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Racing! Things are looking up for Jerry Hollendorfer

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Hello, my name is John Cherwa and welcome to our horse racing newsletter as we give you a great suggestion for a summer read.

This just in. It looks as if things are looking up for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. A San Diego judge issued a temporary ruling in favor of the Hall of Fame trainer on Thursday that would allow him to race horses at Del Mar.

Now, nothing is in concrete because the ruling won’t be official until Friday, but it would be surprising if the judge will change his ruling.

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This is what Judge Ronald Frazier had to say in advance of Friday’s hearing:

“The Race Meet Agreement, the Stall Application, and the relevant legal authorities all support the same conclusion: Del Mar TC is not permitted to arbitrarily deny Mr. Hollendorfer’s stall application, nor arbitrarily refuse him entry to a race.

“Despite this, there is evidence Del Mar TC did indeed arbitrarily deny Mr. Hollendorfer’s stall application without first providing him fair procedure. Accordingly, the court finds there is adequate evidence to conclude Plaintiffs have a reasonable likelihood of prevailing on the merits, as to their claims for declaratory relief and breach of contract.”

Here’s the report from Tod Leonard from our sister paper, the San Diego Union Tribune. (just click here)

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Life imitates art

The fact that you can read something months ago and have it come to life is pretty interesting. In fact, it’s kind of crazy. I’ve had this book for a while and was looking for the perfect time to talk about it. I wish I had done it sooner.

It’s called “*Inquiry” and it’s by John McEvoy, a former editor and columnist for the Daily Racing Form. It’s was his seventh and final mystery novel. He won a couple of Ben Franklin Awards for mystery writing. John died last month at age 83.

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His last novel is a tribute to how far ahead of everyone he was in seeing the future. So, when it comes to *Inquiry, you ought to read it, especially if you like horse racing and mystery. Here’s how you can find the Amazon page with most of his books. (Just click here.)

The paperback is about $11.50 and the Kindle edition is about $5. Now, if I may digress, I went the Kindle way for a couple years and ended back with paper in your hands. Just prefer it.

The book is 57 chapters over 188 pages. I love short chapters, which is why I’m a fan of James Patterson and Dan Brown. Truth is, I generally don’t read non-fiction sports books unless they are written by a friend of mine. (Next up is “For the Good of the Game,” by Bud Selig but really written by Phil Rogers. Phil introduced by wife and I more than 20 years ago.)

I prefer fiction, usually mysteries, and non-fiction current events, and suddenly, this book accidentally melded the two together.

The book starts with a fictional news report from Matt O’Connor. And this is on page 1.

“CHICAGO, IL—Ted Tilley, one of America’s leading owners for the last four years, has been refused stalls at five Midwest tracks: Madison Park, Pleasant Prairie, Cahokia Downs, Oakbrook and Monee Park.

“A joint press release stated, “Mr. Tilley’s horses will no longer be allowed to compete at these tracks. The ban is effective immediately. …

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“No reason was given for the ban. Attempts to seek clarification from all five tracks were unsuccessful. …”

What follows, in typical pot-boiler fashion, is a collection of crazy characters, some murders and twists and turns as Jack Doyle tries to solve the mystery.

Let’s skip to page 95.

“Gary reached into his briefcase. He flicked through a thicket of papers, extracted two and said, ‘Here’s the story so far. The racing commissions say they cannot prevent racetracks, private entities, from barring whoever they want. That’s current law.

“’Item two,’ Gary continued. ‘Our written pleas to the managements of the race tracks in question have been either ignored or rebuffed. They’re not bending.’ He sat back and closed his briefcase, a look of resignation on his face. ‘Ted, they just won’t let your horses on their grounds. That’s the deal as of now.’

“Ted sat back in his chair. ‘This is the damndest thing I’ve ever run into. They don’t say why, they just say stay the hell away. I’ve tried to talk face to face to these trac people, but they refuse.’ He got up and walked to the wide window. A big man, his shoulders were slumped in a posture of defeat Gary had never before seen.

“Gary said: ‘We’ve got something else to figure out. Like, what do we do with all the horses that have been thrown out of those tracks and placed on nearby farms. Sell them? Slaughter the slow ones?’

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“’That’s not funny, Gary. I’ve never been in the horse killing business. We’ll put them out to pasture until this problem is resolved.’

“’What about all the stable help you’ve employed? The trainers, grooms, hot walkers, exercise riders?’”

How about that excerpt …

Isn’t it fascinating that John McEvoy could lay out a similar scenario many months ago in this terrific novel and then we see it come to life in Southern California.

I don’t want to diminish what happened in real life to a piece of fiction. But, so often it’s tough for fiction to live up to real life experiences. I can’t tell you the times I’ve said about fiction, “That’s totally unbelievable. It would never happen in real life.”

And then it does.

The whole idea that someone’s passion can be taken from them, deserved or not, is just a part of the book. John just loved to tell good stories. And he loved horse racing. Thanks to John for everything he brought to the game be it through precise reporting for decades or through fictional stories.

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I wonder which side he would have come down on the Hollendorfer issue?

We’ll know more about the real-life outcome on Friday. You never know. In the meantime,you can curl up with a new book to read. Savor it. There will be no more.

Polls are closing soon

On Wednesday, we took the questions posed to 140 industry people in New York about the use of Lasix in that state. The response was underwhelming, so we thought we would poll our readers. So, hopefully we’re not on poll overload. We’ll give you the results in a few days.

The questions:

--Should non-Lasix races be written in California? (vote here)

--Should Lasix be banned for 2-year-olds? (vote here)

--Should there be a dosage reduction requirement on race day? (vote here)

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And, if that’s not enough, we wondered if you think racing should return to the 6 ½ downhill course at Santa Anita.

--Should sprint racing return to the downhill turf course? (vote here)

Del Mar review

Opus Won, under the usual smart ride of Flavien Prat, won the allowance feature on Thursday for Cal-bred filies and mares. It was a gate to wire win by a neck in the $64,000 race over a mile on the turf.

Opus won paid $4.00, $2.80 and $2.20 for trainer Richard Baltas. Sedamar was second and Shehastheritestuff was third.

Del Mar preview

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Cancel your reservation for the Early Bird Dinner as Del Mar has its Friday first post of 4 p.m. There are eight races and a Cal-bred stakes. Three of the races are on the turf, four are claimers and there are two allowance/optional claimers.

The feature, which we’re hoping isn’t in the gloaming (look it up), is about 7 p.m. It’s the $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Cal-breds going 1 1/16 miles on the turf. It’s an 11-horse field.

The favorite, at 7-2, is The Hunted for trainer Richard Baltas and jockey Tiago Pereira. He is three-for-11 lifetime and won the black type Crystal Water Stakes for Cal-breds. He was second last out in an allowance.

The second favorite is Ashleyluvssugar at 9-2. I’ve got to say, as many times as I’ve written this horse’s name, I always want to think he’s a filly or mare. But he’s not. Great lesson in subliminal messaging.

He’s 10-for-34 lifetime and won more than $1.4 million He was third in the Grade 2 Charlie Whittingham last out. He’s mostly been running at a graded stakes level so there is a lot of experience there. Peter Eurton is the trainer and Brice Blanc rides.

Here are the field sizes, in order: 8, 5, 8, 7, 11 (3 also eligible), 9, 11, 12.

Bob Ike’s DM pick of the day

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FIFTH RACE: No. 10 Flying to the Line (9-2)

Cal-bred maiden filly from the Peter Miller barn goes long for the first time but the speedy miss should be able to clear off early (helped by the turf rails being out 18 feet) under runaway leading rider Flavien Prat. She comes off a runner-up try vs. $50,000 claimers when blinkers added last time and is now raised back up into a maiden special weight.

Thursday’s result: Another winner who has hammered at the windows as Opus Won ($4.00) wired the field under Prat (who else?). Missed the exacta/trifecta partners, however.

Bob Ike is a Partner/VP of Horsebills.com (here’s a video) and the proprietor of BobIkePicks.com (full-card picks, 3 Best Plays and betting strategy).

Los Alamitos weekend preview

It’s time to turn things over to marketing and meda guru Orlando Gutierrez, who will tell us about the upcoming weekend at Los Alamitos. Orlando, the floor is yours.

“Los Alamitos will host the 20th running of the California Breeders Champions Night on Saturday night featuring a 12 race card — 11 of them stakes races for California-bred quarter horses. Racing starts at 6:40 p.m. with three Pick Four sequences starting in races 1, 5 and 9. “The $365,000 Governor’s Cup Futurity is the feature, led by Cesar Nunez’s unbeaten and fastest qualifier Pitbull and Runforyourlife, a full-brother to last year’s Governor’s Cup Futurity winner Powerful Favorite. Pitbull’s full-brother, a gelding named Lebowski, will also be in the futurity. Eight of the 10 futurity finalists are by leading sire Favorite Cartel.

“The star in the $195,000 Governor’s Cup Derby is Powerful Favorite, who is already a two-time derby winner at Los Alamitos in 2019. Powerful Favorite won his derby trial and figures to be the favorite in the 400-yard race. He previously won the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Winter Derby and the Grade 3 El Primero Del Ano Derby. Powerful Favorite hopes to become the eighth runner to win both the Governor’s Cup Derby and Futurity. He would also be the first to sweep the races since Hot Hitter in 2010. The Governor’s Cup Derby field will include PCQHRA Breeders Futurity winner Cole Man 47 and Robert Adair Kindergarten Futurity winner Wicked Affair.

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“The $100,000 Spencer L. Childers California Breeders Championship Handicap is the main event for 3-year-olds and up. He Looks Hot, the winner of the Spencer Childers two years ago, is among the eight horses in the 400-yard race. Tarzanito, the 2018 AQHA champion aged stallion, and multiple stakes winners Black Fryday and Rite Regal are among the horses also in action.

“The $40,000 Matron Stakes for distaffers is the fourth race on the card and features a field of 10 led by Grade 1 Charger Bar Handicap winner Thermonuclear Energy and the Grade 1 stakes placed mare Matilda Czech. Multiple stakes winner Strawfinders Jessee and 2019 stakes winners La Rusa, Time To Leave, Tough To Figure, and Just Walk By have also been nominated to the Matron at 400 yards.

“Chayito Cartel, the winner of the Grade 2 Robert Adair Kindergarten Futurity makes his racing return in the $25,000 Freshman Stakes. A winner in all three starts, the Lindolfo Diaz-trainee will be facing a strong field that includes Up And Coming, who is also undefeated after three starts, plus Kindergarten finalists Corona Lake and Diamond Rock. The Freshman for Fillies lacks the star power of the boys race, but it is a competitive event and could help launch one of these fillies – like Kick It On Back or My Diamond Foose -- into one of the top spots in the division.

“Friday night’ s will get underway with an eight-race program starting at 7:55 p.m. The card will feature a Pick 6 Carryover of $8,308. With the money expected to be wagered on Friday night, the total pool could be $30,000.”

Ed Burgart’s LA pick of the day

SEVENTH RACE: No. 3 Suddenly Sailing (2-1)

She ran to her strong 12.3 second gate drill in sharp runnerup debut in fast 300-yard dash vs. winner dropping down from a futurity trial while 1 ¾ lengths clear of the third horse. Filly has upside for strong connections of trainer Christopher O’Dell and jockey Eduardo Nicasio. Key in the exotics over the 1,3,5,6.

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Final thought

If you would like to subscribe to the newsletter you can click here and sign up. Remember, it’s free, and all we need is your email, nothing more. Tell your friends, or even people you don’t like that much.

Any thoughts, you can reach me at johnacherwa@gmail.com. You can also feed my ego by following me on Twitter @jcherwa.

Now, the star of the show, Thursday’s results and Friday’s entries.

Del Mar Charts Results for Thursday, July 25.

Copyright 2019 by Equibase Company. Reproduction prohibited. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar, California. All finishes confirmed by Plusmic USA. Official program numbers may not correspond with post position. 7th day of a 36-day meet. Clear & Fast

FIRST RACE.

6 Furlongs. Purse: $61,000. Maiden Special Weight. 3 year olds and up. Time 22.10 45.79 58.50 1:11.55


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ Str Fin Jockey $1

5 Satanta 124 4 1 3–hd 2–hd 1–½ 1–5¼ Van Dyke 1.50
4 Loaded Joe 120 3 3 2–½ 3–3½ 3–5 2–ns Bejarano 2.20
2 Jetovator 120 2 4 1–hd 1–½ 2–2 3–5¾ Gutierrez 1.90
6 Moana Luna 120 5 2 5 4–2 4–7 4–17 Pereira 11.60
1 Brace for Impact 120 1 5 4–1½ 5 5 5 Maldonado 14.80

5 SATANTA 5.00 3.00 2.10
4 LOADED JOE 3.00 2.10
2 JETOVATOR 2.10
$1 EXACTA (5-4)  $7.80
$2 QUINELLA (4-5)  $8.20
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (5-4-2-6)  $2.03
50-CENT TRIFECTA (5-4-2)  $5.35

Winner–Satanta B.g.4 by Elusive Warning out of Ms Jackdau, by Birdonthewire. Bred by Madera Thoroughbreds & Glen Kjelstrom (CA). Trainer: Jeff Mullins. Owner: Madera Thoroughbreds Racing LLC and Kjelstrom, Kevin. Mutuel Pool $192,261 Exacta Pool $75,808 Quinella Pool $4,513 Superfecta Pool $24,677 Trifecta Pool $44,651. Scratched–Majestic Display, Melbo.

SATANTA pressed the pace four wide then three deep on the turn and into the stretch, took the lead outside a rival nearing midstretch and drew clear while drifting in late under urging. LOADED JOE had good early speed and dueled between horses, drifted in and fell back some into the stretch, came out in midstretch and edged a rival late for the place. JETOVATOR sped to the early lead, set a pressured pace between horses then a bit off the rail into and on the turn, drifted to the inside in midstretch and was edged late for second. MOANA LUNA five wide early, stalked off the rail, went outside a rival midway on the turn, continued a bit wide into the stretch and weakened. BRACE FOR IMPACT brushed the side of the gate in a bit of a slow start, was sent along inside to press the pace, dropped back along the rail into and on the turn and gave way.

SECOND RACE.

1 1/16 Mile Turf. Purse: $35,000. Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $32,000. Time 23.00 46.83 1:10.76 1:35.13 1:41.31


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

7 French Getaway 124 7 2 3–1½ 2–hd 2–1 1–2½ 1–1 Bejarano 7.80
3 Unusually Green 124 3 7 5–hd 5–hd 5–hd 4–1 2–hd Cedillo 3.10
5 Van Cortlandt 124 5 9 8–1½ 8–½ 8–hd 6–hd 3–1¼ Arroyo, Jr. 41.70
4 Play Hard to Get 124 4 6 9 9 9 7–hd 4–1½ Van Dyke 14.10
9 Buckstopper Kit 124 9 4 7–2 4–½ 3–½ 3–½ 5–1½ Desormeaux 4.30
1 Lifeline 117 1 8 2–hd 3–1 4–1 5–1 6–2¼ Velez 8.30
6 Terrys Tom Cat 124 6 5 6–hd 7–4 6–1 8–5 7–2¼ Gutierrez 10.40
2 Kenjisstorm 124 2 1 1–1 1–1½ 1–1 2–hd 8–5¼ Pedroza 2.40
8 Artie B Good 124 8 3 4–hd 6–hd 7–hd 9 9 Fuentes 13.60

7 FRENCH GETAWAY 17.60 7.60 5.40
3 UNUSUALLY GREEN 5.20 3.40
5 VAN CORTLANDT 11.80
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (5-7)  $75.40
$1 EXACTA (7-3)  $38.30
$2 QUINELLA (3-7)  $49.00
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (7-3-5-4)  $473.97
50-CENT TRIFECTA (7-3-5)  $316.80

Winner–French Getaway Dbb.g.6 by Giant's Causeway out of Modesty Blaise, by A.P. Indy. Bred by Flaxman Holdings Limited (KY). Trainer: Robert B. Hess, Jr.. Owner: Schroeder Farms LLC. Mutuel Pool $270,361 Daily Double Pool $72,092 Exacta Pool $155,937 Quinella Pool $9,334 Superfecta Pool $56,595 Trifecta Pool $97,030. Claimed–Buckstopper Kit by Lambert, Jeffrey, Paradise Farms Corp. and Hess, Maria E. Trainer: Robert Hess, Jr. Scratched–Offshore, Start a Runnin.

FRENCH GETAWAY stalked outside a rival then off the rail on the second turn, bid alongside the pacesetter a quarter mile out, took the lead into the stretch, kicked clear under urging and held. UNUSUALLY GREEN steadied between horses in tight leaving the chute, stalked inside, came outside a rival on the second turn and into the stretch and edged a foe for the place. VAN CORTLANDT steadied sharply in tight leaving the chute, saved ground off the pace, came out onto foes for room in midstretch and finished well to be edged for second. PLAY HARD TO GET steadied between horses exiting the chute, chased outside a rival, came out some in upper stretch then was forced out in midstretch and was outfinished. BUCKSTOPPER KIT five wide in the chute, stalked four wide then three deep on the second turn and into the stretch and lacked the needed late kick. LIFELINE brushed the rail several times in tight leaving then exiting the chute, saved ground chasing the pace, awaited room off heels in midstretch then got through inside and could not summon the necessary late response. TERRYS TOM CAT in tight between horses leaving the chute, stalked between horses, came three deep into the stretch, was forced out in midstretch and lacked the needed rally. KENJISSTORM sped to the early lead, angled in and set the pace inside, dueled leaving the second turn and weakened in the stretch. ARTIE B GOOD stalked three deep between horses, dropped back and angled in on the second turn and weakened. The stewards conducted an inquiry into the trouble leaving the chute before ruling the videotape inconclusive as to whom was responsible. Another inquiry into the run through midstretch of the third finisher also resulted in no change when the stewards ruled the incident did not alter the original order of finish.

THIRD RACE.

5 Furlongs. Purse: $36,000. Maiden Claiming. Fillies. 2 year olds. Claiming Prices $80,000-$70,000. Time 22.85 47.46 59.87


Pgm Horse Wt PP St 3/16 3/8 Str Fin Jockey $1

2 Convoluted 120 2 2 4–1½ 3–½ 1–hd 1–1¼ Prat 1.10
6 Well Done Sally 120 6 5 2–1 2–1 2–½ 2–2¼ Cedillo 33.60
4 Golden Melodie 113 4 3 1–hd 1–hd 3–3½ 3–3¾ Velez 26.00
1 Keepinmypromise 120 1 1 3–1 4–2 4–2½ 4–1¼ Arroyo, Jr. 8.00
3 Establish Justice 120 3 7 7 6–1 5–hd 5–½ Bejarano 1.90
7 Foggy Bottom 120 7 6 6–2 5–1½ 6–1½ 6–½ Franco 9.00
5 Magically Honored 120 5 4 5–hd 7 7 7 Mn Garcia 8.40

2 CONVOLUTED 4.20 3.00 2.40
6 WELL DONE SALLY 15.60 6.80
4 GOLDEN MELODIE 6.80
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (7-2)  $54.40
$1 EXACTA (2-6)  $46.80
$2 QUINELLA (2-6)  $66.80
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (2-6-4-1)  $131.61
50-CENT TRIFECTA (2-6-4)  $168.75

Winner–Convoluted Ch.f.2 by Distorted Humor out of Sweet Lips, by Kris S. Bred by Tony Holmes & Distorted Humor Syndicate (KY). Trainer: Peter Miller. Owner: Slam Dunk Racing and Nentwig, Michael. Mutuel Pool $205,142 Daily Double Pool $24,280 Exacta Pool $100,773 Quinella Pool $6,153 Superfecta Pool $40,302 Trifecta Pool $66,009. Claimed–Establish Justice by Slugo Racing. Trainer: Mike Puype. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (5-7-2) paid $47.10. Pick Three Pool $79,487.

CONVOLUTED had speed between horses then stalked a bit off the rail, came out three wide into the stretch, took the lead outside foes in midstretch and inched clear under some urging. WELL DONE SALLY three deep early, dueled outside a rival on the backstretch and turn, fought back between horses in midstretch, could not match the winner in the final sixteenth while drifting in some but was clearly second best. GOLDEN MELODIE had speed between horses then dueled a bit off the rail, battled inside on the turn, fought back in midstretch and bested the others. KEEPINMYPROMISE saved ground stalking the pace, came out leaving the turn and three wide into the stretch and weakened. ESTABLISH JUSTICE dropped back off the rail despite being sent along early, came out on the turn and four wide into the stretch and did not rally. FOGGY BOTTOM stalked outside then off the rail, came a bit wide into the stretch and also weakened while between foes late. MAGICALLY HONORED chased outside then three deep, dropped back off the rail on the turn, angled to the inside into the stretch and had little left for the drive.

FOURTH RACE.

5 Furlongs Turf. Purse: $61,000. Maiden Special Weight. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Time 22.37 45.03 56.54


Pgm Horse Wt PP St 3/16 3/8 Str Fin Jockey $1

2 Stylishly 124 2 5 5–2 3–1 3–1 1–¾ Van Dyke 2.10
6 Cellar Door 124 6 6 6–1 6–1½ 4–1½ 2–hd Smith 4.00
5 Stylin Ocean 120 5 7 7–4 7–3 5–2 3–1½ Espinoza 17.80
1 Raneem 120 1 4 1–hd 1–hd 1–½ 4–¾ Talamo 3.60
4 Apples Arch 120 4 1 2–½ 2–1½ 2–1 5–2¼ Mn Garcia 5.80
3 Winter Gold 120 3 8 8 8 8 6–2¼ Arroyo, Jr. 8.70
8 Star Kissed 124 8 3 4–hd 5–hd 6–hd 7–½ Pereira 29.10
7 True Mischief 120 7 2 3–1 4–1 7–1½ 8 Gutierrez 7.20

2 STYLISHLY 6.20 3.60 2.80
6 CELLAR DOOR 6.00 4.20
5 STYLIN OCEAN 6.40
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (2-2)  $14.80
$1 EXACTA (2-6)  $15.90
$2 QUINELLA (2-6)  $11.80
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (2-6-5-1)  $46.35
50-CENT TRIFECTA (2-6-5)  $50.60

Winner–Stylishly Ch.f.4 by Speightstown out of Always a Princess, by Leroidesanimaux (BRZ). Bred by Arnold Zetcher LLC (KY). Trainer: Simon Callaghan. Owner: Arnold Zetcher LLC. Mutuel Pool $287,751 Daily Double Pool $30,960 Exacta Pool $146,338 Quinella Pool $10,343 Superfecta Pool $63,677 Trifecta Pool $90,694. Scratched–Acadia Fleet, Road Rager, Tinnie.

50-Cent Pick Three (7-2-2) paid $40.45. Pick Three Pool $34,146.

STYLISHLY stalked a bit off the rail then inside into and on the turn, came out into the stretch and rallied between horses under some left handed urging to gain the lead in deep stretch. CELLAR DOOR reluctant to load, chased outside a rival then inside on the turn, waited some then came out for room into the stretch and again in upper stretch and finished well. STYLIN OCEAN saved ground chasing the pace, continued inside on the turn and rallied along the fence in the stretch. RANEEM had good early speed and dueled inside, fought back on the turn, came a bit off the rail in the stretch and was overtaken between foes in deep stretch. APPLES ARCH dueled between horses then outside a rival on the turn and in the stretch and weakened late. WINTER GOLD (GB) broke a bit slowly, settled inside, came out a bit into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. STAR KISSED pressed the pace four wide then stalked outside the winner leaving the backstretch, continued outside on the turn and four wide into the stretch and weakened. TRUE MISCHIEF prompted the pace between horses then three deep into the turn, stalked off the rail on the bend and three wide into the stretch and also weakened.

FIFTH RACE.

1 Mile. Purse: $21,000. Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Prices $8,000-$7,000. Time 23.08 46.98 1:12.14 1:25.16 1:38.63


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

4 Excavation 113 3 1 2–1 2–1 2–½ 2–1 1–½ Velez 4.80
1 Top of the Game 120 1 5 1–hd 1–hd 1–1 1–1½ 2–1¼ Arroyo, Jr. 4.90
3 Comes the Dream 120 2 6 3–hd 3–hd 3–2½ 3–4 3–4¼ Gryder 8.10
8 Hey Sequoia 122 7 7 6–hd 6–4 5–½ 5–6 4–hd Fuentes 4.60
7 Kitten's Royal 120 6 2 4–hd 4–hd 4–1 4–hd 5–10½ Talamo 2.10
5 Speed Saver 120 4 3 7 7 7 7 6–½ Bonnet 19.80
6 Gray Admiral 122 5 4 5–3½ 5–3½ 6–5 6–2½ 7 Roman 4.30

4 EXCAVATION 11.60 5.00 4.20
1 TOP OF THE GAME 6.00 4.40
3 COMES THE DREAM 4.40
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (2-4)  $29.00
$1 EXACTA (4-1)  $34.20
$2 QUINELLA (1-4)  $23.20
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (4-1-3-8)  $73.14
50-CENT TRIFECTA (4-1-3)  $81.00

Winner–Excavation Ch.g.5 by Mineshaft out of Top Notch Lady, by Sultry Song. Bred by Nuckols Farm Inc & Graeme Lang (KY). Trainer: Steven Miyadi. Owner: Steven Miyadi. Mutuel Pool $224,933 Daily Double Pool $24,079 Exacta Pool $115,050 Quinella Pool $6,698 Superfecta Pool $45,703 Trifecta Pool $70,595. Claimed–Comes the Dream by Patrick Gallagher. Trainer: Patrick Gallagher. Claimed–Kitten's Royal by Scott Herbertson. Trainer: Ari Herbertson. Claimed–Speed Saver by Savvy Racing and Tamayo, Isidro. Trainer: Isidro Tamayo. Claimed–Gray Admiral by Twilight Racing LLC and Holden, Mark S. Trainer: Kristin Mulhall. Scratched–We're Just Sayin.

50-Cent Pick Three (2-2-4) paid $25.80. Pick Three Pool $53,654. 50-Cent Pick Four (7-2-2/9/10/11-4) 4 correct paid $316.90. Pick Four Pool $186,013. 50-Cent Pick Five (3/5/7-7-2-2/9/10/11-4) 5 correct paid $1,565.15. Pick Five Pool $628,409.

EXCAVATION dueled outside the runner-up, stalked that one off the rail leaving the second turn, angled out into the stretch and came back on under left handed urging to best that rival late. TOP OF THE GAME had speed inside to duel for the lead, inched away a bit off the rail leaving the second turn and into the stretch, drifted in some late and could not quite match the winner in the final strides. COMES THE DREAM angled in and stalked the pace inside throughout and bested the others. HEY SEQUOIA four wide into the first turn, chased outside a rival then off the rail, came four wide into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. KITTEN'S ROYAL also four wide into the first turn, stalked three deep then off the rail on the second turn and into the stretch and weakened. SPEED SAVER angled in on the first turn and saved ground off the pace, came out into the stretch then drifted back to the inside and gave way. GRAY ADMIRAL was in a good position stalking the pace between horses then off the rail leaving the second turn, dropped back into the stretch and had little left for the drive.

SIXTH RACE.

1 Mile Turf. Purse: $64,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $20,000. Time 23.08 47.15 1:11.22 1:22.82 1:34.51


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

8 Opus Won 120 8 1 1–1 1–½ 1–1 1–1½ 1–nk Prat 1.00
1 Sedamar 120 1 5 4–1 4–1 3–1½ 2–1 2–nk Fuentes 8.50
2 Shehastheritestuff 124 2 6 7–1½ 7–1 4–hd 3–3 3–7¼ Bejarano 3.30
9 Please Do 124 9 10 10 10 9–hd 7–hd 4–1 Pereira 20.60
5 Battleground State 124 5 8 9–2 9–½ 10 6–1 5–1¾ Arroyo, Jr. 19.00
7 Hot On the Trail 118 7 9 5–hd 6–hd 6–1 5–hd 6–hd Desormeaux 18.90
10 Lacey's Rainbow 122 10 3 8–½ 8–1 8–1 8–½ 7–1½ Franco 54.90
4 Marjorie E 124 4 2 3–hd 2–1 2–½ 4–2 8–1¼ Van Dyke 9.00
3 Lucky Ms Jones 124 3 7 6–hd 5–½ 7–hd 10 9–1½ Mn Garcia 15.20
6 Oh My Oh 118 6 4 2–½ 3–hd 5–½ 9–hd 10 Cedillo 22.80

8 OPUS WON 4.00 2.80 2.20
1 SEDAMAR 7.20 3.60
2 SHEHASTHERITESTUFF 3.00
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (4-8)  $25.20
$1 EXACTA (8-1)  $13.20
$2 QUINELLA (1-8)  $20.60
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (8-1-2-9)  $27.26
50-CENT TRIFECTA (8-1-2)  $20.40

Winner–Opus Won B.f.3 by Eddington out of Russian River, by Stravinsky. Bred by Frank Mermenstein & Tom McCrocklin (CA). Trainer: Richard Baltas. Owner: Little Red Feather Racing. Mutuel Pool $350,014 Daily Double Pool $36,488 Exacta Pool $211,528 Quinella Pool $10,271 Superfecta Pool $103,203 Trifecta Pool $141,127. Claimed–Battleground State by Ron Stolich. Trainer: Dean Greenman. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (2-4-8) paid $22.15. Pick Three Pool $38,967.

OPUS WON sped to the early lead, angled in and set the pace inside, inched away again leaving the second turn and into the stretch, edged clear under urging and held on gamely. SEDAMAR saved ground stalking the pace, came out into the stretch and finished willingly between foes late. SHEHASTHERITESTUFF stalked the winner along the inside, came out leaving the turn and four wide into the stretch and rallied to just miss three deep on the line. PLEASE DO angled in and settled a bit off the rail then outside a rival, came out leaving the second turn and four wide into the stretch and improved position. BATTLEGROUND STATE tugged outside a rival then angled in and saved ground off the pace, got through along the rail into the stretch and in midstretch and also improved position but was not a threat. HOT ON THE TRAIL four wide into the first turn, stalked three deep, came four wide into the stretch and weakened. LACEY'S RAINBOW three deep early, chased outside a rival, came three wide into the stretch and did not rally. MARJORIE E stalked between horses then bid between foes on the backstretch, battled outside the winner into the second turn, continued outside a foe leaving that turn, came out into the stretch and weakened. LUCKY MS JONES was in a good position stalking the pace between horses, dropped back on the second turn and into the stretch and also weakened. OH MY OH stalked three deep then outside a rival leaving the backstretch, also fell back on the second turn and weakened.

SEVENTH RACE.

1 Mile. Purse: $32,000. Maiden Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Prices $50,000-$40,000. Time 23.31 48.02 1:13.26 1:26.45 1:39.91


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

5 Unbroken Star 124 5 9 9 8–1 3–1½ 1–hd 1–1 Talamo 2.70
10 Zorich 111 9 7 4–hd 4–2 1–hd 2–1½ 2–2¾ Velez 3.90
4 Mongolian Hero 120 4 2 2–½ 2–hd 2–2½ 3–8 3–4¼ Cedillo 5.40
7 Ohtani 120 7 4 5–hd 6–hd 7–1 4–½ 4–2¼ Pereira 2.80
2 Super Classic 124 2 8 8–1½ 9 8–3½ 6–2 5–½ Payeras 52.60
9 Lostinthemoment 120 8 3 3–½ 3–hd 5–2 5–1 6–7¼ Van Dyke 4.90
6 Mongolian Legend 120 6 6 7–½ 5–½ 6–1 7–hd 7–9 Fuentes 17.60
1 Do Not Swipe Left 120 1 1 1–1 1–hd 4–1½ 8–10 8–17 Puglisi 26.90
3 Midnight in Maui 120 3 5 6–2 7–2 9 9 9 Antongeorgi III 40.90

5 UNBROKEN STAR 7.40 4.60 3.60
10 ZORICH 4.60 4.00
4 MONGOLIAN HERO 4.20
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (8-5)  $13.60
$1 EXACTA (5-10)  $15.80
$2 QUINELLA (5-10)  $24.80
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (5-10-4-7)  $17.03
$1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (5-10-4-7-2)  $1,047.40
50-CENT TRIFECTA (5-10-4)  $34.60

Winner–Unbroken Star Ch.g.4 by Broken Vow out of Bachata, by Kingmambo. Bred by Pin Oak Stud, LLC (KY). Trainer: Ronald W. Ellis. Owner: Albert and Kathleen Mattivi, LLC. Mutuel Pool $299,287 Daily Double Pool $121,427 Exacta Pool $176,756 Quinella Pool $9,340 Superfecta Pool $97,746 Super High Five Pool $24,708 Trifecta Pool $116,639. Claimed–Unbroken Star by Slugo Racing. Trainer: Mike Puype. Scratched–Potantico.

$2 Pick Six Jackpot (7-2-2/9/10/11-4-8-5/8) . Pick Six Jackpot Carryover $153,939. 50-Cent Pick Three (4-8-5) paid $26.30. Pick Three Pool $108,556. 50-Cent Pick Four (2/9/10/11-4-8-5/8) 4 correct paid $89.25. Pick Four Pool $422,648. 50-Cent Pick Five (2-2/9/10/11-4-8-5/8) 5 correct paid $188.35. Pick Five Pool $333,754. $2 Pick Six (7-2-2/9/10/11-4-8-5/8) 5 out of 6 paid $38.40. $2 Pick Six (7-2-2/9/10/11-4-8-5/8) 6 correct paid $7,280.00. Pick Six Pool $95,389. $1 Place Pick All 7 correct paid $349.20. Place Pick All Pool $35,929.

UNBROKEN STAR broke a bit slowly, was taken out into the first turn, moved up boldly outside into and on the second turn and four wide into the stretch, took the lead outside foes nearing midstretch and inched away in the final sixteenth under a couple taps of the whip and steady handling. ZORICH four wide into and out of the first turn, bid four wide on the backstretch then three deep on the second turn, took the lead outside a rival leaving that turn, was between foes nearing midstretch then fought back off the rail inside the winner in the drive and could not quite match that one late. MONGOLIAN HERO stalked a bit off the rail then bid between horses on the backstretch, took the advantage early on the second turn, angled in and fought back inside leaving that turn and into the stretch and bested the others. OHTANI chased between horses, dropped back off the rail on the second turn, came three wide into the stretch and did not rally. SUPER CLASSIC settled inside then a bit off the rail on the backstretch, came out on the second turn and four wide into the stretch and also lacked a rally. LOSTINTHEMOMENT stalked then bid three deep between foes on the backstretch, dropped back and angled in on the second turn and weakened. MONGOLIAN LEGEND chased three deep, angled in on the second turn, came out in upper stretch and had little left for the drive as the rider dropped the whip in deep stretch. DO NOT SWIPE LEFT sped to the early lead, set the pace inside then dueled along thee rail, fell back on the second turn and gave way. MIDNIGHT IN MAUI between horses early, tugged along the inside stalking the pace, dropped back into and on the second turn, came out into the stretch, gave way and was eased in the drive.


AttendanceHandle
On-Track7,020$721,530
Inter-Track3,579$1,811,368
Out of StateN/A$5,008,220
TOTAL10,599 $7,541,118

Del Mar Entries for Friday, July 26.

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar, California. $2 Win, Place and Show; $1 Exacta, $2 Quinella, 50-cent Trifecta, $2 Rolling Double, 50-cent rolling Pick 3; 10-cent Superfecta; 50-cent Pick 4 last 4 races; 50-cent Players Pick 5 first 5 races; $2 Pick 6 last 6 races; $1 Place Pick All; $1 Super High Five last race. Trifecta needs 4 betting interests; Superfecta needs 6. 8th day of a 36-day meet.

FIRST RACE.

5½ Furlongs. Purse: $36,000. Maiden Claiming. 2 year olds. Claiming Prices $80,000-$70,000.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Istain ManRuben Fuentes118Luis Mendez7-270,000
2Test the WaterAlonso Quinonez118Luis Mendez4-170,000
3VerifiedRafael Bejarano120J. Keith Desormeaux5-280,000
4Bobs Blues ManAbel Cedillo120Val Brinkerhoff8-180,000
5Final FinalGeovanni Franco120Bill McLean20-180,000
6ChampersTiago Pereira120Tim McCanna10-180,000
7ItsthattimeEdwin Maldonado120Jeff Bonde4-180,000
8Bad BeatEvin Roman120Adam Kitchingman8-180,000

SECOND RACE.

1 Mile. Purse: $64,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $40,000.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1ChickatiniMartin Garcia122Peter Eurton5-1
2Lucky PeridotFlavien Prat118Peter Miller9-5
3QuerelleTiago Pereira118James M. Cassidy10-1
4KaydetreBrice Blanc122David A. Randall3-1
5Into ChocolateMike Smith118Clifford W. Sise, Jr.8-5

THIRD RACE.

5 Furlongs Turf. Purse: $64,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $20,000. State bred.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1PortandoRuben Fuentes124Michael W. McCarthy5-220,000
2Young HendrickMartin Garcia122Philip D'Amato4-1
3Tribal War ChantIII Antongeorgi118Ed Moger, Jr.12-1
4WestmontJorge Velez117Anthony K. Saavedra20-1
5General InterestKent Desormeaux122Robert B. Hess, Jr.12-1
6Tiger DadAssael Espinoza118Carla Gaines4-1
7Joe JacksonEvin Roman122Jack Carava5-1
8Three Ay EmRafael Bejarano118Doug F. O'Neill3-1

FOURTH RACE.

1 Mile. Purse: $25,000. Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Prices $12,500-$10,500.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1C C the BartenderRuben Fuentes120Jonathan Wong5-112,500
2Cee Sam's GirlAbel Cedillo120George Papaprodromou10-112,500
3WatheeqaTiago Pereira122James M. Cassidy7-212,500
4GemagineAgapito Delgadillo114Jonathan Wong6-110,500
5DurangaJorge Velez113Peter Miller5-212,500
6Love of Art Rafael Bejarano120Jeffrey Metz8-112,500
7Road TestJ.C. Diaz, Jr.115Dallas E. Keen3-112,500

FIFTH RACE.

1 Mile Turf. Purse: $61,000. Maiden Special Weight. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. State bred.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Nothing But HeatBrice Blanc124Peter Eurton6-1
2AnconaGeovanni Franco120Carla Gaines15-1
3Sidepocket ChargerAaron Gryder124Philip D'Amato10-1
4Si MamacitaAlonso Quinonez120Michael W. McCarthy20-1
5GoodtingscominpinkRuben Fuentes120Vladimir Cerin5-2
6Ebb and FlowJorge Velez113Mike Puype20-1
7Incredibly LuckyTiago Pereira124William Spawr7-2
8Golden NecklaceJoseph Talamo120James M. Cassidy5-1
9Full CourtIII Antongeorgi124Jorge Gutierrez20-1
10Flying to the LineFlavien Prat120Peter Miller9-2
11Alicia's PrideEvin Roman120Daniel Dunham20-1
Also Eligible
12Spanish ChannelJ.C. Diaz, Jr.113Jesus Mendoza20-1
13Y Not SizzleAaron Gryder120Jeff Mullins3-1
14Super BunnyNorberto Arroyo, Jr.120Peter Miller10-1

SIXTH RACE.

1 Mile. Purse: $21,000. Maiden Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $20,000.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Blue Skye JadeJorge Velez113Craig Anthony Lewis5-120,000
2Mad At MoneyAlonso Quinonez120Thomas Ray Bell, II8-120,000
3Malibu MagicEvin Roman124Bobby Wayne Grayson20-120,000
4Starship ChewyGeovanni Franco124Howard L. Zucker20-120,000
5HypersonicEdwin Maldonado120Jeffrey Metz7-220,000
6Indy JonesJ.C. Diaz, Jr.113Val Brinkerhoff5-120,000
7Derby StormIgnacio Puglisi120Ruben Gomez10-120,000
8CaeciliusMartin Pedroza120William Spawr4-120,000
9Union StationTiago Pereira120Eoin G. Harty3-120,000

SEVENTH RACE.

1 1/16 Mile Turf. Purse: $150,000. 'California Dreamin' Stakes'. 3 year olds and up. State bred.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Tule FogRafael Bejarano119Javier Jose Sierra12-1
2What a ViewNorberto Arroyo, Jr.127Philip D'Amato6-1
3Grecian FireMike Smith123J. Keith Desormeaux5-1
4AshleyluvssugarBrice Blanc125Peter Eurton9-2
5The Street FighterEdwin Maldonado121Bruce Headley15-1
6The HuntedTiago Pereira123Richard Baltas7-2
7HardbootMario Gutierrez119Michele Dollase20-1
8BrandothebartenderJoseph Talamo121Craig Dollase10-1
9AcclimateMartin Garcia123Philip D'Amato5-1
10Ultimate BangoRuben Fuentes121Blake R. Heap10-1
11Smokey ImageFlavien Prat119Carla Gaines15-1

EIGHTH RACE.

6½ Furlongs. Purse: $21,000. Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Prices $8,000-$7,000.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Victory IceMartin Pedroza120Molly J. Pearson15-18,000
2Topaz TimeRuben Fuentes122Paul G. Aguirre3-18,000
3Empress of LovJorge Velez113Craig Dollase10-18,000
4Red Livy Agapito Delgadillo122Rafael DeLeon5-18,000
5Party HostessAlonso Quinonez118Jorge Periban6-17,000
6Todos SantosMario Gutierrez120Steve Knapp7-28,000
7Forbidden CommandAlex Jimenez120Justin B. Clark20-18,000
8Lovely LindaEswan Flores120Antonio Garcia30-18,000
9Mama's KidBrayan Pena120Sal Gonzalez20-18,000
10Mixed EmotionsJ.C. Diaz, Jr.111J. Eric Kruljac6-17,000
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