Del Mar Derby a bettor's delight

DEL MAR, Calif. – The transition from dirt sprint to turf route is normally a challenge. But when last-out stakes winner Gold Rush Dancer stretches out and returns to turf Sunday at Del Mar, there are no concerns about distance or footing.

“He can run anywhere, anyplace,” trainer Vann Belvoir said. “He’s kind of a unique horse – he can run turf, dirt, mud, short, and long.”

Gold Rush Dancer has won four stakes and five races overall, including the seven-furlong Real Good Deal for California-breds on July 27. But he has never started in a graded stakes. That will change Sunday in the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby, a 1 1/8-mile turf race for 3-year-olds that has Gold Rush Dancer and jockey Flavien Prat listed at 8-1 on the track’s morning line.

“We’re going to be one of the favorites, I would think, especially with Prat on him,” Belvoir said. “It’s a good spot for him.”

Sixteen were entered, 14 can start. High prices are everywhere, including an appealing 9-2 on the favorite, Lucky Bryan. The stretch runner is trained by John Sadler, whose second entrant, Curlin Rules, is speed.

The field also includes Free Rose, the front-running upset winner of the La Jolla Handicap; Monster Bea, the late-running winner of the Oceanside; stakes winner Path of David; Grade 1 dirt winner Ralis; Grade 1-placed Trojan Nation; and lightly raced Blackjackcat.

Curlin Rules is new to the 3-year-old turf division. His first six starts, all on dirt, produced limited results. After shipping to Del Mar, Sadler finally was able to work him on turf, liked what he saw, and entered Curlin Rules in a turf allowance.

“He looked like a new horse,” Sadler said. “For the first time, I saw him level off, put his head down, and run. The grass was a big step for him.”

Curlin Rules wired the allowance and is a major player Sunday because of his style, which clashes with front-runners Free Rose, Blackjackcat, and Mr. Roary. The field is loaded with pace, a scenario that benefits Lucky Bryan, the runner-up last out in the La Jolla.

Although Lucky Bryan will make his third start of the meet, Sadler emphasized how well the colt is training through an enterprising campaign.

“Of all the horses in the barn, he is doing as good as any,” Sadler said. “Everything is trending the right direction for him.”

The challenge for Lucky Bryan is rallying wide from behind. Sadler and jockey Victor Espinoza will trade ground loss for assurance that Lucky Bryan will provide an honest kick outside.

“He’s a little funny; he’s not great on the inside,” Sadler said.

KEY CONTENDERS

Lucky Bryan, by Lookin At Lucky

Last 3 Beyers: 94-91-87

◗ His runner-up finish in the La Jolla was noteworthy because the race was won by the pacesetter. The abundance of speed in the Del Mar Derby benefits his closing style.

◗ Lucky Bryan won an allowance during opening weekend before the La Jolla.

“He has just thrived,” Sadler said. “He’s handling it really well.”

Gold Rush Dancer, by Private Gold

Last 3 Beyers: 87-86-87

◗ Gold Rush Dancer is 3 for 3 under Prat.

◗ Belvoir envisions a great trip. “He’ll be out of trouble and in the garden spot, right behind the leaders,” he said.

◗ Belvoir has given Gold Rush Dancer longer, slower gallops since his sprint win to “take the edge off.”

Free Rose, by Munnings

Last 3 Beyers: 95-84-79

◗ Trainer Richard Baltas wanted to run Free Rose in the Oceanside on opening day, but the gelding was excluded. Instead, he finished third a week later against older allowance horses, followed by a $59.80 upset in the La Jolla.

“That took me a little by surprise, too,” Baltas said.

◗ His best efforts have come setting the pace, but Baltas said Free Rose does not require the lead.

◗ Norberto Arroyo rides Free Rose, replacing Joe Talamo, who is at Saratoga on Sunday.

Curlin Rules, by Curlin

Last 3 Beyers: 89-69-85

◗ Tyler Baze takes over on Curlin Rules, as Espinoza stays with Lucky Bryan.

◗ The front-running style of Curlin Rules is flattered by recent Del Mar Derby history – five of the last seven winners led wire to wire.

Moonlight Drive, by Red Rocks

Last 3 Beyers: 93-88-86

◗ He finished second in the Oceanside and third in the La Jolla.