Free: Del Mar horses to watch for week of Aug. 31, 2020
PIZZAZZ
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Aug. 28, 7th
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 60
This 2-year-old War Front filly ran well first out in a turf sprint. Not quick, middle move saving ground, finished well. Produced by stakes-winning turf dam, filly wants two turns.
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WILSHIRE DUDE
Trainer: Steve Knapp
Last race: Aug. 29, 2nd
Finish: 2nd by 7 3/4
Beyer: 75
Honest gelding compromised by premature move into far turn, battled leaders three wide, blown away in lane, claimed by Knapp from Charlies Treece. Fits in $16k claiming route.
AVENUE DE FRANCE
Trainer: Leonard Powell
Last race: Aug. 29, 7th
Finish: 3rd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 76
Lightly raced Euro changed tactics second U.S. start, improved a ton. Pressed and faded first out, this time anchored at rear, waited, angled out, big finish. Next start can be best.
ONE BAD BOY
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: Aug. 29, 9th
Finish: 4th by 1 1/2
Beyer: 85
The 2019 Queen’s Plate winner ran better-than-looked N2X turf route return. Off slowly, rank behind slow pace, four wide far turn, lost punch. Better-than-looked comeback.
BUD KNIGHT
Trainer: Leonard Powell
Last race: Aug. 30, 6th
Finish: 3rd by 2 1/4
Beyer: 79
Wide trip and uncharacteristic premature move by reliable turf jockey sealed his fate in starter allowance. Lost ground, moved too soon, flattened out. Needs patient handling.
LAVA LANE
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: Aug. 31, 2nd
Finish: 3rd by 1 3/4
Beyer: 66
First-time starter in Cal-bred turf sprint raced in traffic, waited briefly, finished well in race won by pacesetter stablemate. Solid career debut by Unusual Heat 3-year-old filly.