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DEL MAR NOTEBOOK AUGUST 20, 2010 by John Mucciolo We saw, arguably, the performance of the meeting on Saturday in the La Jolla H. (G2). La Jolla: Jenny Craig's homebred SIDNEY'S CANDY (Candy Ride [Arg]) left little doubt as to if he could handle the lawn with a front running tour-de-force in this one for trainer John Sadler. Piloted by Joel Rosario, the Grade 1 hero shook off an early threat to obliterate this cast, setting a new course mark of 1:39 2/5 for the 1 1/16-miles turf engagement in the process. Sadler already has impressive Oceanside S. winner Twirling Candy (Candy Ride [Arg]) heading to the September 5 Del Mar Derby (G2), so Sidney's Candy will likely point toward another race. John C. Mabee S. (G2): Trainer Bart Evans' homebred WASTED TEARS (Najran) made good on her trip out west and kept her win streak alive with a game score in this race under Rajiv Maragh. The front-running maestro got 1 1/8-miles in 1:47 1/5 while holding on by a nose late. Track Stats From a total of 43 races held over the coastal racetrack during the five-day race week, favorites won at a 39 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 65 percent of the wins. From 31 frays contested on the Polytrack oval, eight animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (26 percent), while three of the 12 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (25 percent). The presence of the turf bias favoring closers hasn't change in our minds, as all three grassy wire jobs were captured by significant favorites over the weekend. We'll play closers until the course tells us differently. The first two main track races of the week were won by the rail runner, but none of the following 29 Polytrack events were taken by a horse from the innermost post. Speed on the main strip was best early in the week and we might play a few runners back who tired after leading early over the weekend events. Meet Totals
HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (8/11) 1ST -- We always knew GALLATIN'S RUN (Alke) had ability, and the four-year-old proved it in a big way here with an impressive maiden conquer for conditioner Mike Mitchell. The sharp gelding finished up fast in here and is a threat to win right back. 7TH -- GOGGLES MCCOY (In Excess [Ire]) lived up to his 2-5 billing with a facile triumph in here under Russell Baze, pulling clear in the lane en route to a 2 1/2-length win. The speedy juvenile looks to be capable of attacking open foes for Steve Sherman. Thursday (8/12) 3RD -- SERENE SOPHIA (Giant's Causeway), a half-sister to Grade 1 star Brother Derek, looked like a chip off the old block with a smart tally at first asking for conditioner Bob Baffert. The three-year-old didn't set the teletimer on fire, but the manner in which she won was impressive and she's in good hands. FIT KITTY (Iron Cat) might have simply run into a better horse in this test for trainer James Cassidy and the filly should be very tough in her second outing. Friday (8/13) 4TH -- Trainer Terry Knight might have made a good claim when nabbing debut winner YELLOW SLICKER (Bertrando) out of this one. The former Sadler pupil performed professionally following a poor break and should be a big force with starter allowance types right back. Saturday (8/14) 4TH -- REAL LUCKY (High Brite) ran well enough in here to merit a watch in his return race for Carla Gaines. 6TH -- A LIL DUMAANI (Dumaani) makes this list yet again after defeating a solid group for Doug O' Neill. The dependable blue-collar gray is a model of consistency and is one of our favorites in Southern California, and he's proven adept at all three synthetic ovals, too. 10TH -- Trainer Ron McAnally doesn't win with debuters often, so when he does get a first timer to win we take notice. SUGARINTHEMORNING (Candy Ride [Arg]) could be any type after putting this field away late beneath Pat Valenzuela. Sunday (8/15) 6TH -- We gave up on ROYAL F J (Royal Academy) after so many placings, but we tip the cap to the gelded sophomore, who broke through in a big way on this day. The gelding seemed to have thrived with the change in venue, and we'll play him right back if he appears again at this meeting. A Look Ahead The $300,000 Del Mar Oaks (G1), at nine panels on the lawn for three-year-old fillies, drew a dynamite field and highlights the weekend on Saturday. Sunday's main attraction is the $150,000 Ranch Bernardo H. (G3).
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