Del Mar opening day recap + July 17th preview
Day 1 of the 2008 Del Mar meet is in the books, and it was an exciting opening day of racing. Rafael Bejarano booted home a trio of winners, and Tyler Baze got off to a fast start with a pair. Mike Mitchell, Jeff Mullins, and Doug O’Neill each saddled a winner, and the resurgent Art Sherman got a $30.40 Unusual Heat FTS home (Unusual Heather). Below are the highlights…
Race 6: In the 1st division of the Oceanside, Kilderry had all of the momentum rallying outside in the lane, and he was able to nostrilize Moral Compass, who was stuck on the inside awaiting room. The trips made all the difference as Bejarano bested Gomez. Eight furlongs on the grass in 1:35.45.
Race 8: In the 2nd division of the Oceanside, Dixie Chatter used his vast synthetic class en route to a gritty prominent throughout 1/2 length tally over NoCal shipper Mr. Keppel, who was vanned off after the race. Richard Mandella has options with his versatile turf/synthetic performer. Flat mile in 1:35.81. Turf course played fair on opening day, as did Polytrack.
Thursday July 17th (Day 2) horses to watch…
Race 4: My racingonthenet free selection of the day.
Race 5: Number 8 Afleet Design (2-1) was nabbed out of his last by 30% claiming artist Jerry Hollendorfer, and the place finisher from his last returned to score. He took action and disappointed in his two outings, but he could sit the right outside stalking trip and deserves another chance for his new barn under Bejarano.
Race 6: Number 1 Matty G Force (3-1) blew his last after rolling to the lead only to hang and miss by a neck. I have picked him on more than one occasion, and he’s been right there in his last five. His numbers are slowly climbing, and maybe the slightly shorter trip and new surface will push him over the top.
Race 7: Number 7 Distant Victory (5-2) was visually impressive in her MSW state bred turf route win on June 18th. Carla Gaines is 30% with horses exiting a win, and the well bred lightly raced miss could be any kind. Number 10 Smooth Performer (7-2) may go off favored following a head defeat in the Hollywood Oaks (G2). She’s been 1-2 in four straight , but my top has a tactical/post position advantage.
Race 8: My MySpace free selection of the day.
Tags: Del Mar, July 16 2008, Oceanside, opening dayRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Breeding, California Racing, Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers
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