Del Mar Horses to Watch

Horses to Watch

Del Mar

DOELING
Trainer: Tom Proctor
Last race: Nov. 13, 4th
Finish: 7th by 3 1/2
Beyer: 49
This 2-year-old maiden filly ran super second time out in a turf route. She broke from an outside post, and was caught four wide from start to finish. She was still in the hunt at the eighth pole before she tired. She should be tough next time vs. maidens on turf.

AIR NASHOBA
Trainer: Carla Gaines
Last race: Nov. 14, 5th
Finish: 4th by 4 1/2
Beyer: 48
A first-time starter in a maiden turf route, this 2-year-old colt was merely prepping. Not asked for speed, three wide the first turn, five wide the far turn, made a little move and flattened out. This race should move him way up.

OPSEC
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Last race: Nov. 15, 4th
Finish: 3rd by 1 3/4
Beyer: 76
An improving older maiden running long on grass, this colt was best. Did not break well and was shuffled back, got blocked behind traffic on the far turn and into the lane, waited for room, finished well once clear. With a clean trip, he can win a maiden turf route.

ALRIGHT ALRIGHT
Trainer: Darrell Vienna
Last race: Nov. 15, 8th
Finish: 2nd by 1/2
Beyer: 75
Runner-up as the favorite in a Grade 2 sprint for 2-year-olds, this colt lost much ground. Not quick from the gate, raced behind and between runners, rallied five wide into the lane, made the lead, and stalled. This was as good second out by a Munnings colt who won big first time.

RADIANT JOURNEY
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Nov. 16, 7th
Finish: 2nd by 3/4
Beyer: 68
A first-time starter, this filly ran well from the rail. Rated early, worked her way forward, cut the corner into the lane, finished well but ran out of stretch. Good debut by a filly that may have more speed than she showed.

COUNTING QUEENS
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: Nov. 14, 3rd
Finish: 3rd by 4
Beyer: 34
A 2-year-old first-timer at even-money, this filly ran super. Not quick, shuffled back nearing the half, unleashed an extended run four wide through the turn and then flattened out. Claimed for $30,000 by Sadler from Leandro Mora, she will be formidable vs. similar.