Del Mar Opens
July 21st, 2009By Jude T. Feld
Top Class Thoroughbreds, sand, surf and turf dominate the Del Mar racing seasonDel Mar Photo
For over 30 years, Del Mar’s opening day has been like a national holiday for my family. This year, we’ll be spread all over the country, but everyone will be there in spirit and we’ll all be watching via TVG if not amongst the crowd “where the turf meets the surf.”
There are three races that intrigue me on Del Mar’s opening day card:
4TH Race) Since none of the two-year-old fillies who have started are world beaters, it would be a good race to look for a talented first-time starter. ACTION GAL was purchased for $20,000 at the Barrett’s May 2YO in Training Sale, so entering her for $50,000 claiming is not a negative. She is by a solid sire, Action This Day, who was a two-year-old champion. Her trainer Mike Machowsky is a sharp guy and he owns part of this filly, so he is going to put her in where she can win. Jockey Martin Pedroza is his go-to guy (4 wins in 16 starts in the last year), so there are lots of things to like, including some excellent workouts.
6TH Race) Trainer Ron Ellis does well with his recent claims and fresh horses. He saddles SWIFT DEMAND for this weak $16,000 claimer. A “best of the morning,†six-furlong workout last Wednesday at Hollywood Park indicates that Ron means business. Having jockey Joel Rosario in the saddle only enhances his chances as the dynamic duo wins at a 31% clip.
10TH Race) PROPHETISE was off slowly in her U.S. debut on the turf, but made up good ground late. Her best races have been on synthetic surfaces and she drops to the lowest level of her career. AFLEET’S PICASSO hails from the barn of trainer Vladimir Cerin. He is adept at stretching horses out in distance. With two sprints under her belt, the daughter of Northern Afleet should be primed for a solid effort and might be a decent price as well.
