Churchill turf refugees could end up in Seabiscuit

DEL MAR, Calif. – The abandonment of grass racing at Churchill Downs next week could result in Imperador and In Love, who were slated for the Grade 3 River City on Friday, instead coming to Del Mar for the Grade 2, $200,000 Seabiscuit at 1 1/16 miles on turf Nov. 28. Both Imperador – a two-time Group 1 winner in his native Argentina – and In Love are South American imports trained by Paulo Lobo.

Chad Brown could run Flavius, fifth most recently in the Grade 1 Shadwell Mile.

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◗ Sunday’s Del Mar card features the debut of the well-regarded 2-year-old Life Is Good, an Into Mischief colt trained by Bob Baffert who faces maidens going 6 1/2 furlongs in race 2. At this meet last year on Nov. 9, Baffert sent out an Into Mischief colt who was a winner on debut versus maidens. You may have heard of him. Name is Authentic.

◗ Later Sunday, in race 5 against older maidens, the 5-year-old gelding Dynamic Duo makes his 64th career start in search of his first win. He’s encroaching on territory of the infamous Zippy Chippy, who was retired after losing 100 races. Now 29, Zippy Chippy is a popular attraction at Old Friends at Cabin Creek in upstate New York.