Del Mar notes: Pincay, Velasquez are backside visitors

DEL MAR, Calif. - Hall of Fame jockeys Laffit Pincay Jr. and Jorge Velasquez were making the rounds of the Del Mar stable area on Tuesday, swapping stories of when they rode together while also informing trainers about GastroMax3, an equine ulcer medication both represent.

Velasquez was visiting Del Mar for the first time in years. His main job these days is being the jockey agent for apprentice Armando Ayuso, a native of Panama who is sixth in the standings at Monmouth Park.

[Complete coverage of racing at Del Mar: News, PPs, and video]

“He loses the bug next month,” Velasquez said. “After Monmouth ends, we will be going back to New York.”

◗ Liaison, who finished ninth of 11 in the Travers Stakes on Saturday at Saratoga, was sent to Kentucky and will given a freshening. He is winless in eight starts this year. “He needs a break,” said Baffert, his trainer.

◗ Test winner Contested, trained by Baffert and owned by his wife, Jill, has returned to Del Mar and will be pointed to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint on Nov. 2 at Santa Anita.

◗ Jockey Saul Arias was suspended by Del Mar’s stewards for three days, beginning Saturday, for causing interference in the stretch aboard Lethal Intent in the second race last Saturday. Lethal Intent finished sixth in a field of 10. He was not disqualified.