Del Mar Daily Notebook

DEL MAR DAILY NOTEBOOK

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2007

by Brian P. Turner

Del Mar kicked off its 2007 meet in traditional fashion with the Oceanside S.

for three-year-olds going eight furlongs on the grass. In the past, it has

become the norm for this event to be split into two divisions as it serves as an

excellent prep race for the Del Mar Derby (G2), which will be contested on

September 2. This year, however, the number of nominations forced it to actually

be divided into three divisions for the first time in history.

The first division kicked off Wednesday's card and, although nine were

entered, only six went to the gate. European invader TEN A PENNY (Gulch) was

sent off by the betting public as the post time favorite off his stellar 5-4-0-0

record across the pond. Only two of those starts actually came on the grass and

one of those accounted for his only defeat. Even in that effort, the dark bay

put in a very nice effort as he rallied from last to finish fourth, where he was

beaten by only 2 1/2 lengths.

Once the gates sprang open, Ten a Penny was content to lay off the pace early

through opening fractions of :23 1/5 and :48 3/5 before making a four-wide move

off the final turn and closing well late to cross the finish line 1 1/2 lengths

in front.

Unusual Suspect (Unusual Heat), who always seems to put in good efforts on

the grass, closed from just off the pace to cross the wire in second, a

half-length clear of Bernasconi (Rahy), who rallied from last to finish third.

The second division of the Oceanside came in the 4TH race with a field of 10

going to the post. Tycoon Doby (Cherokee Run) was sent to the gate as the

favorite after picking up victories in his first two starts on the grass before

finishing third in the Cinema Breeders' Cup H. (G3) at Hollywood in his last

start. Those playing the favorite didn't fare so well this time as the bay ran

into a bit of trouble in the first turn and was forced to steady. The colt did

work his way back into position and made a nice four wide move through the

stretch but was forced to settle for third.

In the end, the day belonged to 19-1 outsider KNOCKOUT ARTIST (Exploit), who

was content to lay off the pace early through opening fractions of :23 4/5 and

:48 2/5 before making a nice move along the rail through the stretch drive to

gamely garner the victory by a head. The chestnut has been in good form all year

as he had compiled a record of 6-3-1-2, which included a victory in his turf

debut that came in his last start at Golden Gate.

Medici Code (GB) (Medicean) pressed the pace early before taking the lead

briefly in the stretch drive. Though the chestnut fought gamely to the finish,

he could not hold off the late charge of the winner and was forced to settle for

second, 2 1/2 lengths clear of Tycoon Doby (Cherokee Run).

The final division was marred by the breakdown of favorite Mayor Bozarth

(Deputy Commander), who was in contention in the stretch drive when the

unfortunate incident occurred. The dark bay was vanned off and, at the time of

this writing, his condition was unknown.

VAUQUELIN (Ire) (Xaar [GB]) put in an outstanding performance to pick up the

victory. The bay was content to lay last through opening fractions of :23 4/5

and :48 3/5 before moving into contention in the stretch drive. The colt then

encountered a wall of horses in front of him and was forced to wait for a hole

to open but once it did, he closed with a tremendous turn of foot to cross the

finish line a length in front.

Yario (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) was no match for the winner but put in an

outstanding effort from off the pace to pick up the place, a neck in front of

Teeman (In Excess [Ire]) in third.

Though there were no routes, there were five sprints contested on the

Polytrack and the trend went against what was expected as horses on or near the

pace won all of them. It was almost as if the jockeys were being a bit tentative

early by laying off the pace in anticipation of it playing to closers. Though it

is difficult to determine anything one way or the other after one day, it

appears that Del Mar is being much kinder to speed than its Polytrack

predecessors.

In addition to the three stakes races, there was one additional turf route

which was won by a runner closing from off the pace.

Victor Espinoza and Corey Nakatani each rode three winners on the day,

leaving the pair in a tie atop the jockey standings. Michael Baze won two

divisions of the Oceanside and sits alone in third.

Peter Miller saddled two winners on the day to take the early lead in the

trainer standings. Seven separate trainers, including Craig Dollase and Richard

Mandella, each saddled one winner each.

Horses to Watch

3RD - KANAN DUME (Malibu Moon) had an extremely impressive debut for trainer

Richard Mandella in this 5 1/2 furlong maiden special weight event. Not only was

the two-year-old visually impressive on the track, but he actually ran as well

as he looked as he pressed the pace early through opening fractions of :23 2/5

and :47 3/5 before digging in gamely late to hit the finish line a neck in

front. The chestnut has the appearance of one that is only going to get better

if he stretches out.

9TH - Vauquelin is always a pretty consisted performer on the grass but the

bay took a major step forward here with an outstanding effort. The colt looms a

definite threat should the connections decide to move on to the Del Mar Derby.

Tomorrow's Outlook - Thursday, July 19

Thursday's 7TH race is an allowance/optional claiming event for

three-year-olds and up going 1 1/16 miles over the Polytrack. A field of 10,

including one coupled entry, is scheduled to go to the gate and several among

the field appear to have a legitimate chance of bringing home the victory.

RAILROAD (Double Honor) typically puts in his best performances on or near

the lead, which could prove to be detrimental here. However, the gelding is one

of the more accomplished members of the field and the fact that he comes from

the barn of Brian Koriner makes him worth a long hard look - especially if the

price is right. HELLO SUNDAY (Fr) (Poliglote [GB]) has just not seemed to be

able to get on track since arriving in Bobby Frankel's barn from Europe, but did

show signs of life when overcoming a troubled trip to miss by two lengths in the

Arcadia H. (G2) at Santa Anita in April. Though he finished fourth last out

against allowance company, any improvement at all makes him a threat.

Thursday's Best Plays

3RD - HIT IT SKIP (Skip Away) will be taking a huge class drop in his first

start for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer in this claiming event. Normally a drop of

this nature would be a cause for concern, but the gray has been working well for

his return to the track and he had not exactly been setting the world on fire

prior to his claim. It appears that his connections may be legitimately dropping

him into a level where they think he can win. The four-year-old colt's BRIS

Class rating is the best in the field and he is also tops in BRIS Prime Power by

more than five points.

6TH - SNOW FIGHTER (Siberian Summer) is coming off a nice maiden score at

Hollywood, where he pressed the pace early on his way to a 2 1/2-length victory.

The gray posted a very respectable 96 BRIS Speed rating in that event and a

repeat of that performance would make him very tough here. Though this will be

his first try on the grass, progeny of Siberian Summer win 16 percent of their

starts on the grass and the dam, Oasis (Water Bank), has already produced one

turf winner from three starters.

DEL MAR DAILY NOTEBOOK

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2007

by Brian P. Turner

Thursday's 7TH race was an allowance/optional claiming event for

three-year-olds and up going 1 1/16 miles over the Polytrack. Several among the

field appeared to have a legitimate shot of making it into the winner's circle,

but the betting public decided to make the favorite Mr. Katz (Sir Cat) off a

morning line of 8-1. The dark bay was coming off an impressive score at

Hollywood where he rallied from 10 lengths back to hit the finish line three

lengths clear of his closest rival.

In the end, though, the day belonged to the Bobby Frankel-trained HELLO

SUNDAY (Fr) (Poliglote [GB]), who was content to lay off the pace early through

dawdling opening fractions of :25 3/5 and :50 3/5 before making a nice closing

move through the stretch drive to cross the finish line two lengths in front.

The bay was a very good performer when competing across the pond but had really

not shown a whole lot since coming to North America. The move to the Polytrack

proved to be exactly what was needed as he was extremely impressive in victory.

Railroad (Double Honor), who really had no excuse as he guided the field

through those tepid early fractions, hit the wire in second, three parts of a

length clear of Wanna Runner (El Corredor) in third.

In addition to the 7TH, there were three routes contested on the Polytrack

today with closers winning all of them. As for the three sprints, runners on or

near the pace won all three of them. There was one turf sprint contested on the

day, which was won by a horse closing from off the pace.

In the jockey standings, Michael Baze added two to his total today and Corey

Nakatani added one, leaving the pair in a tie atop the jockey standings with

four winners each. Victor Espinoza went winless on the day and drops to third

place early in the standings with three winners for the meet.

Peter Miller added two to his total and still leads the way in the trainer

standings with four for the meet. Bobby Frankel saddled a pair of winners on the

day and Art Sherman added one, leaving the pair in a tie for second with two

winners each.

Horses to Watch

2ND - FANTASTIC MEETING (General Meeting) showed improvement in his second

career start for trainer John Sadler. The dark bay was content to lay off the

pace early through opening fractions of :23 2/5 and :48 before making his move

in the stretch drive. Though it was unlikely that he was going to catch the top

two, the gelding's chances were compromised severely when he was forced to check

in the stretch drive, and he ended the race in fourth. Fantastic Meeting could

be rounding into form for a win provided he remains in the claiming ranks.

5TH - SWISS BLEND (Swiss Yodeler) took a huge drop in class and easily

dominated the field in this claiming event. The three-year-old filly bounded out

onto the lead out of the gate and guided the field through early fractions of

:22 1/5 and :46 3/5 before opening up on the field through the stretch for an

easy 2 1/4-length victory. The bay was claimed out of the event and will be

making her next start for trainer Angelo Tekos Jr. Don't be surprised if she

takes a jump in class and if it isn't too big a jump, she should be able to

handle it.

Tomorrow's Outlook - Friday, July 20

Friday's featured stakes offering is the California Thoroughbred Breeders' S.

for two-year-old Cal-bred fillies going 5 1/2 furlongs on the Polytrack. This

event was drawing a bit of extra interest with the presence of ONE HOT WISH

(Bring the Heat), who would be making her first start since setting a new world

record for 4 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland in her career debut when competing

against the boys. The connections have indicated, though, that she might not yet

be ready to roll and may wait until next week to run.

Should One Hot Wish not go in this event, there are several intriguing

possibilities among the field. TREADMILL (E Dubai) is coming off a second-place

effort against open company in the Landaluce S. at Hollywood. Though the bay was

no match for the winner, she was easily the best of the rest in the field of

nine and appears to be the one most likely to pick up the victory should the

favorite falter. EXPECT VALKYR (Valid Expectations) finished second behind

Treadmill in a maiden special weight event at Hollywood in her career debut

before returning to easily clear her maiden condition by four lengths in her

next start. Any further improvement at all makes her a contender.

Those looking for value may consider LIVIA LA VIDA LOCA (Valid Wager), who

rallied from off the pace last out to miss by three parts of a length in the

Juan Gonzalez Memorial S. at Pleasanton. The chestnut's BRIS Speed ratings are

on par with the rest of the field, aside from One Hot Wish, and Livia La Vida

Loca should go off at very generous odds on the tote board. BILLIE BOB (Bring

the Heat) is another among the field with possibilities as she finished fourth

in the aforementioned Landaluce S., but the fact that she is coupled with One

Hot Wish will negatively affect her price should her entry mate run.

Friday's Best Plays

3RD - FOREST MISS (Forestry) will be taking another step down the class

ladder in this maiden claiming event as her connections attempt to get her first

career win, and this appears to be an ideal spot. After putting in a couple of

second-place efforts in four starts against maiden special weight company, she

was dropped in for a tag at the $62,500 level, where she finished third, beaten

by 1 1/4 lengths. With today's claiming price of $40,000, it appears that the

competition will be even easier, which just might be enough to get her into the

winner's circle. The dark bay tops the field in BRIS Class rating and is near

the top of the field in BRIS Prime Power while her BRIS Speed ratings are in

line with the best of these.

7TH - Treadmill should prove tough to beat in the feature if One Hot Wish

does not start. The bay is coming off a very nice performance against open

company and the presence of Nakatani only adds to the list of things to like.

DEL MAR DAILY NOTEBOOK

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2007

by Brian P. Turner

Friday's featured stakes offering was the California Thoroughbred Breeders'

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

Polytrack. This event was supposed to mark the return of One Hot Wish (Bring the

Heat), who set the world record for 4 1/2 furlongs in her career debut at

Keeneland back in April, but her connections decided she was not quite ready to

roll yet so she was scratched in favor of the August 8 Sorrento S. (G3). Still,

this did not leave the connections empty-handed in the event as her entry-mate

Billie Bob (Bring the Heat) was sent to the post as the favorite.

Billie Bob was coming off a fourth-place effort against open company in the

Landaluce S. at Hollywood. Though she had finished 3 1/4 lengths behind

second-place finisher TREADMILL (E Dubai) in that event, the betting public

obviously felt she was ready to turn the tables here.

Billie Bob broke awkwardly at the start and interfered with first-time

starter Comical Vacation (Comic Strip) to her inside right out of the gate.

Billie Bob recovered and immediately moved up to challenge for the lead against

I Dig Her (Old Topper) in an opening quarter that went in :22 2/5 while

Treadmill was content to stalk the pace early. Once the field hit the stretch,

Billie Bob dug in determinedly, but Treadmill was full of run and I Dig Her (Old

Topper) still had enough left in the tank to maintain her lead all the way

through upper stretch. Treadmill finished with a nice turn of foot and gamely

wrestled away the advantage late from I Dig Her to hit the wire a half-length in

front.

Livia La Vida Loca (Valid Wager) closed well late and crossed the finish line

in third while Billie Bob finished fourth. It took virtually no time at all,

though, for the inquiry sign to begin flashing on the infield tote board, which

resulted not only in Billie Bob being taken down for the incident at the start

but also Livia La Vida Loca, who broke out and bumped Comical Vacation. The

stewards obviously felt that the pair had combined to completely shut Comical

Vacation off at the start.

The double disqualification resulted in Comical Vacation being moved up from

fifth to third while Livia La Vida Loca was dropped to fourth and Billie Bob to

fifth.

In addition to the feature, there were four sprints contested over the

Polytrack on Friday with horses on or near the pace winning three of them, while

the lone route was won by a runner stalking the pace. In addition, there were

two turf routes contested on the day with stalkers winning both of them.

Victor Espinoza booted home two winners and Corey Nakatani rode one, which

leaves the pair in a tie atop the jockey standings with five winners so far for

the meet. Michael Baze went winless on the day, which drops him into the third

spot with four.

Peter Miller didn't send out any runners today but still leads the way in the

trainer standings with four for the meet. Bobby Frankel won with his lone

starter on the day and is now alone in second with three. Craig Dollase won the

feature with Treadmill, which moves him into a tie with Art Sherman for the

third spot. The pair of conditioners have two winners each.

Horses to Watch

2ND - HADAVISION (Vision and Verse) was in contention early in this starter

allowance event but appeared to take up on the backstretch and dropped off the

pace. Once the field hit the stretch, though, the two-year-old filly re-rallied

and closed well late to cross the wire in second. It was a bit hard to determine

exactly what the problem was early in the race but the dark bay showed

determination in rallying at the end and definitely looms a threat in her next

start with a better trip.

4TH - DAYTONA (Ire) (Indian Ridge) put in a visually impressive performance

in this 1 1/16-mile allowance/optional claiming event. The chestnut was content

to lay just off the pacesetter through early opening fractions of :24 2/5 and

:48 3/5. Once the field hit the stretch, the gelding kicked into gear and closed

with a tremendous turn of foot to hit the finish line 4 1/4 lengths in front.

Daytona had disappointed in two starts since arriving from across the pond, but

he put it all together here and definitely could be tough to handle in his next

start as well.

7TH - Comical Vacation picked a tough spot to make her debut but overcame a

ton of trouble to put in a very nice performance. The gray recovered well from

being mugged at the start and was finishing with good energy late. The filly

could prove to be a handful in her next start.

Tomorrow's Outlook - Saturday, July 21

Saturday's featured event is the San Diego H. (G2) for three-year-olds and up

going 1 1/16 miles over the Polytrack. A field of nine is set to go to the gate

and several among the field appear to have a legitimate shot of bringing home

the victory. BUZZARDS BAY (Marco Bay) will be making his first start since

stalking the pace early on his way to a game victory in the Californian S. (G2)

at Hollywood. The chestnut has proven to be versatile in his running style,

which should allow jockey Jose Valdivia Jr. to have him well placed early

regardless of the pace scenario that develops and leave him with plenty in the

tank at the end for the run to the finish line. The five-year-old horse has been

working well at Hollywood and should be sitting on a top effort.

AWESOME GEM (Awesome Again) rallied from just off the pace for a solid

one-length victory against allowance/optional claiming company in his last start

at Hollywood. The Grade 2 winner took a bit of a class drop after two subpar

efforts against graded stakes company at Santa Anita, but appears to be rounding

back into form for what should be a top effort. The fact that he holds a record

of 4-3-1-0 at the distance only adds to his appeal. ARSON SQUAD (Brahms) will be

making his first start since winning the Strub S. (G2) at Santa Anita in

February. The dark bay has been working steadily for his return to the track and

should be dead fit and ready to roll. The one question here is how well he

handles the Polytrack.

Those looking for a longshot may consider SALTY HUMOR (Distorted Humor). The

dark bay has run well in each of his two starts on a synthetic surface and

posted nice BRIS Speed ratings in each. The gelding was beaten 1 3/4 lengths for

second by Awesome Gem last out and could be a factor here with any improvement

at all. SUN BOAT (GB) (Machiavellian) came to life in a huge way last out as he

rallied from 11 lengths off the lead to miss by a nose in the aforementioned

Californian. The gelding has shown new life since moving to Mike Mitchell's barn

and onto the synthetic track. The bay is another that can't be ruled out at a

very generous price.

HEATSEEKER (Ire) (Giant's Causeway) was awarded the victory last out against

allowance company via disqualification. Still, the chestnut has run very well in

each of his three starts this year and the fact that he comes from the barn of

Bobby Frankel immediately makes him a threat. C'MON TIGER (Storm Cat) attempted

to lead the field from gate-to-wire last out only to come up a length short

behind Awesome Gem. The dark bay could prove to be dangerous if allowed to

dictate the pace on the lead.

SOUL CITY SLEW (Slew City Slew) has a record of 5-2-0-1 on the synthetic

surface at Hollywood, but he would need a career best to bring home the victory

here. RAISE THE BLUFF (Pine Bluff) defeated C'mon Tiger in a listed stakes race

last out and could have an impact in his second start for the always dangerous

Doug O'Neill.

Saturday's other stakes offering is the Osunitas H. for fillies and mares,

three-years-old and up, going 1 1/16 miles over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. A

field of nine, including one coupled entry, is scheduled to go to the gate and

several in the field appear to be capable here. ARM CANDY (Ire) (Nashwan) will

probably take a great deal of action at the windows but she is far from

unbeatable. The dark bay is coming off a sixth-place effort in the CashCall Mile

Invitational S. (G2) on the grass at Hollywood, but prior to that she had put in

three nice consecutive efforts since coming to North America. The four-year-old

filly is the speed of the field, though, and will be dangerous if allowed to

have an uncontested lead.

DOUBLE TROUBLE (Brz) (Wild Event) has been impressive in each of her three

starts since arriving in North America, including a hard-fought win last out

against allowance company in which she defeated four members of today's field.

KRIS' SIS (Forestry) finished third in that event after encountering a ton of

trouble. A clean trip this time around could put her in the thick of it.

SWEET BELLE (Deputy Commander) has not finished out of the money in any of

her last four starts on the grass, which includes a third-place effort in the

Santa Barbara H. (G2) at Santa Anita. FLEETHEART (Northern Afleet) is undefeated

in four career starts and could definitely have a say in the outcome if she

takes to the grass.

Saturday's Best Plays

2ND - LUTYENS (Dixieland Band) returned from a long layoff with a nice effort

last out against maiden claiming company as he broke from the 13 post and

rallied from well off the lead to finish second, beaten by 2 1/2 lengths at

Hollywood. The chestnut has posted a couple of nice maintenance works since that

event and could be ready for a top effort. The gelding tops the field in BRIS

Prime Power and his last race BRIS Speed rating towers over this group.

3RD - SILVER VISTA (Silver Deputy) will be making his first start since being

claimed in April at Keeneland, where he overcame a troubled start to miss by

only three parts of a length at the wire. The dark bay will be taking a class

drop off that effort, which makes him the one to beat in this claiming event.

The five-year-old gelding's BRIS Class rating tops the field and he is near the

top in BRIS Prime Power. Silver Vista's best BRIS Speed ratings are in line with

the best of these and he could prove to be tough to beat if he is ready after

the layoff.

DEL MAR DAILY NOTEBOOK

SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2007

by Brian P. Turner

Saturday's featured stakes offering was the San Diego H. (G2) for

three-year-olds and up going 1 1/16 miles over the Polytrack. A field of nine

went to the gate with Buzzards Bay (Marco Bay) being sent off as the post-time

favorite. The chestnut had run well in both starts this year which included a

game victory in the Californian S. (G2) at Hollywood.

Buzzards Bay bounded out of the gate at the start and guided the field

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

though, the five-year-old horse found himself in the middle of a cavalry charge

and just did not have enough left in the tank to have an impact at the end as he

faded to finish eighth.

In the end, the day belonged to SUN BOAT (GB) (Machiavellian), who rallied

from the back of the pack under a brilliant ride by Michael Baze, who deftly

guided him through the traffic in the stretch drive to hit the finish line a

length in front. The bay had finished second, beaten by a nose, to Buzzards Bay

last out in the Californian but turned the tables here in impressive fashion. It

was in April that the gelding was claimed by trainer Mike Mitchell for $50,000,

and only three races later, he has earned his first graded stakes victory.

Awesome Gem (Awesome Again), who was returning to graded stakes competition

after facing allowance company and allowance/optional claiming company in each

of his last two starts, put in a very nice effort to cross the finish line in

second, two lengths in front of longshot Salty Humor (Distorted Humor) in third.

Also on Saturday, a field of eight, including one coupled entry, contested

the Osunitas H. for fillies and mares, three-years-old and up, going 1 1/16

miles on the grass. Double Trouble (Brz) (Wild Event) was sent to the gate as

the favorite by the betting public as she looked to extend her winning streak to

three in a row. The bay had run well in each of her three starts since arriving

in North America and into the barn of Bobby Frankel, which included a

fourth-place effort in the Wilshire H. (G3) at Hollywood, where she came up 2

3/4 lengths short.

When the gates sprang open, the four-year-old filly was content to lay well

off the pace through opening fractions of :24 1/5 and :48 before moving into

contention along the rail as the field approached the final turn. Once she

reached the stretch drive, though, Double Trouble was unable to find a hole and

jockey Brice Blanc was even forced to take up at one point before finally

finding running room. From there, she could not run down the winner and was

forced to settle for third.

In the end, the day belonged to KRIS' SIS (Forestry) who vied for the lead

throughout before gamely digging in through the stretch drive to cross the

finish line a length in front. The dark bay was coming off a third-place effort

behind the favorite in an allowance event at Hollywood, in which she overcame a

ton of trouble to put in a very nice effort. It really was no surprise at all to

see her cross the finish line in front. Private Banking (Fr) (Anabaa), who was

one half of the coupled entry, rallied from well off the pace to nail Double

Trouble at the wire by nose a for second.

The San Diego was the only main-track route race on the day, but there were a

total of seven sprints contested on the Polytrack today with horses on or near

the pace winning six of them. In addition to the Osunitas, there was one other

turf route, which was won by a runner closing from off the pace.

Michael Baze booted home three winners on the day, including the winners in

each of the stakes races, to take the lead in the jockey standings with seven

for the meet. Victor Espinoza added one to his total, leaving him in second with

six followed by Corey Nakatani with five.

Peter Miller's lone starter on the day did not make it into the winner's

circle, but he still leads the way in the trainer standings with four for the

meet. Bobby Frankel was unable to get either of his starter's pictures taken but

remains in second with three. Mike Mitchell saddled his first two winners of the

meet which moves him into a tie with Art Sherman and Craig Dollase for third.

Horses to Watch

4TH - MORE HAPPY (Vindication) had an extremely impressive career debut for

Bob Baffert in this maiden special weight event for two-year-old fillies. The

dark bay pressed the pace through an opening quarter that went in :22 4/5 before

taking over in the stretch drive. Though More Happy only won by a neck, she was

never once asked for her best as jockey David Flores brought her home under the

most confident of hand rides.

6TH - BARBECUE EDDIE (Stormy Atlantic) broke his maiden in impressive fashion

in his second career start. The dark bay took the lead out of the gate and

guided the field through opening fractions of :22 3/5 and :46 2/5 before

widening his advantage through the stretch for an easy 4 1/2-length victory

under nothing but a hand ride. Don't be surprised if the connections make the

jump to stakes level competition very soon.

Tomorrow's Outlook - Sunday, July 22

Sunday brings the first Grade 1 stakes offering of the meet as a

scratch-reduced field of five is scheduled to contest the grassy nine-furlong

Eddie Read H. for three-year-olds and up. AFTER MARKET (Storm Cat) definitely

appears to be the one to beat as he will be looking for his third graded stakes

victory in a row. The dark bay is coming off an impressive score in the Charles

Whittingham Memorial H. (G1), where he rallied from nine lengths off the early

lead for an easy 1 1/2-length score. Trainer John Shirreffs has the colt in

outstanding form right now and he appears to have found a nice spot to add to

his resume of stakes wins.

ROB ROY (Lear Fan) made his North American debut in last year's Breeders' Cup

Mile (G1), where he finished fifth beaten by 4 1/2 lengths. He then returned in

November to run a disappointing fifth as the favorite in the Citation H. (G1).

The dark bay is far more talented than what he has shown thus far in his two

starts since arriving from across the pond and is in a nice spot to turn things

around should the top choice not be at his best. OUT OF CONTROL (Brz) (Vettori)

has compiled a record of 5-3-1-1 thus far in 2007, including a solid victory in

the American Invitational H. (G2) at Hollywood in June. The dark bay will be

stalking the pace early, which should leave him sitting in a prime spot for the

stretch drive. He looms a threat with any improvement at all.

FAST AND FURIOUS (Fr) (Singspiel [Ire]) missed by only a half-length at huge

odds when third last out in the American. A repeat of that effort would put him

in contention here, but the fact that he has yet to hit the board in four starts

at Del Mar does provide a horseplayer reason for concern. ATLANDO (Ire)

(Hernando [Fr]) put together a string of nice efforts after arriving from across

the pond, but his two starts in February of this year left something to be

desired, prompting some time off. This appears to be a tough spot for a return

but should be a good indicator as to whether or not there is hope for the

future.

VALIANT EFFORT (Bertrando), who originally formed part of a coupled entry

with After Market, has been scratched.

Sunday's other stakes offering is the Fleet Treat S. for three-year-old

Cal-bred fillies going seven furlongs over the Polytrack. A field of 10 is set

to go to the gate and several appear to have a shot. ROMANCE IS DIANE (In Excess

[Ire]) will be looking to regain the form that saw her capture the Hollywood

Starlet S. (G1) in December. The dark bay performed dismally in each of her next

three starts, which prompted a vacation at the end of April. She could prove to

be a handful if the time off has helped return her to her old form, but that is

far from a guarantee.

SPENDITALLBABY (Unusual Heat) ran well against open company last out,

overcoming a troubled trip to finish third, beaten by 1 1/4 lengths, in the

Flawlessly S. at Hollywood. Though she can be a bit erratic at times, the

chestnut is capable of some very nice efforts on occasion. SWISS DIVA (Swiss

Yodeler) is yet to find the winner's circle this year after going a perfect

three-for-three in 2006. The chestnut fits in well here, though, and could

definitely get her picture taken with her best.

Those looking for a price may consider OOH YEAH (Dismissed), who broke her

maiden by 11 lengths last out at Pleasanton. The bay posted a 101 BRIS Speed

rating in that effort and could pull off the upset if that effort wasn't a

fluke.

Sunday's Best Plays

3RD - After Market appears to tower over the field in the Eddie Read. The

four-year-old colt tops the field in both BRIS Prime Power and BRIS Class rating

while his last race 110 BRIS Speed rating is outstanding.

5TH - PICK VIC (Vicar) will be taking a drop in class in an attempt to return

to the winner's circle after not having quite enough to get the job done against

allowance competition. The dark bay made his first attempt on the grass last

out, where he finished sixth, beaten by five lengths. Prior to that, though, the

three-year-old colt had a nice effort against allowance company on Hollywood's

Cushion Track, where he finished third, beaten by 2 1/4 lengths. Pick Vic tops

the field in BRIS Prime Power and is near the top in BRIS Class rating. The

class drop should prove to be exactly what he needs.

DEL MAR DAILY NOTEBOOK

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2007

by Brian P. Turner

Sunday brought the first Grade 1 stakes offering of the meet as a small field

of five went to the gate for the Eddie Read H., which was contested at nine

furlongs over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. AFTER MARKET (Storm Cat) was sent

to the gate as the favorite as he attempted to reel off his third graded stakes

victory in a row. In his latest effort, the dark bay rallied from 9 1/2 lengths

off the early lead to bring home the victory in the Charles Whittingham Memorial

H. (G1) at Hollywood. The four-year-old colt had been showing improvement in

each start this year since moving into the barn of trainer John Shirreffs, and

there appeared to be no reason that the trend would not continue.

When the gates sprang open, Out of Control (Brz) (Vettori) and Rob Roy (Lear

Fan) immediately jumped out to vie for the lead. After Market was content to lay

in a nice stalking position just off the pace. The trio covered the first

quarter in a dawdling :25 but sped things up from there as the half went in :48

4/5, by which time they had left the other two members of the field far behind.

Once they hit the stretch, Out of Control made a mad dash for the finish line

and it briefly appeared as if the slow first quarter may contribute to him

stealing this race on the lead. After Market still had plenty left in the tank

though, and once he kicked it into gear, the colt absolutely engulfed the two

front runners and finished impressively through the stretch to hit the finish

line 1 1/2 lengths in front, stopping the clock for the nine furlongs in 1:47

1/5.

Out of Control, who was coming off a game victory in the American

Invitational H. (G2) at Hollywood, fought valiantly to the wire and finished

second, 3 3/4 lengths in front of Rob Roy in third.

Also on Sunday, a field of 10 contested the Fleet Treat S. for Cal-bred

three-year-old fillies going seven furlongs on the Polytrack. Several in the

field appeared to have a legitimate shot of claiming the victory, but the

betting public elected to send Swiss Diva (Swiss Yodeler) to the gate as the

heavy favorite. The chestnut had hit the board only once in four starts this

year, but the bettors obviously believed that this was the spot to turn things

around. The second choice was Romance Is Diane (In Excess [Ire]), and she was

another in the field trying to get back on track as she was winless since taking

the Hollywood Starlet S. (G1) in her freshman season.

After laying off the pace early through opening fractions of :22 3/5 and :46

2/5, that pair moved into contention in the stretch drive, and it appeared they

would duel to the wire when SPENDITALLBABY (Unusual Heat) made a tremendous move

along the rail and got up in the final strides to hit the finish line in front

by a neck. Swiss Diva hit the wire in second, a head in front of Romance Is

Diane in third.

In addition to the Fleet Treat, there were three sprints contested over the

Polytrack Sunday, with horses closing from off the pace winning two of them. As

for the three routes, closers won all of them. In addition to the featured Eddie

Read, there was one other turf route which was won by a horse pressing the early

pace.

Michael Baze booted home a winner on the day and still leads the way in the

jockey standings with eight for the meet. Victor Espinoza went winless on the

day but remains in second with six. Joe Talamo lost his apprentice weight

allowance as of Sunday and celebrated by booting home three winners on the card,

which moves him into a tie for third with Corey Nakatani. The pair has five

winners each.

In the trainer standings, Peter Miller's lone entry on the day was also

eligible and did not draw in, but he still leads the way in the trainer

standings with four winners for the meet. Bobby Frankel's lone runner did not

make it into the winner's circle, but he remains in second with three.

Pick 6 players get ready, as no one put all the pieces of the puzzle together

today, which leaves a carryover of $206,864 going into Monday's card.

Horses to Watch

1ST - DEMON INSIDE (In Excess [Ire]) found the drop down to state-bred

competition to be exactly what he needed to get into the winner's circle in his

second career start. The dark bay was content to lay off the pace early through

opening fractions of :22 2/5 and :46 2/5 before unleashing a nice closing move

through the stretch to hit the finish line in front by a head. It appeared that

he may be stripped of his victory as he broke in sharply in at the break, making

contact with the runner to his inside. This prompted a look by the stewards

after the race, but the order of finish remained unchanged.

3RD - After Market was extremely impressive in victory in the Eddie Read. The

connections have indicated that they are considering the Arlington Million (G1)

for his next start and there appears to be no reason at all that he can't

continue his winning streak.

Tomorrow's Outlook - Monday, July 23

Monday's 7TH race is an allowance event for three-year-olds and up going 1

1/16 miles on the lawn. This event appears to be completely wide open and it

wouldn't be surprising to see virtually any member of the field in the winner's

circle at the end. SOAR WITH EAGLES (Kingmambo) was Group 2-placed in Ireland

but disappointed in a major way when he was sent off as the even-money favorite

in his North American debut at Hollywood in June, beaten by six lengths in

fourth. If he returns to the form he showed in Europe, the bay will be

dangerous.

OPTIMER (Arg) (Incurable Optimist) has been knocking on the door as of late

but just hasn't been able to pick up a victory since coming to North America.

The dark bay came up only a head short in three of his last four starts, and the

connections have to be wondering exactly what they have to do to finally get his

picture taken. HEATED REBEL (Unusual Heat) is another who has been coming close

as of late but just can't quite seal the deal. The bay is exiting a third-place

effort at Hollywood in which he rallied from six lengths off the early lead to

miss by a length at the wire.

Those looking for value may consider BRONZINO (Holy Bull), who will be making

his first start since breaking his maiden in December. The chestnut has been

working steadily for his return, and trainer John Shirreffs is always dangerous

off the break.

Monday's Best Plays

2ND - FIESTY ROSE (Boundary) will be dropping back into claiming company

after a couple of respectable efforts against starter allowance company. The

three-year-old filly should find the company in this event a bit easier overall

than what she has been facing and could be set for a return to the winner's

circle. The dark bay tops the field in BRIS Prime Power by more than three

points, her BRIS Class rating is near the top of the field, and her best BRIS

Speed ratings are on par with the best of these. Toss in the fact that she comes

from the barn of the always dangerous Art Sherman and there is a lot to like.

3RD - ELECTRIC DAZE (Gilded Time) will be trying fellow state-breds after

coming up only three lengths short against open company at Hollywood in June.

The two-year-old filly ran evenly in that event and should move forward off the

effort. The BRIS Speed rating she posted tops the field among those who have

started and the fact that she is trained by the always dangerous Doug O'Neill

and will have Corey Nakatani in the saddle only adds to her appeal.

DEL MAR DAILY NOTEBOOK

MONDAY, JULY 23, 2007

by Brian P. Turner

A field of 10 went to the gate for Monday's 7TH race, an allowance event for

three-year-olds and up going 1 1/16 miles over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course.

This appeared to be a wide-open event, but the betting public chose to send Karn

(Wild Deputy) to the gate as the narrow favorite. After pressing the pace early,

the bay didn't quite have enough in the stretch drive and crossed the wire in

seventh, though he was only about two lengths behind the winner.

In the end, the day belonged to THE BIG ONE (Gulch), who reeled off his

second win in a row. After laying off the early pace through opening fractions

of :24 2/5 and :49, he unleashed a nice late turn of foot through the stretch

drive to hit the finish line in front by a nose. It took the gelding until the

11th start of his career to finally break his maiden, but now that he has gotten

used to winning, he seems determined to keep his streak going.

Optimer (Arg) (Incurable Optimist) stalked the pace early before gaining the

lead in the stretch drive but just could not hold off the winner and was forced

to settle for second, a neck in front of Add Heat (Unusual Heat) in third.

There were four sprints contested on the Polytrack Monday, with horses on or

near the pace winning three of them. As for the two main-track routes, a closer

won one and a horse stalking the early pace won the other. In addition to the

7TH, there was one other turf route on the day, which was won by a runner

closing from off the pace.

Michael Baze booted home two winners on the day and still leads the way in

the jockey standings with 10 for the meet. Victor Espinoza added two to his

total as well and remains in second with eight. Not to be outdone, Joe Talamo

and Corey Nakatani each added two winners to their totals and are in a tie for

third with seven winners each.

Peter Miller didn't have any starters on the day but still leads the way in

the trainer standings with four for the meet. Mike Mitchell saddled a winner

today which moves him into a tie for second with Bobby Frankel. The pair has

three winners each.

Horses to Watch

3RD - SPRING AWAKENING (In Excess [Ire]) was extremely impressive in this

state-bred maiden special weight event. The two-year-old filly was making her

second career start for trainer Mike Mitchell after putting in a very nice

effort in her debut where she finished third, beaten by 3 1/2 lengths. The bay

put it all together today in a big way. She was content to lay off the pace

early through an opening quarter that went in :22 2/5 before moving into

contention in the stretch drive, then cruised home to an easy 5 1/2-length

victory under little more than a hand ride.

7TH - Optimer has now come close three starts in a row. The dark bay was

beaten twice by a head at this level before missing by a nose today. It is hard

to imagine him being denied much longer.

Outlook for Wednesday, July 25

Wednesday's feature is the Graduation S. for Cal-bred two-year-olds going 5

1/2 furlongs over the Polytrack. A field of 11, including one coupled entry, is

scheduled to go to the gate. RUN BROTHER RON (Perfect Mandate), one half of the

coupled entry, will be sent to the gate as one of the top choices among the

betting public as he is the most accomplished member of the field. After

breaking his maiden at Bay Meadows back in April, the chestnut returned in late

May to finish second against open company in the Willard L. Proctor Memorial S.

at Hollywood. In his latest effort, the colt led from gate to wire in the

Everett Nevin Alameda County Futurity at Pleasanton. He is definitely the speed

of the field and they will have to catch him to beat him.

Though still a maiden, GEORGIE BOY (Tribal Rule) is coming off a nice effort

against open maiden special weight company at Hollywood where he pressed the

pace throughout only to miss by a length at the wire. The gelding fits in well

here and could have a say if the top choice falters. SUIT YOURSELF (Tribal Rule)

broke his maiden against fellow state-breds at Hollywood at the end of May. The

bay has been working well since, including a nice clocking of 1:00 2/5, the

fourth fastest of 56 works at that distance, here on July 20.

Those looking for a price may consider BEAR CREEK (Future Storm), who will be

making his first start for the red hot Peter Miller after being claimed at

Pleasanton in his last start. The gelding has come up on the short end of the

stick against a few members of this field but broke his maiden last out by seven

while posting a 99 BRIS Speed rating.

Wednesday's Best Plays

3RD - WHY YOU ASK (Tale of the Cat) has been showing improvement in each of

his last three starts, including a second-place effort last out at Hollywood.

Though this will be the bay's first attempt at a route, his pedigree says that

he should be capable. The three-year-old is near the top of the field in BRIS

Prime Power and his BRIS Class rating tops this group. Why You Ask posted the

best BRIS Speed rating of any member of the field in his last start, and both

the first- and third- place finishers in that event came back to win in their

next start.

4TH - KAPALUA BAY (Mutakddim) could find the move to the grass to be exactly

what he needs to get back into the winner's circle in this five-furlong

allowance/optional claiming sprint. The chestnut is coming off a bit of a

lackluster effort on the main track at Hollywood where he finished sixth, beaten

by 3 1/4 lengths but even in defeat, he posted the best last race BRIS Speed

rating of any member of this field. The four-year-old colt tops the field in

BRIS Prime Power and his BRIS Class rating is near the top of the field. Kapalua

Bay has a respectable pedigree for the grass, and trainer Ron Ellis wins with 22

percent of his starters in the "1st on Grass" trainer category.