Camino Del Paraiso just might be worth a bet

DEL MAR, Calif. – The figures say that Camino Del Paraiso ran the best race of his life last time, but his fourth-place finish against statebred company just might mask his form enough to make him a solid gamble at Del Mar in Thursday’s featured race 7, an upper-level allowance for older horses going 1 1/16 miles on turf.

Three weeks ago in the 1 1/16-mile California Dreamin’ Stakes, Camino Del Paraiso ran into some traffic trouble on the far turn before finishing with a rush. The race winner, Fly to Mars, set a course record, and Camino Del Paraiso exited with a 97 Beyer Speed Figure, the best of his 23-race career.

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Aboard Thursday will be Rafael Bejarano, who rode him last time. Fly to Mars, meanwhile, is bound for the Del Mar Mile on Sunday.

“He was a little farther back than I wanted him to be last time,” said O.J. Jauregui, who trains Camino Del Paraiso. “I think his better races are when he’s a little bit closer.”

Eight are entered in Thursday’s race, and it’s a terrific field for the level with plenty of angles. The field includes Full of Luck and Cistron, who are trying slightly softer company; Ann Arbor Eddie, who just won one rung below this; stretch-out sprinters Law Abidin Citizen and El Huerfano; and the comebacking Liam the Charmer.

KEY CONTENDERS

Camino Del Paraiso, by Suances
Last 3 Beyers: 97-85-90

◗ His lone turf victory in 14 tries came over this course.

◗ The stretch-out sprinters in the field should offer pace that would aid his kick.

Full of Luck, by Lookin At Lucky
Last 3 Beyers: 90-89-96

◗ He shortens up and moves back to turf after tries at longer distances on dirt, including the 1 1/2-mile Cougar II.

◗ In his last turf race, he finished 11th in the Grade 3 San Francisco Mile at Golden Gate Fields in March. That race was his first in this country and came off a five-month layoff.

Cistron, by The Factor
Last 3 Beyers: 88-95-90

◗ He moved into the teeth of a hot pace last time before yielding in the final furlong and finishing seventh in the one-mile Wickerr here. He might be at his best around one turn.

Ann Arbor Eddie, by Square Eddie
Last 3 Beyers: 89-91-88

◗ He won a second-level allowance here on opening day of what has been a terrific meet for his connections.

Law Abidin Citizen, by Twirling Candy
Last 3 Beyers: 86-92-74

◗ He’s never gone two turns on turf but he’ll appreciate not having to go against top turf sprinters Stormy Liberal and Tribalist this time.

Liam the Charmer, by Smart Strike
Last 3 Beyers: 93-96-97

◗ This will be his first start in nearly one year, and his first since being gelded.

“A mile and a sixteenth might be a little sharp for him, but it’s a good place to get him started,” said his trainer, Michael McCarthy.