Del Mar Daily Notebook

DEL MAR DAILY

NOTEBOOK

OPENING DAY

PREVIEW, 2006

by Brian P. Turner

Del Mar Race Course first opened its gates to racing fans of

Southern California in 1937, and with the legendary Bing Crosby and

Pat O'Brien instrumental in its founding, it immediately became the

gathering place of many of Hollywood's elite. Stars like W.C.

Fields, Red Skelton, Betty Grable, Lucille Ball and many others

could be seen inhabiting the grandstands of the San Diego track.

On Wednesday, Del Mar enters its 67th season of racing (it was

closed for three years during World War II) and the scene is much

different than it was in those early years. As one casts their eyes

toward the grandstand, the likelihood of spotting a star isn't

nearly as great as it was in those early days, but the one constant

of Del Mar, great Thoroughbred racing, remains unchanged.

Over the course of the 43-day meet, Del Mar will offer 42 stakes

races, 19 of which are graded, and will be highlighted by the $1

million Pacific Classic (G1) on August 20. Among the other

highlights of the meet are the John C. Mabee H. (G1) on Saturday,

the Eddie Read H. (G1) on Sunday, the Bing Crosby H. (G1) on July

30, and the Del Mar Oaks on August 19. Del Mar will also be offering

four graded stakes for juveniles, both fillies and colts, which will

undoubtedly have an impact on the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred

Championships on November 4.

As for what to expect in the upcoming meet, it sometimes becomes

necessary to look at the past to get an idea of what to expect for

the future. While everything is subject to change, we can look at

last year's results to give us a general idea of what might happen

this year. For instance, a look at last year's track bias

information indicates that the main strip played favorably to horses

on or near the pace in both sprints and routes, except at the

seven-furlong distance where horses coming from off the pace held

the advantage, and 1 1/16 miles where front runners and closers were

equally effective.

As for the turf, the bias for horses coming from off the pace was

not nearly as pronounced as it has been in past years. An

explanation for this could be linked to the GN-1 Bermuda that was

installed on the Jimmy Durante Turf Course last year. The reason for

the surface switch lay in the fact that, unlike most Bermudas, this

variety will build up a decent layer of thatch underneath which

provides more cushion for the horses competing on the surface. This,

in turn, provides safer conditions for the horses, but it may have

also affected the bias as horses on or near the pace held the

advantage at both five furlongs and 1 1/16 miles. While horses

coming from off the pace still held the advantage at the other

distances, it will be interesting to note whether or not this change

in bias holds true through the coming meet.

Victor Espinoza captured last year's riding title and is having

an outstanding year thus far. The Southern California regular won

with 22 percent of his mounts last year as he visited the winner's

circle 53 times from 244 starts. It would also be wise to keep an

eye on Patrick Valenzuela, third in last year's standings, as he

spent a fair amount of time on suspension last year and still won

with 20 percent of his mounts. Much of his success this year could

hinge on the stewards themselves who handed out an inordinate number

of picky disqualifications at last year's meet, which did not mesh

well with Valenzuela's aggressive riding style.

As for the trainers, Jeff Mullins claimed last year's title by a

score of 23 to 22 over Bob Baffert, and the pair is undoubtedly

poised to duke it out again. One also must keep an eye on Doug

O'Neill, the winner of the title in 2004, as he will have a whole

barn full of runners who have pointed toward this meet.

A few other trainers that it would be wise to keep an eye on due

to their win percentage last year would be Ron Ellis (47 percent),

Martin Jones (28 percent) and Bill Spawr (25 percent).

Opening Day Outlook

The opening day forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with highs

in the upper 70s, which should ensure ideal conditions for the

nine-race card. The opening day feature is the Oceanside S. for

three-year-olds going eight furlongs on the grass. As has been the

norm for the past several years, the Oceanside will be split into

two divisions and will kick off in the 6TH with a competitive field

of eight set to go to the post.

CARIBBEAN (GB) ( Sadler's Wells) will be making his first start

in North America and could prove to be the one to beat, provided he

takes to his new surroundings. Though the gelding has only one

lifetime win to his credit, he has been facing some tough company in

Europe and could find the competition less difficult here. ONE UNION

(Dixie Union) has reeled off two impressive gate to wire victories

in a row, but he'll be making his first start on the grass. If the

dark bay takes to the new surface and is allowed to dictate the pace

on the front end, he could prove to be hard to run down.

A field of nine is set to contest the second division of the

Oceanside in Wednesday's 8TH race. PORTO SANTO (FR) (Kingsalsa) is

another who will be making his first North American start, and his

works around the "dogs" at Hollywood indicate that he is probably

sitting on a nice effort. NEW JOYSEY JEFF (Bright Launch) was in

solid contention last out in the Cinema Breeders' Cup H. (G3) when

he ducked in and lost his rider in the stretch drive. His previous

efforts on the lawn were all respectable  and he appears to have a

solid chance of making it into the winner's circle.

Wednesday's Best Plays

1ST - CHESTER'S CHOICE (Afternoon Deelites) will be dropping back

to a level where he will be competitive in his first start for new

trainer Mike Mitchell, who wins with 29 percent of his runners in

the "First After Claim" trainer category. The six-year-old horse

tops the field in BRIS Prime Power and holds the best last race BRIS

Speed Rating and also the best BRIS Speed Rating at the distance.

Toss in the fact that the bay has two wins to show for three starts

at Del Mar and there is a lot to like.

4TH - HE'S CRAFTY (Crafty Prospector) appears to tower over the

field in this eight-furlong turf claiming event. The chestnut will

be making his first start since rallying from off the pace for an

easy three-length victory against claiming company at Hollywood at

the beginning of June but has been working well for his return to

racing. The seven-year-old horse tops the field in BRIS Prime Power

by more than 10 points and a repeat of his recent triple-digit BRIS

Speed Ratings should make him tough to beat.

DEL MAR DAILY

NOTEBOOK

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19,

2006

by Brian P. Turner

Del Mar kicked off its 43-day meet on Wednesday with the

Oceanside S. for three-year-olds going eight furlongs on the lawn.

As has been the case for 18 straight years, the Oceanside was

divided into two divisions to cater to the overflow of horses for

this important prep to the Del Mar Derby (G2) on September 3.

A field of seven went to the post for the first division and,

with the defection of Caribbean (GB) (Sadler's Wells) from the

field, One Union (Dixie Union) was sent to the post by the betting

public as the heavy 6-5 favorite. The dark bay had posted solid

back-to-back wins, leading those fields from gate to wire, but the

biggest question mark surrounding him in this event was his ability

to handle the grass. When the gates opened, One Union bounded onto

the lead but was hard pressed by The Five J's (Lost Soldier), who

eventually wrestled away the lead through a half that went in :44

4/5.

Once the field entered the stretch though, One Union re-rallied

and bounded away from his rivals. LIGHTNING HIT (Ire) (Orpen), who

rallied from the back of the pack, and Get Funky (Straight Man) each

had something left in the tank and continued on gamely through the

stretch drive to produce a three-way photo finish. Once the picture

developed, it showed Lightning Hit hitting the wire a head in front.

The bay winner has been coming close in each of his starts since

arriving in North America, but the addition of blinkers Wednesday

seems to have done the trick as he finished well through the stretch

for a hard-fought victory. One Union crossed the wire in second, a

nose in front of Get Funky in third.

In the second division of the Oceanside, a field of eight went to

the post headed by European invader Porto Santo (Fr) (Kingsalsa),

who was sent to the post as the overwhelming 4-5 favorite. The bay

broke slowly from the gate and rated about 10 lengths off the pace

in last early through opening fractions of :23 1/5 and :47. As the

field approached the final turn, Porto Santo began to rapidly make

up ground on the front runners and the half-brother to Grade/Group 2

winner Gorella (Fr) (Grape Tree Road [GB]) appeared ready to engulf

his opponents through the stretch drive. It was at this time that

New Joysey Jeff (Bright Launch) ducked sharply to the outside,

affecting not only Port Santo but OBRIGADO (Fr) (Enrique) as well.

Porto Santo lost tremendous momentum, forcing him to mount

another rally at the front runners. Though he quickly regained his

speed, he could not make up the ground in time and lost to Obrigado

by a head in a photo finish at the wire.

Obrigado had run respectably in both of his starts against graded

company since coming to North America, but, just as with Lightning

Hit in the first division of the Oceanside, the addition of blinkers

seemed to make a difference as he finished well strongly for his

first stakes win.

It was another three-quarters of a length back to New Joysey

Jeff, who has now ducked out sharply in the stretch of each of his

last two starts. As would be expected, the inquiry sign immediately

began flashing after the field crossed the wire, but since New

Joysey Jeff only interfered with the top two finishers, the order of

finish was allowed to stand.

There were three sprints contested on the main track Wednesday

with horses on or near the pace winning two of them. As for the

three main track routes, horses on or near the pace won all of them.

In addition to the two divisions of the Oceanside, there was one

other eight-furlong turf race and it was won from off the pace.

Alex Solis booted home three winners on the day, including both

divisions of the Oceanside, to take the early lead in the jockey

standings. Last year's champion, Victor Espinoza, picked up a pair

of winners himself for sole possession of second.

As for the trainers, Wesley Ward saddled a pair of winners on the

day to take the early lead. Seven other trainers, including Doug

O'Neill and Jeff Mullins, had a winner apiece.

HORSES TO WATCH

2ND - DELIVERING SPEED (Unbridled's Song) reeled off his second

win in a row in this claiming event by vying for the lead through

early fractions of :21 4/5 and :44 2/5 before opening up in the

stretch drive for an easy six-length victory. The gray is in great

form now and looms a threat in his next start as well, provided the

connections don't become too ambitious with his placement.

5TH - MEETMEINTHEWOODS (General Meeting) made it look easy in

this eight-furlong state-bred allowance/optional claiming event. The

chestnut vied for the lead through early fractions of :22 4/5 and

:46 3/5 before pulling clear of the field through the stretch for a

solid 3 1/4-length victory. If her next start comes against fellow

Cal-breds, she could repeat.

8TH - Porto Santo made up a lot of ground in a hurry and appeared

to be well on his way to victory until the interference in the

stretch drive. A clean trip next time out should be all he needs.

Tomorrow's Outlook - Thursday, July 20

Thursday's 7TH race is a $75,000 allowance event for fillies and

mares going 6 1/2 furlongs. VIKKI'S HONOR (Bartok [Ire]) will be

making her first start since a solid third-place effort against

stakes-company at the end of April. The dark bay has fired a couple

of bullets lately and could be ready to roll after the vacation.

HELLO LUCKY (Lucky Lionel) ran a solid second in her first start of

the year on the grass and should be sitting on a top effort here.

Those looking for a price might consider CYBER SLEW (Siberian

Summer), who will be returning to the main track after several

lackluster efforts on the turf going long against stakes-company.

The efforts on the lawn should have built up her stamina and have

her ready for a return to the main track, which appears to be her

preferred surface. Toss in the fact that she has a record of 2-0-1

from three starts on the main track here and she might be capable of

pulling off the upset at a square price.

Thursday's forecast calls for partly sunny skies and highs in the

low 80s.

Thursday's Best Plays

2ND - ART MODERNE (Woodman) will be taking the next step up the

ladder after a solid win last out against "N2X" company. The

six-year-old horse has a versatile running style which should allow

him to be well placed regardless of the pace scenario that develops.

The chestnut's BRIS Class Rating tops the field and he is also in

possession of the best Last Race BRIS Speed Rating. Art Moderne's

only other start at this distance and turf course was a winning one,

and he could be poised to clear this condition in his first attempt.

6TH - ROBADOR (Robannier) will be making his first start in more

than a year but has been working steadily and forwardly for his

return to racing. Trainer Eoin Harty wins at solid 25 percent when

bringing runners back from long layoffs and 18 percent in allowance

races. The bay tops the field in BRIS Prime Power and has registered

the fastest BRIS Speed Rating on the dirt of anyone in the field.

Robador has drawn post 1 for this event, which produced a solid 19

percent win rate in 1 1/16-mile races last year.

DEL MAR DAILY

NOTEBOOK

THURSDAY, JULY 20,

2006

by Brian P. Turner

A field of seven went to the gate for Thursday's 7TH race, an

allowance event for fillies and mares going 6 1/2 furlongs on the

main track. VIKKI'S HONOR (Bartok [Ire]) was sent to the post as the

overwhelming 3-5 favorite and rewarded chalk players, pressing the

pace through early fractions of :22 2/5 and :45 2/5 before wrestling

the lead away in the stretch and continuing on gamely to hit the

finish line a neck in front.

The dark bay was making her first start since finishing third

against Cal-bred stakes company at Hollywood back in April, but she

had been working solidly and steadily for her return. Vikki's Honor

appears ready to try stakes company again in her next start.

Pacesetter Hello Lucky (Lucky Lionel) crossed the wire in second,

three parts of a length clear of longshot Cyber Slew (Siberian

Summer) in third.

Four sprints were contested on the main track Thursday and horses

on or near the pace won three of them as well as both of the main

track routes. The two turf routes were split, with an off-the-pace

winner and a front-running victory.

Victor Espinoza booted home a winner today to move into a tie

atop the jockey standings with Alex Solis. The pair has three

winners each. Martin Garcia rode a pair of winners to grab sole

possession of the second spot.

As for the trainers, Jerry Hollendorfer saddled a winner today to

move into a tie with Wesley Ward for the top spot in the standings.

They have two winners each. There are currently 12 other trainers

with one win each.

Horses to Watch

2ND - WARRIOR SONG (Unbridled's Song) looked extremely impressive

in this 1 1/16-mile allowance/optional claiming turf event. The

chestnut sprang to the lead, guiding the field through early

fractions of :23 2/5 and : 46 2/5 while opening up a four-length

lead. Once the field hit the stretch, the four-year-old colt dug in

gamely to hold off his rivals and cross the finish line a length in

front.

6TH - ROBADOR (Robannier) returned from more than a year layoff

full of run. The bay dropped back off the pace out of the gate but

quickly moved into contention after a quarter in :23. Once the field

hit the stretch, the four-year-old colt rallied to take the lead on

the rail under a stiff ride from David Cohen, and Robador then held

off the late challenge of favorite Moonlit Habit (Malibu Moon),

crossing the finish line a neck in front.

Tomorrow's Outlook - Friday, July 21

A field of eight is scheduled to go to the gate for the

California Thoroughbred Breeders' Association S. for Cal-bred

two-year-old fillies going 5 1/2 furlongs on the main track. A. V.

FLYNN (Valid Wager) is coming off an extremely impressive career

debut where she crushed a maiden claiming field at Pleasanton by 13

lengths, establishing a new track record and posting an eye-popping

109 BRIS Speed Rating in the process. A repeat of that performance

would make her tough to beat here.

SHAROANA (Lord Carson) has put in nice efforts in each of her

last three starts, posting solid Speed ratings each time. The dark

bay has a ton of early speed and will undoubtedly be vying for the

early lead with A. V. Flynn. SWISS ROSE (Swiss Yodeler) will be

looking to improve off a third-place effort against open stakes

company and could prove to be capable with a top effort.

Friday's forecast calls for mainly sunny skies with highs in the

mid-80s.

Friday's Best Plays

2ND - BELLA BANISSA (Good and Tough) will be making her first

start since September, but her works have been steady and solid,

including a bullet in :46 3/5, the fastest of 27 here on July 17.

Trainer David Hofmans is very solid in bringing back his runners off

the long layoff as he wins 25 percent of his starts in the "90+ days

away" trainer category. The bay holds the best BRIS Speed Rating at

the distance and on the surface and her BRIS Class Rating tops the

field. The four-year-old filly has drawn the rail and at last year's

Del Mar meet, 25 percent of the five-furlong turf races were won by

horses breaking from post 1.

4TH - LOST MEMO (Benchmark) will be dropping back into state-bred

claiming company after an impressive four-length victory against

conditioned open claimers in her last start. The dark bay possesses

the best last-race BRIS Early Pace ratings in the field and should

have things her own way on the lead, which could make her hard to

run down over the speed favoring Del Mar strip. The four-year-old

filly's last-race BRIS Speed and Class ratings also top the field.

DEL MAR DAILY

NOTEBOOK

FRIDAY, JULY 21,

2006

by Brian P. Turner

Friday's feature race was the California Thoroughbred Breeders'

Association S. for state-bred two-year-old fillies going 5 1/2

furlongs. A field of seven went to the post and, through the eyes of

the betting public, it was seen as a three-horse race. One of those

favorites, CES'T MARK (Benchmark), rewarded her backers by rallying

from off the pace and digging in gamely through the stretch drive to

hit the finish line a neck in front.

Longshot Won More Penny (In Excess [Ire]) stalked the pace early

and stayed on gamely to cross under the wire in second, 1 1/2

lengths in front of post-time favorite and early pacesetter Sharoana

(Lord Carson) in third.

There were four sprints contested on the main track today with

horses on or near the pace winning two and horses coming from off

the pace winning two. As for the two main track routes, both were

won by horses on or near the pace. Over on the Jimmy Durante Turf

Course, the first sprint of the meet was contested and was won in

gate to wire fashion. As for the lone turf route, it was captured by

a horse closing from off the pace.

Most followers of Del Mar racing have noticed that jockey Patrick

Valenzuela took off his mounts for the first two days of the meet.

It has since been reported that the Southern California regular is

suffering from back problems and will be away from racing

indefinitely.

Talented apprentice Martin Garcia booted home three winners

today, including Ces't Mark in the feature, while Victor Espinoza

added two to his total. That two riders are now tied  in the top

spot in the jockey standings with five winners each for the meet.

Alex Solis stands alone in second with three.

As for the trainers, John Sadler and Juan Garcia saddled a winner

each on the day to move into a tie atop the standings with Jerry

Hollendorfer and Wesley Ward. The four trainers have two winners

each.

Horses to Watch

2ND - VICTORY SPY (Victory Gallop) had an impressive turf debut

for trainer John Sadler. The bay took the lead out of the gate and

held off the challenging Bella Banissa (Good and Tough) through a

quarter that went in :21 3/5 before opening up in the stretch drive

for an impressive 2 3/4-length victory. The four-year-old filly may

have found her niche sprinting on the grass.

6TH - TWO TRAILS (Trail City) reeled off his second grass win in

a row in this 1 1/16 mile-allowance event. The dark bay was content

to lay some four lengths off the pace through a half that went in

:47 before mounting a nice rally through the stretch drive to hit

the finish line three parts of a length in front. The gelding is in

good form now and could loom a threat in his next start as well.

Tomorrow's Outlook - Saturday, July 22

A well-matched field of seven is scheduled to go to the post for

Saturday's John C. Mabee H. (G1) for fillies and mares,

three-years-old and upward, going nine furlongs on the lawn.

MEMORETTE (Memo [Chi]) has been on a bit of a roll on the grass of

late, with her most recent victory coming in the Beverly Hills H.

(G2). During her last two wins, she beat three members of Saturday's

field, including MOSCOW BURNING (Moscow Ballet) twice. The dark bay

definitely appears to be capable of carrying on her winning ways

here.

AMORAMA (Fr) (Sri Pekan) is the defending champion of this event

and she always seems to come to life when her hooves hit the Del Mar

grass. The five-year-old mare returned from a short break at Belmont

in mid-June, missing by only a head against stakes company. She

holds a record of 3-2-1-0 here and definitely can't be ruled out.

LIVE LIFE (Fr) (Linamix) and DANCING EDIE (Moscow Ballet) are the

speed of the field and it could come down to a sprint to the wire if

these two are allowed to have their own way on the lead. Both have

come up on the short end of the stick against Memorette but are

capable of turning the tables with a soft pace on the lead.

ISLAND FASHION (Petionville) missed by only a head in this event

last year and is now in the always dangerous hands of Julio Canani,

which automatically makes her a threat. KATDOGAWN (GB) (Bahhare)

puts in some very solid efforts from time to time and Moscow Burning

is more than capable with her best effort.

Saturday's other stakes offering comes in the 8TH race, as a

field of eight three-year-olds and upward are scheduled to contest

the 1 1/16-mile San Diego H. (G2), which will be highlighted by the

appearance of 2005 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner GIACOMO (Holy Bull).

The gray has yet to visit the winner's circle in only four starts

since his Derby shocker, but he has never been out of the money in

four tries at this distance and could definitely prove to be a

factor through the stretch drive.

TEXCESS (In Excess [Ire]) will definitely be providing the pace

for Giacomo to run at and could prove to be the one to beat if

allowed to have things his own way on or near the lead. The bay will

be making his first start since May when he came up only 1 1/4

lengths short in the Lone Star Park H. (G3). RATHOR (Ire)

(Machiavellian) will be looking to rebound off a lackluster

performance in the Suburban H. (G1), where he finished sixth, beaten

by more than 20 lengths. Prior to that, though, the dark bay had

reeled off three wins in a row and is capable if he returns back to

that form.

Saturday's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with highs in

the upper 80s.

Saturday's Best Plays

2ND - GHOST ACTOR (Theatrical [Ire]) appears to be the one to

beat in this claiming event. The bay's recent BRIS Speed ratings

tower over this field, and that includes his latest effort where he

rallied from just off the pace for a game half-length victory at Bay

Meadows. Hollendorfer's runners have been ready to go so far this

meet and he wins 24 percent of his starts when shipping a horse in

from another racing circuit. Toss in the fact that Ghost Actor also

tops the field by nearly four points in BRIS Prime Power and that he

also tops the field in BRIS Class rating and he appears to be one

that could be tough to beat.

9TH - NIQUITA (Brz) (Midnight Tiger) missed by only 1 1/4 lengths

in her North American debut and should show improvement in her

second start for the always dangerous Bobby Frankel. The bay tops

the field in BRIS Prime Power and her lone BRIS Speed rating is near

the top of the field. Garret Gomez, a solid 16 percent turf jockey,

has been enlisted for the ride, which only adds to the list of

things to like.

DEL MAR DAILY

NOTEBOOK

SATURDAY, JULY 22,

2006

by Brian P. Turner

A field of seven went to the post for Saturday's John C. Mabee H.

(G1) for fillies and mares, three-years-old and up, going nine

furlongs over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. Defending champion

Amorama (Fr) (Sri Pekan) was sent to the post by the betting public

as the slight 5-2 favorite. The Bobby Frankel trainee has been

coming close all year and it appeared that the return to Del Mar

might be exactly what she needed to get her over the hump. The dark

bay sat a little more than three lengths off the early pace before

closing with a tremendous rush through the stretch to narrowly miss

at the wire as part of a thrilling four-way photo finish.

In the end, the day belonged to DANCING EDIE (Moscow Ballet).

Allowed to have her way on the front end, she dictated the pace

through moderate early fractions of :24 2/5 and :49. Once the field

hit the stretch, the bay was forced to dig in gamely, even briefly

surrendering the lead to Moscow Burning (Moscow Ballet) before

prevailing by a nose at the wire. The four-year-old filly has been

coming close lately against some pretty tough stakes competition and

was finally able to get the pace she needed on the lead to claim her

first stakes victory.

Moscow Ballet fought all the way to the wire but was forced to

settle for second, a neck in front of Island Fashion (Petionville)

in third. Amorama finished a head farther back in fourth.

Saturday's 8TH race was the San Diego H. (G2) for three-year-olds

and upward going 1 1/16 miles on the main track. A field of seven

went to the post headed by Rathor (Ire) (Machiavellian), who was

sent off as the narrow 5-2 favorite. Though the dark bay was coming

off a dismal showing in the Suburban H. (G1) where he finished

sixth, beaten by more than 21 lengths, the betting public obviously

expected him to return to his prior form where he reeled off three

solid wins in a row. After forcing the pace early, the dark bay was

caught in tight at the top of the stretch and forced to steady.

Rathor could never regain his momentum afterward and crossed the

finish line in last.

In the end, the day belonged to GIACOMO (Holy Bull), who visited

the winner's circle for the first time since pulling off the shocker

in the 2005 Kentucky Derby (G1). The gray had only made four starts

since then but had never quite been able to put it together like he

did on that magical first Saturday in May. Giacomo found his old

form here as he lay well off the pace through opening fractions of

:22 4/5 and :46. Once the field hit the stretch, the four-year-old

colt steadily began to make up ground and got up at the wire to win

by a head.

Early pacesetter Preachinatthebar (Silver Charm) gamely held on

until the end but was forced to settle for second, 2 1/4 lengths

clear of Papi Chullo (Comeonmom) in third. After the race though,

the inquiry sign began flashing in the infield and Papi Chullo was

disqualified to last for interference at the top of the stretch,

moving Southern Africa (Cape Town) up to third.

There were six sprints contested on the main track Saturday and

horses on or near the pace won five of them. The day's only other

dirt route was won by a runner closely stalking the pace. Other than

the Mabee, there was one additional turf route and it was captured

by a horse closing from off the pace.

Victor Espinoza booted home three winners on the day to take sole

possession of the top spot in the jockey standings with eight

winners for the meet. Martin Garcia added one to his total which

leaves him a close second with six. Alex Solis added two winners to

his total on Saturday, leaving him all alone in the third spot with

five.

In the trainer standings, Jerry Hollendorfer saddled a winner to

take sole possession of the lead with three victories this meet.

Eoin Harty and Jeff Mullins each saddled a winner to move into a tie

with John Sadler, Juan Garcia and Wesley Ward in the second spot.

The five conditioners have two winners each.

Horses to Watch

2ND -- GHOST ACTOR (Theatrical [Ire]) stalked the pace early

through fractions of :22 and :45 2/5 before moving up to take the

lead at the head of the stretch. The bay then widened his advantage

through the stretch drive to hit the finish line 1 3/4 lengths in

front of the field. The gelding was claimed out of the event and

will be making his next start for trainer Steve Knapp. Ghost Actor

is as consistent as claiming horses come and should continue to loom

a threat provided his new connections don't become too ambitious

with his placement.

5TH -- PRINCIPLE SECRET (Sea of Secrets) had an impressive career

debut for trainer Christopher Paasch who is not particularly well

known for cranking up "firsters." The two-year-old vied for the lead

through early fractions of :21 3/5 and :44 3/5 before opening up in

the stretch for an impressive 4 3/4 length victory.

Tomorrow's Outlook - Sunday, July 23

A field of seven is entered for Sunday's featured Eddie Read H.

(G1) for three-year-olds and upward going nine furlongs on the lawn.

ARAGORN (Ire) (Giant's Causeway) has been the model of consistency

since arriving in North America having finished either first or

second in all of his five starts. The chestnut is coming off of a

very nice 1 3/4-length victory in the Shoemaker Breeders' Cup Mile

(G1) at Hollywood back in May and appears to be more than capable of

continuing his winning ways here.

HENDRIX (Sultry Song) is coming off a nice effort in the American

Invitational H. (G2) at Hollywood where he rallied from just off the

pace to miss by three parts of a length. The bay is in good form now

and has had success at Del Mar in the past, making him a solid

threat with any improvement at all. SWEET RETURN (GB) (Elmaamul) is

another who loves the Del Mar turf. The chestnut claimed the victory

in this event last year and, though he hasn't visited the winner's

circle since, the return to San Diego could be exactly what he needs

to turn his fortunes around.

FOURTY NINERS SON (Distorted Humor) has been off the board only

once in 12 career starts on the grass and that occurred in last

year's Breeders' Cup Turf (G1). The six-year-old horse has had his

hands full with Hendrix as of late but is definitely capable of

claiming the victory here with his best effort. SILENT NAME (Jpn)

(Sunday Silence) finished third in the aforementioned Shoemaker, but

prior to that, he had reeled off two straight wins in his first two

North American starts. This will be his first try at the distance,

but his pedigree says the added ground shouldn't be an issue.

QUASIMODO (A.P. Indy) has reeled off four wins in a row since

moving into the barn of Julio Canani. Though the bay has yet to

compete against stakes-company, he is undefeated on the grass which

automatically makes him a threat. FAST AND FURIOUS (Fr) (Singspiel

[Ire]) has had some success against stakes competition in the past

but may be in too deep here.

Sunday's other stakes offering comes in the 6TH race as a field

of nine three-year-old Cal-bred fillies are scheduled to contest the

seven-furlong Fleet Treat S. SILLY LITTLE MAMA (Old Topper) will be

returning to the main track after a couple of solid efforts on the

lawn against open stakes company. The chestnut possesses a blazing

early turn of foot and her couple of ventures on the grass should

have added some stamina which makes her the one to beat.

GETBACK TIME (Gilded Time) has reeled off four wins in a row and

is versatile enough to run on the lead or stalk the pace which

should serve her well here. Those looking for a bit of value may

consider QUARTERLY REPORT (General Meeting). The dark bay has only

one win to her credit, but she will be closing from off the pace

which makes her the one most likely to benefit should things fall

apart for the front runners in this speed-laden event.

Sunday's forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with highs in the

upper 80s.

Sunday's Best Plays

2ND - THE BIG ONE (Gulch) could offer a bit of value in this 1

1/16-mile maiden special weight turf event. The dark bay has one

start to his credit which was enough to put him near the top of the

field in the BRIS Class rating category. Even though he finished a

well beaten sixth in that event, the colt was running well at the

end, posting a very solid 101 BRIS Late Pace rating, and his

pedigree says he should handle the surface switch well. Canani wins

at a solid 18 percent rate in the "1st on Grass" trainer category,

only adding to his appeal.

5TH - KONG (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) had a respectable North

American debut in which he finished third against optional claiming

company after being sent off as the overwhelming favorite. The bay

took a bit of a vacation after that but has been working forwardly

for his return, and he could be sitting on a big one in this

11-furlong turf event. Kong's lone BRIS Speed rating is near the top

of the field and he is also near the top in BRIS Prime Power. Toss

in the fact that he comes from the always dangerous barn of Neil

Drysdale and there is a lot to like.

DEL MAR DAILY

NOTEBOOK

SUNDAY, JULY 23,

2006

by Brian P. Turner

A field of seven went to the post for Sunday's featured Eddie

Read H. (G1) for three-year-olds and upward going nine furlongs over

the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. ARAGORN (Ire) (Giant's Causeway) was

sent to the post as the 3-2 favorite due to the fact that he has

been on quite a streak since coming to North America, having

finished no worse than second in five starts. In his most recent

effort, the chestnut stalked the pace early en route to a solid 1

3/4-length victory in the Shoemaker Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) at

Hollywood Park back in May.

The four-year-old colt rewarded the chalk players in the Eddie

Read by lying as many as six lengths off the pace through early

fractions of :23 and :45 3/5 before taking over in the stretch drive

and cruising home for a decisive four-length victory.

Defending champion Sweet Return (GB) (Elmaamul) attempted to lead

the field from gate to wire and held on gamely at the end, despite

the quick early pace, to pick up the place. Victor Espinoza aboard

Silent Name (Jpn) (Sunday Silence) lost his whip in the chute, but

the four-year-old colt put in a solid performance nonetheless as he

stalked the pace throughout to finish another half-length back in

third.

Also on Sunday, a field of seven contested the Fleet Treat S. for

Cal-bred three-year-old fillies going seven furlongs. Quarterly

Report (General Meeting) was sent to the post as the favorite. The

dark bay was about 6 1/2 lengths off the pace through a half that

went in :44 and, though she finished well, could do no better than

third.

In the end, the day belonged to RIVER'S PRAYER (Devon Lane), who

was making her first start since finishing third in the Cover Gal S.

during the Oak Tree at Santa Anita meet in October of last year. The

gray was in a tough spot to make her return to the track but was up

to the challenge, as she dueled for the lead throughout before

taking command in the stretch for a solid 1 3/4-length victory.

Getback Time (Gilded Time) picked up the place, 2 3/4 lengths

clear of Quarterly Report.

There were five sprints contested on the main track Sunday with

horses coming from off the pace winning three of them, while the

lone dirt route was won by a runner closely stalking the pace.

Besides the Eddie Read, there were two other turf routes, one of

which was won by a horse stalking the pace and the other by a runner

closing from well back.

Espinoza booted home a winner on the day to maintain his lead in

the jockey standings and now has nine for the meet. Martin Garcia

added one to his total as well and remains in second with seven.

Alex Solis went winless on the day but remains in third with five.

Jerry Hollendorfer remains on top in the trainer standings with

three winners for the meet. Bob Baffert, Ron Ellis, and Neil

Drysdale each saddled a winner on the day to create quite a log jam

for the second spot as there are currently eight trainers tied with

two winners each.

Horses to Watch

5TH - SLEEPLESS JOY (Joyeux Danseur) was last, 17 lengths off the

pace, early on in this 11-furlong allowance/optional claiming turf

event. The chestnut made a tremendous, four wide closing move

through the stretch, eating up ground with every stride, to miss by

a half-length. The six-year-old horse appears to be rounding into

form and could be ready for a trip to the winner's circle in his

next start.

7TH - POINT ASHLEY (Point Given) was absolutely dominant in this

two-year-old filly maiden special event. The bay bounded out of the

gate and vied for the lead through early fractions of :21 3/5 and

:44 4/5. Once the field hit the stretch, Point Ashley opened up by a

clear margin on her competition for an easy 4 1/4-length victory and

appeared to have a little something left in the tank at the end. A

date with stakes company definitely appears to be in her future.

Tomorrow's Outlook - Monday, July 24

A field of seven is set to contest Monday's 7TH race, an

allowance/optional claiming event for fillies and mares,

three-years-old and upward, going eight furlongs on the lawn. LOCK

AND KEY (Ire) (Key of Luck) will be dropping out of graded stakes

company and into a level where she will be tough to beat. The dark

bay was never disgraced against the tougher competition, which makes

her especially dangerous here with the class drop.

CHARM THE GIANT (Ire) (Giant's Causeway) has compiled a record of

6-3-1-1 on the lawn with her best effort coming right here at Del

Mar last August where she rallied from well off the pace for a

two-length victory, posting a very solid 101 BRIS Speed Rating in

the process.

Those looking for a bit of value may consider CANDY FACTORY

(Seattle Bound), as she is a perfect three for three over the Del

Mar grass.

Monday's forecast calls for partly cloudy skies and highs in the

mid-80s.

Monday's Best Plays

3RD - STEP OVER (Aptitude) should show drastic improvement while

stretching out in his second start for trainer Bobby Frankel. The

three-year-old colt is a half-brother to four stakes winners and his

dam, Nimble Feet (Danzig), has produced nine winners overall. The

dark bay's BRIS Late Pace rating (91) in his only start indicates

that he was just getting geared up to run when the 5 1/2-furlong

race came to an end. Toss in the fact that Frankel wins 26 percent

of his starts in the "2nd Career Race" category and there is a lot

to like.

5TH - IMPOSER (Bernstein) may have found a spot where he will be

tough to beat. The dark bay's best BRIS Speed ratings tower over the

field and he also tops the field in both BRIS Prime Power and BRIS

Class rating. The gelding will be taking a drop in class for this

event and trainer Paula Capestro wins 32 percent of her starts in

the "Down One Class" trainer category. All in all, Imposer appears

to be the best of a not so stellar field.

DEL MAR DAILY

NOTEBOOK

MONDAY, JULY 24,

2006

by Brian P. Turner

A field of seven went to the gate for Monday's 7TH race, an

allowance/optional claiming event for fillies and mares,

three-years-old and upward, going eight furlongs over the Jimmy

Durante Turf Course. CHARM THE GIANT (Ire) (Giant's Causeway) was

sent to the post as the heavy even-money favorite off her last five

career starts in which she had posted a record of 3-1-1. This

included an impressive two-length score here at Del Mar last August

where she registered a career best 101 BRIS Speed rating.

The four-year-old filly rewarded the chalk players by stalking

the pace early through opening fractions of :23 and :46 1/5 before

taking command in the stretch drive for an easy 1 3/4-length

victory. Polyfirst (Fr) (Poliglote [GB]) was trying a route for the

first time since shipping to North America and put in a very solid

effort while vying for the lead throughout to pick up the place.

The drop from stakes competition was still not enough for Lock

And Key (Ire) (Key Of Luck) to make it into the winner's circle as

she rallied from off the pace to finish another half-length back in

third.

There were five sprints contested on the main track Monday with

horses on or near the pace winning four of them while the lone dirt

route was also won by a front runner. In addition to the 7TH, there

was one other turf route which was won in gate to wire fashion.

Martin Garcia booted home a pair of winners on the day to move

into a tie atop the jockey standings with Victor Espinoza. The pair

has nine winners each. Alex Solis guided home Charm The Giant in the

7TH to maintain sole possession of the third spot with six.

Jerry Hollendorfer continues to lead the way in the trainer

standings with three winners for the meet but the log jam in second

continues to grow as there are currently 13 trainers tied with two

winners each.

Pick 6 players should begin handicapping as, surprisingly, no one

had all six winners on the card today leaving a carryover for

Wednesday's card of $140,853.28.

Horses to Watch

3RD - NONSENSICAL (Point Given) absolutely dominated this maiden

special weight field in spectacular fashion. The chestnut bounded

out of the gate and onto the lead, guiding the field through early

fractions of :22 3/5 and :46 1/5 before opening up in the stretch

drive for an impressive nine-length score. It will be interesting to

see what the connections have in store next for the talented

three-year-old.

6TH - EXCESSIVEOBSESSION (In Excess [Ire]) reeled off her third

win in a row in this state-bred allowance/optional claiming event by

stalking the pace early through opening fractions of :21 3/5 and :44

2/5 before taking over in the stretch drive for a solid 1 1/4-length

victory. The gray is undefeated since moving into the barn of Brian

Koriner and only seems to be improving with each start.

Outlook for Wednesday, July 26

A field of eight Cal-bred two-year-olds is set to go to the gate

for Wednesday's featured 5 1/2-furlong Graduation S. Several in this

field appear to have a chance, including ZONING IN (Bertrando), who

already has a stakes win to his credit against open company at Bay

Meadows. The bay should be on or near the pace early which will

leave him in contention for the run to the wire.

SPOT THE DIPLOMAT (Worldly Manner) and TWIN FIN (Swiss Yodeler)

are coming off solid maiden scores where they each posted very nice

BRIS Speed ratings. Both will be on or near the pace early and

appear to be more than capable.

RIVER ECHO (Swiss Yodeler) overcame trouble in his career debut

to finish second against open maiden special weight company. The bay

posted a solid BRIS Speed rating in that event and definitely looms

a threat here.

Wednesday's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with highs in

the low 80s.

Wednesday's Best Plays

3RD - KEY OF SOLOMON (Ire) (Machiavellian) is coming off a nice

effort where he rallied from well off the pace for a 1 1/2-length

victory. In that event, he defeated Fire Wood (Woodman) who came

back to win here on Sunday. The chestnut has shown improvement in

each start since arriving in North America and he is near the top of

the field in BRIS Prime Power. Toss in the fact that he comes from

the always dangerous barn of Neil Drysdale, who has had two winners

from three starters thus far for the meet, and there is a lot to

like at what should be a square price.

6TH - BONUS PACK (Colonial Affair) appears to tower over the

field in this claiming event. Though it has been a while since he

visited the winner's circle, the dark bay will be taking a drop in

class that makes him hard to beat. The dark bay's recent BRIS Speed

ratings tower over this field and he also has the advantage in BRIS

Prime Power and BRIS Class rating.