‘Val Benefits in Move West

Before she joined the Jeff Mullins barn, Magnificent Val had won two of 22 starts racing primarily in New York.

Since coming to California for owner Richard Englander, the 5-year-old Pioneering mare has won five of seven.

Second in her two losses for Mullins, Magnificent Val will probably be favored against four opponents in today’s seventh at Del Mar, a $68,000 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

The runner-up to Cat Alert as the 7-5 betting favorite at this level on June 30 at Hollywood Park, Magnificent Val will be making her first start on the Del Mar grass and will have a new rider in Victor Espinoza.

Eternal Melody, a New Zealand-bred trained by Bobby Frankel for owner Michael Bello, is the one to beat. Alex Solis, who rode Magnificent Val in her last race, will be aboard Eternal Melody.

Race of the day: Conservation will try for his third consecutive win in the $60,000 Seeking The Gold at Belmont Park. John Velazquez will ride the 4-year-old Tamayaz gelding in the 1 1/16-mile race against seven others.

One for the road: Wilful debuts for high-percentage trainer Tom Amoss and can break her maiden in her sixth career start in the ninth at Arlington Park. Amoss, who won with 10 of his first 23 starters at Arlington, has apprentice James Graham riding in the $20,000 claimer at six furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Defcon Five and Scotchwater in the fifth, Taliano, Retired Habit and Ditch Digger in the sixth, Eternal Melody in the seventh and Smokin’ Vigor, Glow Of Love and Lakerette in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/1. Money: Previous day/meet total: $6/$6. Total money bet: $18.