Del Mar
RIJEKA: Was in from Ireland for trainer Richard Baltas and was making just his second lifetime start. Baltas put the blinkers on this colt and took to the spa weather like a duck to water. Stormed home down the lane to win for fun with just a couple love taps of the whip. Baltas looks to have a good one here. $$$
SHADOW SPHINX: Was in from Churchill Downs for Baltas and was going a mile on the grass. This gelding was loaded in here and once clear he blasted out for room and won in game fashion vs. the Jeff Mullins chalk East Rand. He can move up and repeat.
CLAUDELLE: Took a good shot with this first time starter for John Sadler with Kent D riding. We like Kent D on these young horses and he rode this 2yo filly like a winner but she came up a dwindling neck short on the line vs. the 70-cents-on-dollar highly-regarded Baffert first timer The Aurelia Factor. Claudelle will be a solid single next out and we would love to see her go 5½ or 6 furlongs. $$$$$
HOLY MOSEY: Just loved this filly going five furlongs on the grass. She was dead last in the early going but at the top of the lane unleashed a furious rail run and was moving like a freight train late to just miss in a three-horse photo on the money. Missed second by a head and the win by another head. If able to get some pace to run at next time out she wins. $$$
PALLADIUM: $32K maiden claimer was stuck and had to wait off heels nearing midstretch, looking beat. He found a slight opening on the inside and blasted through to pull away for a real nice win. We may see him in a starter allowance race next out.
DONUT GIRL: Broke slow in this five furlong turf sprint. She came out into the stretch and made a big late run, splitting rivals twice to get up for the show dough in what was a much better-than-looked effort. We will give her a big shot if she runs again at the meet