Del Mar: Daily Gameplan for Thursday, July 17

Race 1

Tuckers Point

Not concerned about the layoff off the claim; he has worked steady since June 16 and his connections were likely just waiting on Dmr, where he is 1 for 2; no match for Fit to Rule at SA in April and May and also lost to Big Wags in March; so needs to elevate his game for the new barn and with the surface switch.

Hawk's Eyes (BRZ)

There are no absolutes in racing, but the common thinking is that many turf horses like the Poly; certainly if this one takes to the surface he is going to be a major force; he owns lofty Beyers and has been competitive in claimers ranging from 25K to 50K; the downside, beyond the uncertainly of whether he takes to the surface, is the layoff going back to April.

Diamondsdiplomat

Here is another April comebacker, and a dropper, too; unfortunately his form has been dismal in 2014; connections hope to turn things around with him with the move to synthetic, where he has compiled a nice record of 15-3-3-2 with earnings of 110K; still, mighty hard to get past those last few failures.

Mr. Candy Bar

Just to prove that not all turf horses are as good on the synthetic, his record is an example - 8-0-0-0; he has at least run some good figures at times on the synthetic with an 86 being his top and his local best being a 76; encouraged by the class drop and return of Tyler Baze, who was up for his last win Apr. 3.

Old Man Lake

Simply couldn't keep up last time vs. SA sprinters after previously winning at Turf Paradise vs. easier; connections are smart to give him a class drop; take note that he has a win and a second in two starts at Del Mar; managed to run well around two turns on the grass at Turf Paradise, but having been campaigned mostly as a sprinter and being by Salt Lake, a speed sire, still iffy going a mile on Poly.

May Weather

Prefer to see a race from this one on this circuit; he took 26 starts to get his third win and then did so against New Mexico-bred N3L runners; there were only 5 opponents in the race, too; inferior Beyers, though he did manage to run third in a race at Del Mar long ago.

Harlington Night

Has continued a steady descent since winning two straight at Santa Anita last year; his only competitive race over that stretch came in May on the grass; at least he showed a little bit of life last time by racing up close for six furlongs vs. a notch better.

Cook Inlet

Post Hollendorfer starts have not been as good; he was fifth June 5 and third June 26 in a five-horse field; last time he pretty much just passed a tired horse; low figures in his last two; the good news is he is 2 for 4 at Del Mar and 10-4-3-1 overall on synthetic.

Big Wags

Makes his first start off the claim for Spawr; ran gamely two back to win but was a not show in his latest after being keen behind a slow pace; this is a horse that throws in the occasional race where he gets beat 10+ lengths; 1 for 5 at Del Mar and 23-5-5-4 on synthetic; mixed signals.

Fit to Rule

Though he disappointed last out as the favorite when third, overall his form is far superior to others in the race; he won three in a row at SA and Hollendorfer though enough to claim him last time; 4-1-1-1 on synthetic, a record that includes a second locally; drops off a claim but for Jerry H, who is aggressive with his claiming stock; enough speed to hopefully offset his wide draw.

Northern Force

The first of four also eligibles, he stands a good chance if he can draw in, dropping out of starter allowances and having recorded a win and a second over this track previously; showed the ability to go a route in his last three.

Barney Rebel (IRE)

Blinkers come off following a series of blah performances, and now he returns from a lengthy layoff; quick 5f works in his last two, but bear in mind for a comebacker, trainers are looking for stiffer works to get them ready.

My Jealous

Is stuck on the AE list here, and probably best if he stays there; his sprint form is very good and he is 1 for 1 on synthetic, but it would seem that a shorter race would serve him better than going a mile anyway.

When We Met

Obviously things to like if he gets in; he just won a richer claimer at SA and in the process finished in front of Fit to Rule; he also is a 4-time winner on the synthetic, handling Tapeta without difficulty. - Byron King

Race 2

Vulnerable Favorite

CITIZENSHIP (#6, 3-1) opens as the ML favorite as she takes the most important drop in the game (straight maiden to maiden claiming) and hails from a barn which excels with maidens (Baffert). That being said, she was sidelined 20 months before returning to duel and fizzle at LRC earlier this month. At least there’s no layoff but Baffert’s runners are usually primed to fire big off the bench. If she was cranked off the bench for that July 3 race that certainly wasn’t an encouraging return, and now they’re willing to part with her for $20K. She was even-money July 3 so you’ll likely be embracing another short price here if you still believe. -Michael Hammersly

Queen Mad

Would have to be willing to ignore latest; the good news is she is back on a synthetic surface; her only other start on an all-weather strip was a show finish producing the 2nd highest-Beyer speed figure of career; added blinkers 2 races ago on dirt with mixed reviews; flashed better gate speed in latest; gets a great pace setup with a lot of other gate speed signed on; saves ground stalking then makes one run.

Stored Attaq

New owner and trainer off the PIM runner-up debut finish on dirt; 1st blinkers is a 10%-win angle from the trainer while her DMR workout for this was not very enticing; the added half furlong off the debut rally is a plus; the winner from last Beyered 58 when finishing 2nd in a DEL-20K claimer next out.

Bird In Love (GB)

Is the one to catch even coming off a career-low speed figure; has been best on grass; debut on turf in January represents a field-best Beyer; was claimed by a 22%-win trainer which helps the cause; she is another who has never raced on a synthetic surface but worked well on all-weather strips last summer including a DMR drill last August; the 3-back winner repeated in a GG-optional claimer with a 76.

Lustrous Suances

Bet strongly in the debut loss where she was outrun and claimed; is a rarity for the new trainer who does not show a 1st off-the-claim starter since at least 2013; she is another who has never raced or worked out on a synthetic surface; debut rider sides with Stored Attaq; the winner from last narrowly lost next out in an LRC-starter alw. with a 69 Beyer.

Galway Bay

The winner from last repeated in an LRC-starter alw. with a 70 Beyer; began 2014 posting average workouts on BHP synthetic; she has never raced on an all-weather strip; claimed from her latest where troubled vs. Splendid Outcast; projects to press a hot pace then hopes to show better stamina than in recent losses.

Citizenship

High-percentage trainer wins just 15% going MSW-to-maiden claimer the biggest-class drop in racing; she likely needed last start right off the more than 1-year layoff; she unveiled here in 2012 flashing gate speed then dueled into defeat; the 2-back winner repeated in an SA-optional claimer with an 83 Beyer; catches a field top heavy with other gate speed which likely compromises her win hopes.

Splendid Outcast

Exits back-to-back Beyer Tops; projects to race far back early then make one run rallying into a hot pace; gets her 1st race test on a synthetic surface after posting a decent 3F-DMR drill 4 days ago; the winner from last repeated in an LRC-starter alw. with a 70 Beyer; she could have used more yardage in last and gets it here; the 3-back runner-up finisher graduated next out in a SA-50K-maiden claimer with a 68.

Met Spirit

Has yet to defeat 1 runner in 2 races combined which makes today's 1st-blinkered start and racing on a synthetic surface a tough call; in 2013 worked slowly on DMR synthetic and today gets her 1st race test on an all-weather oval.

Full of Spice

Pace presence with Bird in Love; she races today at her longest-distance test ever; strong-win angles from the barn including 23% with long-layoff types and 21%-wiinning blinkers-off; defeated 5 runners combined in 3 other synthetic-surface losses; new rider won both the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness; know her early but unsure about late.

Nonna Reese

Consistent sort on the main track; her 1 race on a synthetic surface represents a career-low Beyer; removes blinkers for the 1st time ever after the beaten-betting favorite on dirt at today's distance defeating the show finisher who Beyered 48 in a next-out LRC-20K-maiden-claiming win.

Birthday Surprise

Shown zero gate speed in routes; she figures to race far back early then make 1 run; posted a mild worktab last summer on DMR synthetic and will be racing on it for the 1st time ever today; 0-for-13 trainer since 2013 using the turf-to-synthetic angle; the 3-back winner repeated in an SA allowance with a 73 Beyer.

Spirit of Ten

2-for-2 in dirt exactas; main knock and hard to ignore her career-low Beyer in her only start on a synthetic surface; it is a key race as the winner and runner-up finisher Beyered 62-56 in next-out SA-50K-claiming and BHP-30K-maiden-claiming wins; will lose ground breaking wide but still figures to work out a good trip stalking the inside speed.

Take It Slowly

Major player if in as she exits a best-last-race Beyer when finishing evenly in her GG debut; the runner-up finisher from last Beyered 67 in a next-out OTP-MSW win; the added distance here and experience gained in her unveiling are positives; the trainer wins 26% with the biggest class drop in racing MSW-to-maiden claiming; wish the post-race worktab was quicker but there is a lot else to like.

Rock N Bunny

Same owner with a new trainer for start 2; took betting money in her unveiling but was a non-factor throughout; is another who has never raced or worked out on a synthetic surface; 75 days to regroup from her unveiling so will be taking a wait and see approach. - Art Gropper

Race 3

Spot Play

VELVET MESQUITE (#1, 6-1) is a sharp runner coming off a series of competitive races on dirt and turf; seems like the type to like Polytrack, and benefits from catching numerous comebackers. - Byron King

Velvet Mesquite

Continues her sharp form; yes, all 5 career wins have come on turf and this is her first crack at synthetic but you've seen many a turf horse move to this synthetic track and thrive; note, too, she handled dirt quite nicely at SA May 11 so odds are she'll handle this place just fine; bigger issue is whether she can handle some tough gals as she steps up in price, but she's got a winning habit, tactical speed and versatility so there are more than a few positives here.

Hail Mary

2 of 3 wins came on synthetic including a smashing win over optional claimers here a year ago, so at least you know she likes this place; hasn't been seen for nearly 10 months, though, after giving way badly in a turf sprint stakes at SA last Sept. 28; good news, though, is she's been working terrifically for D' Amato who was an assistant to now-retired Mike Mitchell, and Mitchell was superb off the bench and you can see from his sizzling stat of 6 for his last 12 (50%) off a layoff of 180 days or more that D' Amato learned his lessons well.

Zilber (BRZ)

Scary new face; mare comes from Brazil with a gaudy resume: won 6 of 9 there including a couple G2s; hasn't run in the U.S. or had any action of any kind in almost 11 months but it's Mr. Mandella calling the shots and he, of course, is strong off the bench; mare is proven off the bench, too, and she won her last 4 starts there including a Grade 2 over boys when last seen; strong works say she's doing well in her new surroundings.

My Happy Face

Quality filly makes her first start of the year; that would be a bit disconcerting except for the fact she's done good work before off the bench (2nd in a G2 off a layoff; a SW off a long layoff); strong 3rd in the G1 Test at SAR last Aug. 24 (beaten just a neck) validates her quality; been working smartly for Miller who just won the LRC training title and is strong off the bench and gets a likely very hungry returning Bejarano to do the steering.

Biorhythm

Filly can flat sizzle; yes, there's other speed in here but likely she's the quickest of the bunch; been on turf of late, yes, but note a nice maidens win on KEE's Polytrack in April 2013, so this footing should be no issue; comes off a couple fine turf sprint stakes where maybe that last half-furlong just was a smidge too much fo rher, at least at that level; no such issue today going just 6fs with LRC leading rider Van Dyke staying aboard.

Kinz Funky Monkey

Gal she chased in the G3 Las Flores (Judy the Beauty) is likely the 2nd best sprinting distaffer in the lane (behind Midnight Lucky) so no shame in losing to her; G3 waters may have proved a tad too much but today she drops a bit and has been given plenty of time since that race to regroup (4 1/2 months); broke her maiden over this track in Sept. 2012 so she handles this place; even so, her main weapon is her speed but the gal to her left may be quicker and while today's a class drop the field is stakes-worthy. - Michael Hammersly

Race 4

Heaveneleven

Barn's lone runner adds the shades while drawing the fence for his first local start; he did show solid early foot before backing out of it at the level last month at Santa Anita and there may not be much of that commodity in here, but given the fact he rarely saves much for the drive he's best used underneath in exotics if at all.

Super Reagan

Drops in half in claiming price to the level of this outfit's 2 back claim; late runner may appreciate the stretchout some as the dam did drop a route winner and this gelding has been working ok of late; class relief warrants him a look.

Cotton Valley

He's in for a tag for the initial time with a solid interim drill in tow for his return from the brief freshening; gelding has shown very little but he has been running in much faster races and if he's capable of repeating those efforts here he could prove to be a huge threat; one of his 2 sibs to race was a 4 time route winner; contender.

Jack Diz

Stretches out with a couple of sprint tries under his belt for a barn that hasn't had much recent luck with the move; gelding did return to work sharply at Santa Anita last week and both of his dam's wins came routing so expect he'll move forward some at today's extended trip.

Hold Everything

Didn't have enough left late when dropped in for a tag for the first time in his turf debut and now he'll drop again while returning to dirt; Baffert gelding hasn't shown much of anything this year and though he's been working better of late, don't know that he's going to be able to bounce back with a much improved try here; have to pass on him.

Three Point Luke

Neither of his sprint starts was much and now he'll add shades for the initial route spin; his SP dam was off the board in each of her 3 route tries but her other foal to race did win going long; he was caught wide in the Los Al spin in his first start of the year and could be better with the try out of the way, but he's got some improving to do.

Giant Cowboy

Goes for another new outfit after again faring poorly while sprinting at Santa Anita; barn boasts some solid numbers with its stretchouts and this guy did work well last week for this; he's kin to 3 multiple route winners so though the price will be big he does have a right to move forward some at this trip.

Aftermarketslam

Barn's second runner in here makes his first start off their claim after being given a little extra training time to get ready for the stretchout; his sire was a G1 SW turf router and the lightly raced dam was second in her lone route try so this guy should move up given today's added real estate in front of him; consider.

Golden Chalice

Statebred tries open company while in for a tag for the first time here; they'll remove shades off that last out fade and he did run rather well when third in his initial dirt route 2 back at Santa Anita; solid interim drills suggest he may well be set to get back on track in this spot; giving him the bounce back nod.

Money Fan

Outside drawn colt ships cross country to make his first start out here while dropping in for his cheapest price yet; he showed a little early foot before backing up at Belmont, but his lone 2 turn spin at Oaklawn wasn't very good; tough to get too excited about this new face from out here.

Gilmar

AE tries dirt for the first time after getting a little closer to the winner on the stretchout last time; he has no speed but he is related to a multiple main track route winner so maybe this is what he wants to do; price will be right if he gets in.

He's a Real Keeper

AE ran ok for second money at the trip and level off the brief freshening in his Santa Anita finale; gelding doesn't have any early foot and the barn doesn't win many races; maybe for a share if he gets to go from this tough slot.

Canopus

AE is mired on the list and not likely to make his first start on dirt in here; he will be dropping in for a tag for the first time if he somehow does get to meet the starter and both of his sibs are multiple winners including G2 SP sprinter and 169K earner Gonna Fly Now. - Steve Grabowski

Race 5

Airfoil

Bernardini has been a poor influence as a turf sire but this gelding is out of a stakes winning dam who won 5 of 7 starts for 172k, including 1-for-1 over turf for 25k; have to respect the presence of Bejarano, and he shares the best last race Beyer Speed Figure in here with Full Dancer, but it is fair to wonder if this gelding can be at his best racing on grass.

Layton Register

Late running type should see an honest-to-fast early tempo in this event, but this appears to be a pretty tough spot for his return to Southern California; he's probably going to need to see a number of these show up with less than their best to have a chance at the top spot; on a positive note, over the past two years this barn has won with 7 of 20 (35%) starters making their second start after a layoff of 45 days or more.

Fast Track

Grade 3 stakes placed veteran has been in good form this year and he nearly equaled a career best Beyer Speed Figure in his latest outing; however, four of his five wins have been earned over the Turf Paradise turf course, and even though he hasn't run poorly in Southern California, he is 0-for-13 in his So. Cal. starts.

Den's Legacy

He won a G3 over turf as a 2-year-old, but that was the last time he recorded a victory, and that was 15 starts ago; he's clearly fast enough to run with these on his best day, and like the idea of him going sprint-to-route for his second start back from a layoff, but have to approach him with some caution when considering the long losing skid.

Super Ability

A case can be made for this lightly raced 6-year-old being better off sprinting than routing, and he also might be sharper racing over a synthetic surface than he is over turf; that said, this stakes winner sports solid overall form and he's out of a multiple stakes winning dam who won 8 of 24 starts for 669k, including 4 of 11 turf starts for 351k.

Pepnic

Willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for the sub par sloppy track performance at EmD last time, and the runner up from that race did return to win next out at Hst on 7/1 going 1 1/16m in a 50k stakes with a 90 Beyer; even so, all of his wins have been earned in Northern California, and he might find himself involved in an early pace dispute in this contest.

Kokaltash (FR)

None.

Stoney Fleece

Grade 3 winner has run some nice races over turf in his career, and it's difficult to leave him off of the list of contenders; however, it would have been nice to have seen him show more in his latest outing after being claimed away from the Sadler barn two back, even if that was a tough spot.

Full Dancer

Have to respect the improvment in his recent form, and Fullbridled has had positive returns as a turf sire from limited starters, but this gelding didn't start getting better until he was introduced to dirt, and it's just tough to give him a favorable push against this tough group of 62k OPC's based on what he's shown in his eight turf attempts; a tough outside post doesn't help his cause.

Jules Journey

Multiple stakes placed veteran has developed a nice level of consistency to his game and he's a late running type who figures to benefit from a favorable early pace scenario; he has a live look to him with Smith aboard, even if it does appear that Blanc opted to pilot another in here; on a negative note, over the past five years post 10 at this trip has won with just 2 of 35 (6%) starters.

Little Jerry

No recent record of Del Mar carding 11 or 12-horse fields at this distance, so watching the outside posts at this trip at this meeting is worthwhile; this stakes placed gelding has been at his best racing over synthetic surfaces in his career and this has a chance to prove to be a tough spot for him to go after his first turf win.

Huntsville

You have to go back 23 starts to September 2012 to find his latest victory, but his overall turf form really hasn't been bad, and he is G2 stakes placed over this turf course; not viewing him as a bad fit at this level of competition, but he does need a top try to have a chance in here, and the extreme outside post plays against him. - Brian Pochman

Race 6

Quiet Thunder

First time starter goes out for Carla Gaines who's 3 of 23 over the past five years with debut sprinters at Del Mar; sire was a stakes winner on both dirt and turf; two year old progeny of Lucky J.H. are 5 of 32 over the past five years on synthetic surfaces. Half-sister broke her maiden here last year sprinting over the poly, earning 64 BSF in process.

Favio

Sire Storm Wolf banked $147K, winning 3 of 5 lifetime including GII Laz Barrera sprinting seven panels at Hollywood; sire's numbers are dismal with two year olds on synthetics over the past five years (0 for 13); Don't hold debut effort against him as he get sandwiched out of the gate and essentially lost any chance.

Tribal Echo

Trainer Papaprodromou adds blinkers hoping to wake son of Tribal Rule up after stopping badly in latest - problem there is the trainer is 1 for 25 over the past five years with first time blinkers. Sire was a monster in his four career starts (top Beyer of 111) and his juveniles have won 51 of 286 in synthetic sprints over the past five years.

Stormin Wild

O'Neill trainee sold for $8K as a yearling, then sold again for $75K at OBS Spring 2YO sale in April; sire was a G3 winner sprinting with a career best Beyer of 116; sire's progeny are 11 of 72 as two year olds sprinting on synthetics over the past five years; out of an unraced dam who has produced a juvenile winner before; O'Neill's numbers with two year old Cal-bred firsters aren't pretty (4 for 53 over past five years).

Whatahustler

Awesome Gambler was a stakes winner routing on synthetic but he's yet to prove a strong stallion; his two year olds are just 13 for 201 over the past five years; dam Trick'er Sweet went 1 for 7 as a juvenile; this guy is full sib to two runners who are combined 2 for 35 lifetime; should benefit from educational debut - galloped out strongly and it's encouraging to see Baze stay aboard.

Zinvor

See Tribal Echo for sire details; Shady Lady Dancer's foals are combined 16 for 99 lifetime; full brother Leaving New York won 5 of 19 lifetime (2 for 11 on synthetic) and earned $236K; took money in debut but offered very little late; trainer Kitchingman is 8 of 40 the past five years with two year olds making their second career starts.

Pulmarack

Shares same sire as Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome; dam Tamarack Bay earned $218K in her career; full sib to stakes winner Luckarack (13 of 43, $535K earned, top Beyer of 93) and half to G1 winner Tamarando (4 of 12 lifetime, 4 of 8 on synthetic, $645K earned, winner of 2013 G1 Del Mar Futurity); Lots to like here on breeding alone.

Smack Talk

See Stormin Wild for info regarding Stormin Fever; sibling to Rule by Faith (by Tribal Rule) who was 7 of 21 lifetime with a career best Beyer of 79; trainer Belvoir only 1 for 9 over the past five years with first time starters at Del Mar.

London Legacy

Green as grass is the best way to describe this son of Grace Upon Grace; sire hasn't produced anything to date (0 for 14 from 6 foals), and while Passionate Kiss earned $117K during her career she hasn't produced anything, either; lone sibling is 0 for 13 to date; would appear to have a hint of ability, just needs to figure out what's going on out there.

Noble Hawk

Decarchy was a multiple graded stakes winner on grass who earned $703K during his career, and his progeny have proven to be runners, as well; Offspring of his are 23 for 102 as two year olds running on synthetic over the past five years; leading rider from recently completed Los Alamitos meeting Van Dyke has the mount, which is a positive.

Guy Code

Sire was a G2 winner sprinting on dirt but has proven to be weak as a stallion (two year old progeny 2 for 48 over the past five years); offspring of Stayingalive are a combined 9 of 47 over synthetics, which is a positive; trainer Almeida is 2 of 8 over the past two years with two year olds, sporting a $6.82 ROI.

Spring for It

Spring At Last was a multiple graded stakes winner routing who banked $1.1 million in his career; progeny are 7 of 48 as two year olds on synthetic; foals out of Lady Lang are combined 7 of 60 lifetime (4 of 32 on synthetic); sibling Treadmill won CTBA Stakes here in 2007; plenty to like if he runs.

Comanche Ruler

See Zinvor, Tribal Echo for sire info; Adam Kitchingman is 3 for 12 over the past two years with first time starters on synthetic surfaces, with a $2.96 return on investment; sibling Topper's Ghost won 1 of 3 career starts on synthetics.

Goyo

Progeny of sire Rio Verde are a woeful 10 for 118 in synthetic sprints as two year olds; Chasing Wind was a stakes winner sprinting on dirt, and her offspring are 4 for 9 on synthetics (top Beyer of 94); gelding took money in his debut, missed the break and finished evenly. - Matt Bernier

Race 7

Spot Play

SIR MACHO (#5, 7-2) may be a timely claim by Spawr. The son of 2yo champ Macho Uno ran 5th on turf at SA April 5, was sidelined 2 months but came back to be a sharp 2nd on turf there June 5 for $40K. Not only did Spawr see fit to claim him that day (14% off a claim) but he brings him back WITHOUT a tag attached, with a string of solid drills in tow. Yes, there’s a surface switch but his lone prior synthetic track try (at BHP last Dec. 12) was very smart (rallied for 2nd). -Michael Hammersly

Know Plans

Never simple to beat winners right back but he has the cozy slot here; 5/24 place horse took a MSW next out with a 78 Beyer; he still has a right to have a nice career as a full to Lightmyfirebaby, who won a Grade 3 and banked nearly $450K; look for him late if at all.

Navarre (GB)

Finally off the rail and expect rider to be aggressive from the sound of the bell; bug coming off a super Los Al meet when he popped at 39%; not disgraced in his race here last year; he has more speed than he just showed; don't ignore.

Sonicvelocity

Tampa form decent and he may have just hated the slop last time; winner of CD finale repeated in a $30K starter with a 90 Beyer; 4/13 place horse took a $25K N2L, lost next several; don't sell too short.

Jackson Sundown

Belvoir solid with this move; he is 6 for 23 or 26% the last 5 years going turf to synthetic; be's been solid since being claimed; lone win did come on the synthetic; like the series of drills since the last race accentuated by the best of 23 bullet last Saturday; far too sharp not to take seriously and the blood is there too as he's kin to near $250K player Grazen.

Sir Macho

Spawr 7 for 31 or 23% the last 5 years going turf to synthetic; soph may have needed last; note show horse was clear for fun; toss his grass races and the form brightens and he was not disgraced in his only synthetic try; surprise package.

Romar Success

Gelding had to take off 2013 for a pretty serious reason; he is off a career Beyer, his sire was a proven router, dam was sprint only, this is her first to roll; Powell had a super meet here last year winning with 5 of his 13 starters.

No Barneys

Maybe he just wanted real estate all along; note place horse was clear and he has a right to grow into his skin as kin to over $600K earner Deputiformer; there is speed inside and outside of him here though; may need experience vs. winners.

Cinmars Dance

Maybe connections had this miler in mind all the time; colt broke poorly in last and could be on the muscle here with the blinks; show horse in 2013 closer won twice since, the last in a Grade 3 up north; expect much better effort.

Warren's Cliff S.

Grinder will need things to break just right; 6/6 place horse took a $25K N2L next out at Los Al with a 71 Beyer; Miyadi had a solid meet here last year going 4 for 15 with 9 others in the money; must display more.

Maxx the Giant

Wide down the hill 2 back, the May 4 winner took a $75K claimer next out and then ran out of the money in a $25K starter handicap; improved energy in the drill on the 8th; he fits in the Beyer department; valid player in an absolute scramble.

Van Fraassen

Dropped, cut back, and swtiched surfaces for the win; not much to go on since; out in post 12 last time and he could again be compromised by the slot; don't be shocked if Trujillo has a huge meet.

Candy Anniversary

Sadler 21% the last 5 years going turf to synthetic; off slow on a surface he may have disliked in the debut, the drop worked in 2nd start and he was far from disgraced in the first vs. winners; 10th finisher won next but only in a $12.5K N2L spot; the winner did repeat in a $40K optional next out; he has a right to get the trip as full bro Holy Candy won long twice, earned over $160K; respect if scratches are kind. - Brian Mulligan

Race 8

Argyle Cut

Tough, tough race; save for his 5th in the Cal Derby this guy has fired every time; comes off a fine 2nd in the Singletary on the SA sod June 21; not only was that a nice run on the face of it, but he beat a number of today's foes in that race and had trouble to boot; nice work since and Nakatani says with him.

G. G. Ryder

He and Argyle Cut have been knocking heads in NoCal and 'Cut's big 2nd in the Singletary at SA shows the type of quality this guy has, too; no way to knock a horse who's won 5 of his last 7 and has handled turf nicely; even when he lost the Silky Sullivan at GG June 8 he was beaten just a half-length; must deal with new surroundings but he's got the versatility to give new rider Trujillo all sorts of options.

Home School (IRE)

Dueled in the Singletary at SA June 21 and paid the price in the lane; still, to his credit, he kept on very nicely for 3rd; that speed should translate to him being prominent from the start but he doesn't have to be on the lead - when he ran 3rd in the Desert Code down the hill at SA he sat back early and made up ground late; all that being said, he faces a number of guys who have beaten him before; but hey, at least that likely helps your price if you like what you see here.

Love Rules All

Not only won big down the hill at SA June 12 (91 Beyer) but the vanquished included a tough elder in Boozer (ran 3rd); sure came back strong after a couple months off and turf is right in his wheelhouse; still, we're not sprinting today and not on the SA hillside but the way he runs and with his pedigree today's longer trip and different footing shouldn't be a bother; the bigger question is whether he's good enough to handle some salty peers.

Patriots Rule

Packs a pretty good wallop in the lane; rallied to beat elders on the SA sod April 5, rallied strongly to be 2nd to Awesome Return in th Snow Chief on the SA sod April 26 and rallied strongly again to be 3rd beaten just a neck again by Awesome Return in GG's Silky Sullivan on turf; G. G. Ryder was 4th in the Silky Sulllivan just a neck behind this guy and if that guy is a player here - and he is - then doesn't it follow that this guy can be as well?; darn tootin' it does.

Majestic Kitten

Unbeaten and basically untested in 2 starts, both at WO this spring; yes, his debut was on synthetic there but he handled turf wonderfully June 14 when beating some nice allowance horses; of course, with that pedigree, being by top turf sire and grass champ Kitten's Joy with a G1 BC Mile winner as his damsire it's no shock he handles sod; and he didn't just win June 14, he won geared down; ample tactical speed to be in line for a great trip.

Aotearoa

Looked like a comer here last year when he won his debut on this main track, won an SA turf stakes Oct. 6 and was a nice 2nd in the G3 Generous on the BHP sod Nov. 30; alas, things haven't gone so well since; was a respectable 5th in GG's Silky Sullivan June 8, just behind a couple of these but failed to back it up when 7th in the Singletary at SA last month and a slowish work here July 13 doesn't exactly get the pulse racing, either.

Diamond Bachelor

Made quite a splash here last summer when romping in his debut (on this course at this trip) and easily winning a turf stakes (on this course at this trip); earned a shot at the G1 BC Juvenile on dirt Nov. 2 but that didn't go well and unfortunately he hasn't looked the same since; winter/spring form was spotty; been given plenty of time off, takes off the blinkers and maybe that plus a return to this course can snap him back to life...maybe.

Enterprising

One solid customer; good enough to be twice SP on GG's main track this winter and a 2-time SW on turf, both at this trip, mind you; freshened since a solid 3rd in the La Puente at SA April 19, likely with this 3yo turf series in mind (this followed by the La Jolla, then DMR Derby); tactical speed should ensure a good trip and some snappy recent drills indicate he's ready to get back in the mix.

Texas Ryano

2 for 3 and all that has come on turf so obviously the surface suits; that June 13 win on the SA sod came after 4 months off, too; no surprise he handles turf as while daddy is best known for his dirt prowess (was 2-time HOY) he ran 2nd in his only turf start, which was a G1; worked smartly since and obviously this distance is no sweat; likely has to improve to be beat these but with just 3 races under his belt such a move forward is by no means out of reach.

Yard Line

Bejarano's 2nd call; sire Discreet Cat gets over 13% first time turf winners, over 15% overall turf winners, according to DRF sire stats; sire won 6 of 9 for $1.6 million, won G1 Cigar Mile, a G2 in Dubai, G2 in NY, was G1 SP, never tried turf; this colt is his unraced dam's 1st foal to race; comes off a smashing maiden win at SA June 26, and it came at this distance; surely has talent but it's first time turf and first time vs. winners today so there are hurdles to be sure.

Forever Juanito

Won the Desert Code down the hill at SA May 3 so he handles turf; showed more quality when a good 3rd in the G3 Affirmed on SA dirt June 7; moved back to turf for the June 21 Singelary, had some trouble and finished 4th, behind a couple of today's foes; worked very nicely twice since but he's mired outside and while those last 2 outings were good (both routes) could it be he's more effective sprinting?

Sammy Mandeville

AE is Bejarano's 1st call; broke his maiden routing on turf at SA May 4; that was no ordinary maiden he beat back into 2nd by a neck, too - that was Big Cazanova who was previously multiple G1 SP on turf in South America, and who came right back to beat maidens; O'Neill thought enough of im to take him to NY to run him Belmont Stakes weekend but first time vs. winners and first time shipping were too much; well, he's back to SoCal and is also reunited with Bejarano who was up for that nice maiden win; that BEL likely means he'll be ignored some at the windows but there's talent here; quite interesting if he goes. - Michael Hammersly

Race 9

Next Speaker

He broke his maiden on Polytrack on Keeneland and he also ran well over it at Arlington so he shouldn't mind the surface switch; he is dropping to a new low but he has been a pretty dull horse in all three of his starts since he moved to the west coast and he will need to improve to contend here; passing.

Sheer Talent

5-year-old broke his maiden in his debut here in 2011 but he didn't get his second score until this May when he was all-out to win a $25K n/w/2 with a 72 Beyer Speed Figure; he'll need better than that to win this and he regressed when he jumped up to face $50K claimers in his latest; sharp work at Santa Anita July 3 and Glatt has decent numbers with horses coming back from this type of break; prefer others.

Scorpion Warrior

He was a pretty handy horse in 2013 but he came back with a dull effort in his first start this year and then went on the shelf before coming back to finish last at Golden Gate in his latest; another break in the action and he will be making his first start for a trainer who the past five years has a 9 percent strike rate with new shooters; passing.

Xuang Feng

He was a pretty sharp horse at Santa Anita and was reclaimed out of his latest by Miller who the past five years has a 6 percent strike rate with horses jumping up in price by 50 percent or more; horse that nosed him out in his latest received an 88 Beyer Speed Figure when he romped in an $8K claimer at Los Al July 10; other speed could make it tough on this guy who is trying Poly for the first time.

Omar

That was a nice win in his latest but it wasn't the toughest field of $16K claimers around; horse that finished third beat one when he came back in a $25K claimer at Hastings last Sunday; he has a decent record on synthetics and the only time he ran over this surface was in his debut; solid stats for Kruljac with horses going from turf to synthetics; some things to like.

Carlot Cowboy

His lack of speed didn't help him at Santa Anita but it could suit this track and there will be horses coming back to him; claimed out of his latest and the past five years Carava has an 18 percent strike rate running them back the first time; nice work July 6 adds to his appeal; playable.

Close to the Edge

His stablemate beat him two back but he came back to beat next-out winner Courtside for $16K in his first start for Miller; he won't mind the move to Poly and the past five years Miller has a 13 percent strike rate with horses making their second start after being claimed; he has good tactical speed and should get a nice trip from a forward position; contender.

Magic Beam

Recent form isn't anything to get excited about but this is the clear choice for anyone looking for the horse for the course with a 3-1-2 record from 7 starts here; he's actually never won on dirt so it isn't that hard to toss his last three at Santa Anita and Los Al and he could take a big step forward in his second start back; not out of the question.

Diamond of Blue

Another one that likes it here and the past five years Bejarano has won with 27 percent of his mounts riding for Hollendorfer at Del Mar; he's been off since he won here last August but his Hall of Fame trainer can have them ready to roll coming off any type of layoff and he's been firing bullets at Golden Gate; the pick.

Passing Game

5-year-old won here last year but this will be his first start since he lost by over 16-lengths at Santa Anita last Oct.; he's been working well enough in Arcadia and he has performed well as a fresh horse in the past; nonetheless, the past five years the barn is 1/19 with horses coming off a break of 180 days or more so we're going to pass.

Insideondoutside

Second from Carava takes the plunge following a string of dull races the latest in a $32K claimer coming down the hill; he finished second in a $50K claimer here last year and the 88 Beyer Speed Figure he earned puts him right there if he can reproduce it; he was a lot sharper horse going into the race than he is now, however. - Randy Goulding

Race 10

Persuasive Paul

1 1/16 miles looks like it is pushing things for him, though he did manage a third at Hollywood at the distance in November; but being fresh off the layoff and probably better suited to mile races, expecting a fade from him in the stretch; pretty limited worktab for O'Neill, whose statistic strength is not with long comebackers.

Willyconker (IRE)

Form has declined since a win in December - when a claim was submitted for him but voided due to unsoundness; perhaps the short time off has allowed him to get right; obviously the appeal to him is back class; this is a horse that has made over a half million dollars.

Slammer Time

Hasn't run since last year at Del Mar, and horses away for that length of time are typically best avoided; changes hands off the bench and goes to Jeff Bonde, who has a good record with comebackers and shows positive ROIs in three of four categories at the bottom of the past performances.

Hittheroadrunning

Fifth has been his favorite position this year, but he has been running with optional claimers for the most part; ran 12th the last time he raced in SoCal but that was in the Cal Cup Turf Classic, where he was outclassed and started at 73-1.

Eldorado Prado

Respect how often this fella is on the board; very infrequently is he out of the top 3, and when he is, often he is a close 4th or 4th; respectable efforts in first-level allowance competition recently; consistent Beyers in the upper 70s; perhaps a share.

Buenos Dias (IRE)

Was away poorly in the Super Bowl Handicap, a race for claimers and ended up last; that was a tough return spot; concerned about all the layoff lines with this one; he's a horse that spends more time on the sidelines than at the races; long drought but not matched against company like this.

Woodmans Luck

Comes out of the allowance ranks, though he exits Cal-bred company; except for his last race, his Beyers have been good; a return to his best figures would give him a strong chance; prone to slow starts but as a deep closer, he is going to be rallying from well out of it anyway.

Affrettando

Was freshened after a poor effort last out; looks a lot like the horse to his inside in terms of style; he rallies from a mile out of it; is 2 for 4 on the Del Mar turf , though one of those wins was with the help of the stewards; nice effort the last time Bejarano rode him in April; narrow edge in a puzzling race.

Godard

Certainly one of the classiest runners, but it is difficult to assess how effective he will be after being away for 16 months; horses don't go to the sidelines for that length of time without a significant physical setback; the good news is you have a quality trainer in Tom Proctor in his corner, who has given this one a steady diet of works; Proctor is very good off the shelf.

This One's for Mel

Earned a relatively weak Beyer last time out for his second at Santa Anita; but hey, at least he was second; many of these are coming off distant losses; though that last race came sprinting, this horse routed effectively in 2013 - though not as well this year.

Coastal Breeze

Showed good things last year at 3, but has disappointed this year at 4; two starts on the grass in California have resulted in a pair of rear half finishes; worked a very quick six furlongs at SA June 29, and also earlier on June 15; perhaps that morning activity indicates he is coming around.

Vibrato Jazz

Joins a winning barn off the claim and comes off a couple of solid efforts in 25K claimers; it is that record, 1 for 24, that gives a bettor cause for pause; in light of it, he seems best restricted to the bottom of the exotics.

Causeithertz

Coming off a runner-up finish n a 10-horse field of open 25K claimers, he stands a good shot in this spot - that is, if he gets to run; he is on the also-eligible list, hoping to get in; perhaps cycling back into top form.

Harlan's Vitesse

Comes here by way of Presque Isle, where he ran well on one occasion this summer on June 1; acts better suited to sprinting than routing, though turf does seem to be his best surface. - Byron King