Four tune up for graded stakes in Friday turf mile

The stakes winners Bal a Bali, Big Cazanova, Ganesh, and Texas Ryano start in an optional claimer at a mile on turf Friday at Del Mar that could lead to appearances in graded stakes next month.

Bal a Bali, who won the Grade 3 American Handicap in his U.S. debut in May, will start from the rail in his first race since finishing a troubled fifth in the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile in August.

“I think he’s better than that now,” trainer Richard Mandella said. “He’s sharp as a tack. I think he’s ready to give a good showing.”

In the Del Mar Mile, Bal a Bali raced in traffic on the turn and finished 1 3/4 lengths behind Avanzare.

Mandella said Bal a Bali will be considered for the $250,000 Seabiscuit Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on turf Nov. 27 if the 5-year-old horse runs well Friday.

Mandella trains Ganesh, a Group 1 stakes winner in South America who is winless in four starts in this country, including a third in the Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap at 1 3/8 miles on turf in August. Mandella said the distance of Friday’s race might not suit Ganesh, a candidate for the $250,000 Hollywood Turf Cup at 1 1/2 miles on Nov. 26.

“Ganesh is more prepping for the Hollywood Turf Cup,” he said. “He’ll probably be back and finish. It could set him up for that race.”

The optional claimer drew a field of nine. Big Cazanova, second in the Grade 2 City of Hope Mile at Santa Anita on Sept. 27, is likely to set the pace. Trained by Peter Miller, Big Cazanova could be a candidate for the Seabiscuit or the $150,000 Native Diver Handicap on dirt Nov. 28.

Texas Ryano is capable of a win. Trained by Carla Gaines, Texas Ryano won the minor King Pellinore Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf at Santa Anita on Sept. 27. Gaines has mentioned the Hollywood Gold Cup as a goal for Texas Ryano.