Free: Del Mar Horses to Watch
Boozer
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Last race: Aug. 9, 8th
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 84
Blocked from the top of the stretch to inside the eighth pole, this first-level allowance gelding was likely best in a turf route. An improved horse this year since returning as a gelding, he figures as a solid favorite next time in a similar N1X turf route.
Moulin de Mougin
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Aug. 10, 8th
Finish: 1st by 1/2
Beyer: 92
The new queen of the California grass division, this improving Curlin filly had to wait for room into the lane, found a seam inside under clever handling, and surged to a G2 win that was more impressive than the margin indicates. She can win right back.
Little Jerry
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: Aug. 13, 3rd
Finish: 2nd by a head
Beyer: 85
A premature move cost this gelding his best chance in a $32,000 claiming route. He opened up too soon, made the lead, and got collared. Next time, with more patient handling, he fits vs. similar. Synthetic surfaces preferred.
Smogcutter
Trainer: Dan Blacker
Last race: Aug. 13, 6th
Finish: 8th by 6 1/2
Beyer: 67
This lightly raced colt scratched from a sprint due to his owners’ protest, and instead ran long on turf. It was the wrong move. Void of speed, he merely ran around the course. He can bounce back when he shortens up.
Aperfectdaytofly
Trainer: Don Warren
Last race: Aug. 13, 8th
Finish: 6th by 3 1/4
Beyer: 60
A 6-year-old maiden, he had a tough trip. In tight at the start, in tight again turning for home, he sputtered late. He is better than looked, and worth another shot in a California-bred maiden-claiming sprint.