Home Ice Tries for Another Upset

The only time Home Ice ran at Del Mar was memorable for owners Paul and Mary Ann Nicoletti and George Hicker, and trainer Marty Jones.

Bred in California by the Nicolettis, the daughter of Iam The Iceman won by a neck at nearly 34-1 in her debut on Aug. 28, 2004.

Six losses have followed but, maybe, a return to Del Mar will get things turned around for the 3-year-old filly, who is one of eight entered in today’s seventh. The $59,000 allowance at six furlongs is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $165,326.

Home Ice has hit the board in three of her defeats, but this will be her first race since she finished sixth of nine in an optional claimer against Cal-breds March 20 at Santa Anita.

Victor Espinoza, who starts the final seven days of the meet with a two-victory lead (42-40) over Garrett Gomez in the jockey standings, will ride Home Ice.

If Home Ice is to pull another upset, she will have to beat Selvatica and Tialinga. Selvatica has not been worse than second in four starts for trainer John Sadler. Tialinga was a game winner at 8-1 in her first start in more than seven months for trainer Gary Stute on Aug. 11.

Race of the day: Kalookan Lessie, who was second as the 3-5 favorite in the CTBA Stakes on July 22, will race with blinkers for the first time as she takes on six other 2-year-old, California-bred fillies in the $100,000 Generous Portion at Del Mar. Tony Farina will ride the daughter of Deputy Commander for Asistio Romulo Stables and trainer Doug O’Neill in the six-furlong race. In her debut June 22, Kalookan Lessie beat maidens by five lengths.

One for the road: Rolex Princess ran well in her bow for trainer John Kimmel on Aug. 12 and looks like a single to begin the late pick four at Saratoga. Chantal Sutherland will ride the 3-year-old Defrere filly in the $50,000 maiden claimer at six furlongs, which goes as the sixth race on the card.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Within Time, Brite Lite and Imperiale Lover in the third, Reel’em In in the fourth, and Gasin The Turbo, Domestic Security and Royal Chase in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/88. Money: Previous day/meet total: $8.40/$514. Total money bet: $616.