DEL MAR
EXTENSIVE: Just crushed a good field of 80k starter allowance foes going 1 1/16 on the grass. Trainer Cerin dug deep and came up with the 80k for the claim – a big number for geldings. Look for him to come right back and repeat.
SO TOUGH: First time Mike Mitchell starter breezed home by more than 10 lengths in 40k maiden claimer. Usually don’t like to bet on a horse claimed from Mitchell, but trainer John Sadler dipped in and got this gelding for 40k so we will follow the money.
WEST RULER: Ran big in defeat going 5 furlongs on the grass. This filly really wanted to be let loose, but jockey Bejarano took hold. She started to make a run, but he lost the whip. West kept running to finish third just a length back. Lost place by a head bob.
GALLETA MONSTRUO: We will continue to follow the money. This gelding was claimed off a nice wire-to -wire win for 32k by Mike Mitchell, who looks determined to win the training title here.
BACKWOODS BELLE: Was in from the Fair for Mike Mitchell and bet down to .80 cents on the dollar. Won like a million bucks drawing away by 6 lengths under her own power. As we continue to follow the money, trainer Sadler again claimed this one from Mike, putting up 40k for this filly.
TALE BE TOLD: Bobbled at the start and was steadied hard. Had to come around a fallen rider in the turn. Made a big inside run and finished a bang up second just half-length back. $$$$$
SOUL CUSTODY: Just won despite trouble in this 6 furlong, 25k claimer. As we follow the money this filly was claimed for the 25k by Jack Carava who can bring them right back for the score.
NIJINSKY’S SONG: Won for fun off the long layoff and really looked great on the track. This colt may love going long on the grass.
SEAL THE DEAL: Just missed at 29-1 when up against the 7-5 Baffert colt. This guy was more than five lengths clear of the rest of the field. Could come back and score at a nice price. $$$
PHOTO SHOPPED: Not to be upstaged, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer claimed this guy for 50k out of a much better than looked fourth. Made a big-time five wide run down the lane going a flat mile on the grass. Look for him to get the money in next outing. $$$$$