Dearest Trickski will be gunning it

DEL MAR, Calif. - Dearest Trickski will firmly be at the center of attention in Sunday's $200,000 Rancho Bernardo Handicap at Del Mar.

Already a winner of three stakes this year, Dearest Trickski will set the pace in the Grade 3 Rancho Bernardo, which is run over 6 1/2 furlongs for fillies and mares. The race is part of the Breeders' Cup Win and You're In program for the BC Filly and Mare Sprint at Santa Anita on Oct. 24, subject to the payment of entry fees.

There will not be much of a strategy session in the paddock for Dearest Trickski's team - jockey Mike Smith and trainer John Sadler. Dearest Trickski will have the lead, a style she used in victories in the Grade 1 La Brea, Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Sprint, and Grade 2 A Gleam Handicap this year.

"With her, there is no strategy," Sadler said.

There are plenty of opponents, though. Dearest Trickski starts from post 7 in a field of 10, few of which have the same speed.

Magnificience, second to Dearest Trickski in the A Gleam Handicap at Hollywood Park on June 28, can race near the front, but must break well. She was slow away from the gate in the A Gleam.

Trainer Bruce Headley has schooled Magnificience at the gate in recent weeks.

"She paid attention," Headley said. "This is a very laid-back filly, very happy with her surroundings. I think she can get too relaxed."

La Tee showed speed earlier in her career, but trainer Mark Glatt would prefer that she race off the pace.

"If we get tied up with [Dearest Trickski] that could be trouble," he said. "The idea of having her off the pace is the agenda."

La Tee was second to Rancho Bernardo entrant Highland Torree in the CERF Handicap over six furlongs here Aug. 1.

"I know it's a tough race, but I think I've got something good," said Rafael DeLeon, who trains Highland Torree.

Society Hostess, unraced since finishing second in the Grade 1 Santa Monica Handicap at Santa Anita in February, makes her Del Mar debut in the Rancho Bernardo. In her recent works, Society Hostess has performed better when in company, according to Nicholas Bachalard, assistant trainer to Christophe Clement.

"Her last breeze was in company and she breezed well," Bachalard said. "The time before that, she was on her own and she can do what she wants. She's a bit temperamental.

"Racing has never been a problem. In the mornings, she's a bit of a character."