Bucky back at his Kentucky home

DEL MAR, Calif. - The first Del Mar stakes winner for Kim and John Glenney did not stay in Southern California long after his victory.

Within 12 hours of winning the restricted Letitride.com Stakes on Thursday, Kim Loves Bucky was on his way to the Glenneys' home in Lexington, Ky.

Kim Glenney is the owner and John trains Kim Loves Bucky ($29.60), who ran 1 3/8 miles on turf in 2:14.12, winning by three-quarters of a length over War Declaration, who finished a nose in front of Prairieton.

This is the third year the Glenneys have shipped a small stable to Del Mar. As Kentucky breeders, they have a small broodmare band that is led by Lady's Secret, the 1986 Horse of the Year.

Purchased for $750,000 a few years ago, Lady's Secret is currently at Valley Creek Farm in California and is believed to be in foal to Skip Away, John Glenney said. He said plans are for Lady's Secret to deliver the foal in California next year and then be bred back to a California stallion.

"She's getting a little older," he said of the 19-year-old mare. "Those Kentucky winters can be a little harsh."

The Glenneys have a 2-year-old Seattle Slew gelding out of Lady's Secret, who may debut later this year. They also have a Skip Away yearling out of the mare.

The Glenneys brought six to Del Mar this year, and John Glenney said the number is not likely to grow in coming seasons.

"I don't know if we can handle too many more and still have fun," John Glenney said.

This year, All six were housed in outdoor pens covered with a plywood roof. Though the accommodations were spartan, Glenney said it was ideal for Kim Loves Bucky.

"Bucky is kind of a funny horse," he said. "He doesn't do well in a stall. He gets turned out every day when we're at home."

Pick six no picnic

Sunday's $1 million Pacific Classic is the first leg of a pick six that features a guaranteed pool of $1 million.

The pick six covers the fifth through 10th races, but does not feature many easy races for handicappers to ponder.

Skimming, the defending champion in the Pacific Classic, will be a short price in the fifth race. In the sixth race, for maiden sprinters, No Socks Doc, a troubled third in his debut, and Decision, third behind Millennium Wind last November, will be well-backed.

The seventh race, a one-mile allowance race, is led by Wild Roar, an impressive maiden winner on July 28. Gabrellina Giof, second in the Grade 2 San Clemente Handicap, heads the eighth race, the Finlandia Cup Stakes over a mile on turf.

In the ninth race, Hot Warsaw Nights and Slippery When Bet lead a wide-open starter allowance over a mile. In the finale, for claimers on turf, Go will be favored on the basis of his three-length win on Aug. 4.

Tamara Princess wins again

Tamara Princess, a 3-year-old full-sister to 2000 champion older female Riboletta, remained unbeaten on Thursday with a three-length win in an allowance race over a mile.

Trainer Eduardo Inda said Tamara Princess may resurface in the restricted $75,000 Torrey Pines Stakes for 3-year-old fillies over a mile on Aug. 31.

"We'll consider it, but it's only 15 days away," Inda said.

Ridden by Mike Smith, Tamara Princess ($4.40) stalked pacesetter Premiere Event to the final turn and pulled away in early stretch. She finished a mile in 1:36.95. "I think there were three or four more gears in there if I needed them," Smith said.

Bred in Brazil, Tamara Princess is owned by Aaron and Marie Jones. "I thought this was very good, and I was very pleased," Inda said. "She's got a beautiful stride."