DEL MAR / LOS AL
PLEASANT AS PIE: Came off the layoff and was being sent down the hill. The bettors dismissed her at 27-1. She broke with the field, dropped back to last and then made a big four-wide move into the stretch. Motored home to win going away. We may see this mare going a mile on the Del Mar turf course next time out for Ron Ellis.
BILLY BIG: Was bumped at the start in the mile turf race and dead last until the ¾ pole when he started a nice rally. Came on to finish a better-than-looked fourth and will appreciate the softer Del Mar turf course with Van Dyke, a good turf rider, on board for D’Amato who looks loaded for the upcoming meet.
GEE STREET: Was exiting our HTW list and getting her second try at this $50k maiden claiming level. She got a lousy trip and just missed getting up for fourth. Maybe the nice cool air at Del Mar will get this one home as she is sitting on the maiden score.
KAZAN: First time starter for trainer Simon Callaghan was being sent a mile on the grass. He was listed at 7/2 on the morning line but took plenty of cash and was sent off as the second choice at 2/1. He broke slow and made a five-wide run into the lane, running on to finish a good third. This race will have him ready for the score going long on the grass next out at Del Mar.
PAPA PAPA PAPA: Hesitated at the start and broke last as the 8/5 chalk. Was rushed up on the inside to battle for the front end but could not hold off the winner and settled for the place money. No mistakes next time out.
TOUCHING RAINBOWS: Was last seen running up the track at Del Mar back in Dec. 2016. He came back in this 7 furlong optional claimer and ran a winning race but just got beat by the lightweight jockey Roman. He should get the win next out.
VEGAS VIC: Used this first time starter as a single in the late pick four as he went off at almost 8-1. Ran a great race only to lose to the odds-on winner by a half a length. He was more than six lengths clear of the rest and will be a solid single next time out. $$$$