DEL MAR – Where the Surf Meets the Turf
TURNOVER
First time starter for trainer Bob Baffert who has a loaded barn for this meet. Was working lights out for start number one and let go in the betting at 6/1. He ran a bang up race after breaking slow and made a four wide run into the stretch. Finished fast while five wide on the line, losing by a dwindling head. He will be our single next time out. $$$
STAR ACT
Really liked this maiden filly in the mile turf route with Mike Smith riding, but Mike was having a little trouble in these turf routes. He took this filly back to last after breaking sharp and did make a nice late run. Just had too much ground to make up and settled for fourth. Look for her in the winner’s circle in the near future.
MAYBELLENE
First time starter was a hand full before the race action. She wanted to be let loose coming out of post one in this five furlong sprint for 2yo straight maidens. Showed good early speed battling with the winner from the bell. Could not run with the 6/5 chalk but held well to be a clear third more than four lengths clear of the rest. We look for her to go wire to wire next time out.
LUMINANCE
First time starter for Baffert broke the track record that was set earlier in the day in this five furlong sprint on the lightning fast surface. She won for fun at 50 cents on the dollar and looks like a stakes filly next time out.
CONQUEST ARCHANGEL
Was in from Churchill Downs for trainer Mark Casse looking for some of that ship and win money. She would have gotten it on any other day except facing the monster 2yo filly Luminance. Ran great, finishing second almost 3 lengths clear of the rest and will be one tough cookie in her next start. $$$$$
ALWAYS A CHANCE
Was working great for this race and at 10/1 the bets were on her to get the job done. She ran her race but had to steady off heels in upper stretch, losing some of her momentum. Got going again and finished well just missing by a slim half a length. Next time out, but we won’t get that price.
Richard Saber, a former director of race and sports at the famed Stardust book, is GamingToday’s horse racing and sports handicapper. Follow Richard on Twitter @SabesBet. Contact Richard at [email protected].