Ay Dee Dee has edge on turf

SAN MATEO, Calif. - Ay Dee Dee holds a special place in the heart of former trainer Brent Sumja. She was his last winner as a trainer.

Ay Dee Dee may get Sumja back in the winner's circle Wednesday at the Bay Meadows Fair, this time as an owner, when she takes on seven 3-year-old fillies in a $20,000 claimer at one mile on the turf.

Ay Dee Dee beat a similar field over the course June 5, before Sumja retired from training to become a stockbroker. Only one of her rivals Wednesday also has a turf victory, and five of her opponents are making their turf debuts.

"She's taken to the turf quite well. We want to keep her there," said Aggie Ordonez, Sumja's assistant, who has taken over the barn for him.

In her turf debut, Ay Dee Dee sat off the pace and made a strong move in the lane, winning by two lengths as the favorite under northern California's leading turf rider, Ron Warren, who takes the call again Wednesday.

Ay Dee Dee then ran fifth in a $50,000 claimer at Hollywood Park on July 8.

Pleasure Fair, who also has a victory over the turf here, could be the main threat. She has more tactical speed than Ay Dee Dee and went wire to wire in her turf victory.

Exorbitant, second at Santa Rosa for a $20,000 tag off a claim, could be a factor in her turf debut.