DEL MAR NOTEBOOK

DEL MAR NOTEBOOK

SEPTEMBER 2, 2010

by John Mucciolo
Trainer Bob Baffert flexed his muscles on Saturday, winning both Grade 1 races at Del Mar.
Pacific Classic (G1): Zabeel Racing's RICHARD'S KID (Lemon Drop Kid) retained his crown in this race with a powerful late run for Baffert, inching clear by three-quarters of a length beneath Mike Smith, who hadn't ridden the five-year-old since last year's Pacific Classic. The synthetic-loving horse endured 1 1/4 miles on the main strip in 2:03 1/5.
Pat O'Brien S. (G1): Arnold Zetcher's EL BRUJO (Candy Ride [Arg]) took the lead soon after the start and never got headed in posting a front-running tally in this dash beneath Joel Rosario. The gelded four-year-old sped seven-eighths in 1:21 3/5 while a half-length clear under the wire.
Del Mar Mile H. (G2): Haymes et al's ENRICHED (High Brite) took advantage of the lack of pace in here and led at every call in posting a three-parts of a length victory for Doug O'Neill. Piloted by Rosario, the California-bred got one mile on the firm lawn in 1:34 4/5.
Del Mar H. (G2): Diamond A Racing and Arturo Vargas' homebred CHAMP PEGASUS (Fusaichi Pegasus) lived up to the favorite's role in style with a 1 1/4-length win on this day under the guidance of Rosario. The Richard Mandella trainee strode 1 3/8-miles on the green in 2:11 4/5.
Track Stats
From a total of 44 races held over the coastal racetrack during the five-day race week, favorites won at a 41 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 52 percent of the wins. From 29 frays contested on the Polytrack oval, 10 animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (34 percent), while four of the 15 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (27 percent).
Three of the first nine races held over the main oval during the week were taken by the rail runner, while only one other horse breaking from the innermost slot prevailed in the 19 remaining Polytrack events.
The turf has been kinder to speed types over the past two weeks, as at least half of the winners this week were either on or just off the pace. Speed was solid on the main oval, especially in sprint events.
Meet Totals

RACES:		261
POLYTRACK:		187
TURF:		74
FAVORITES:		89 (34 percent)
2ND CHOICES:		56 (21 percent)
TURF WIRE:		13 (17 percent)
POLY-WIRE:		48 (26 percent)

HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (8/25)
5TH -- CACTUS FLYER (Cactus Creole) put in a fine showing in here in her first try since February, finishing a solid second on this day under Rosairo. The John Sadler-trained filly should be tough next out after this one.
Thursday (8/26)
5TH -- The debuting SO SHE DANCES (Tiznow) was a head and a neck shy of posting the upset at first asking in this test for conditioner Mark Glatt, and we'd have to think the juvenile lass will be a big factor in her return.
7TH -- CONNAGHER (In Excess [Ire]) rolled to his second straight win at this meeting for trainer Ted West, and it's possible that the four-year-old will try stakes foes before long.
Friday (8/27)
4TH -- The eight-year-old SKIPPY DUE (Devil His Due) continues to rack up wins against this caliber and is as honest as they come on the synthetic oval. Trainer Keith Craigmyle claimed this one out of here.
Saturday (8/28)
2ND -- MAJESTIC DIAMOND (NZ) (Diamond Express) simply ran into a pair of swift ones on this day but still did quite well to rally for third for Leonard Powell. A slight class drop should do the trick for the seven-year-old.
4TH -- METEORE (Pulpit) ran a big one in second in here for Mandella, making an early move to get in contention and staying on late against a loose-on-the-lead winner. The four-year-old could be getting back into his best form.
7TH -- We were surprised at the price BULL CREEK (Tale of the Cat) went off in here for Baffert, as the top conditioner always has his runners cranked for the big days. This colt could be any kind, though he's probably more suited to sprint and middle distances.
A Look Ahead
The $250,000 Debutante S. (G1) for juvenile fillies is the top draw this weekend at Del Mar. Sunday plays host to the $300,000 Del Mar Derby (G2), while the Labor Day Monday feature is the $150,000 Palomar H. (G2).
Closing Wednesday is the date for the $250,000 Del Mar Futurity (G1).