up

Gem Proof - Tepid chalk exits the classiest race of the field; right behind Charmo who won next out and would be 3/5 in here.

Hockey the General - Third start off a 13-month sabbatical should be a good one; Baffert barn is warming up, lead by the 2-YOs.

Long Shot - Sacred Light

Race 4 - 6 furlongs, Purse $65,000, Maiden special weights, 2-year-olds

Majormotionpicture - Fast working FTS from the Mike Machowsky barn has caught the eyes of clockers; Pedroza can pop the gate.

Massone - If a speed duel erupts and the pace is too fast, this is the most logical closer; offers good value at 9/2 odds.

Long Shot - Launching Pad

Race 5 - 6 furlongs, Purse $40,000, Starter allowance $40,000, 3-year-olds and up

Big Red Tate - I think they made the wrong favorite as this guy is knocking on the door; figures to sit a stalking trip.

Tommy's Luck - He was not your typical maiden last time if you look at his resume; another clever claim by Jeff Mullins.

Long Shot - McMurty

Race 6 - 1 1/8th miles (turf), Purse $68,000, Maiden special weights, 3-year-olds and up

Rumba Along - Was part of a blanket finish last time involving many of today's horses; Bejarano knows this guy better now.

Left Unsaid - Garrett Gomez takes over for Bejarano; was flattered when Muny won on Saturday and Vulcan prior to that.

Long Shot - Holy Thunder

Race 7 - 6 1/2 furlongs, $200,000 Rancho Bernardo Handicap, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Dearest Trickski - Speedball blew away the field last time and can do it again; there is nothing subtle about her style.

Magnificience - She is extremely talented but has been handled like fine china; exits a bullet work and should be ready.

Long Shot - Society Hostess

Race 8 - 7 furlongs, $300,000 Pat O'Brien Handicap, 3-year-olds and up

Midnight Lute - Champion has been away 9-months, but has blistered in the a.m.; if he runs to his works, he should win.

Rebellion - Love the turn back in distance from 2-turn routes for this elongated sprint; he should be flying late also.

Long Shot - Lewis Michael

Race 9 - 1 mile, $400,000 Del Mar Mile Handicap, 3-year-olds and up

Monzante - Unleashed a furious rally in the Eddie Read to just nip Whatsthescript; fear is a mile may be too short for him.

Whatsthescript - Big rider switch to Garrett Gomez; this talented colt could be one of the best turf milers in the country.

Long Shot - Dark Islander

Race 10 - 1 1/4 miles, $1 million Pacific Classic, 3-year-olds and up

Go Between - Ran very well in a paceless Hollywood Gold Cup; the early pace should be fast for a flattering race shape.

Awesome Gem - Dead late closer has lost a lot of close photos; he's a grade 1 caliber horse who is overdue for some luck.

Long Shot - Mast Track

Race 11 - 7 furlongs, Purse $71,000, Optional claiming $40,000, 3-year-olds and up

Bestdressed - A bomb to finish the pick 6 is more than possible; this gray gets class relief to tackle a much easier spot.

Black Wolf - Like my top choice, he exits a key race back at Hollywood; hate the rail post, but he has good tactical speed.

Long Shot - Star Nicholas

Best Bet - Dearest Trickski (race 7)

Del Mar Saturday - Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 17/3/$20.00; Long Shots, 9/1/$12.40; Best Bet, 1/0/$0

Del Mar Totals - 542/133/$900.40; Long Shots, 282/39/$493.20; Best Bets, 34/10/$45.80