Euroears, Champ Pegasus nearing returns

Shigeki Kikkawa

Euroears is set to return in the Grade 1, $250,000 Bing Crosby Stakes at six furlongs on July 31.

DEL MAR, Calif - Two prominent stakes horses who had excellent Santa Anita campaigns before last racing in Dubai are nearing returns at Del Mar.

The wickedly fast sprinter Euroears, second in the Golden Shaheen after winning the Palos Verdes earlier this year, rocketed from the gate at Del Mar on Monday morning, going six furlongs in 1:11.40. He is set to return in the Grade 1, $250,000 Bing Crosby Stakes at six furlongs on July 31.

“He went nice,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “He came back from Dubai pretty jarred up.”

Champ Pegasus, 12th in the Sheema Classic in his last start and second in last fall’s Breeders’ Cup Turf, is a little farther away from a race, but should be ready by the end of the meet. He worked an easy five furlongs in 1:04 on Sunday.

“He should be ready in a month, and then we’ll see which way to go,” said Richard Mandella, who trains Champ Pegasus. “He came back a little banged up from Dubai, nothing major. He needed a rest, and he’s doing great again.”

Multiple stakes entrants for Mandella

Mandella is expected to send out both Dynamo and Rumor in pursuit of the Grade 2, $150,000 San Clemente Handicap for 3-year-old fillies on the turf on Sunday.

The San Clemente, at one mile, is a prep for next month’s Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks.

Sarah’s Secret, winner of the Honeymoon Handicap in her last start at Hollywood Park, heads the prospective field for the San Clemente. Others expected for the race include Bonita Star, Carousel, Great Hot, Justenufappeal, Mizdirection, Rosehill Dew, and possibly Up In Time.

On Saturday, Mandella has three prospects – Calle Vista, Miss Pleasant, and Timezone – for the $85,000 Osunitas Handicap for older female turf horses at 1 1/16 miles.

“I’ll run at least one,” Mandella said.

Others likely for the Osunitas are Andina, City to City, Kayce Ace, Lilly Fa Pootz, Middle Club, Ninth Infantry, Turning Top, and Wild Mia.

Medaglia d’Amour will pass the race, trainer Ben Cecil said.

“I think she needs a couple more works,” Cecil said.

◗ The top-class 3-year-old filly Turbulent Descent, tuning up for the Test Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 6, flew through five furlongs in 59.40 seconds on Tuesday morning for trainer Mike Puype. The time was the best of 33 recorded at the distance. Turbulent Descent was beaten as the favorite on a sloppy track in the Acorn Stakes at Belmont Park in her last start.