Free: Del Mar horses to watch for week of July 11

BIG DISCOVERY
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Last race: July 8, 5th
Finish: 4th by 10
Beyer: 59
Top rider Edwin Maldonado is recently having trouble leaving the gate. This gelding broke slowly in a sprint dominated by speed. Would fit in $25,000 claiming N2L, short or long.

SILVER ASSAULT
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Last race: July 9, 8th
Finish: 3rd by 3 1/4
Beyer: 69
This 2-year-old might have been best in the $125,000 Santa Anita Juvenile. Broke slowly and bobbled, lost position, ran on late. Worth a close look if he runs back in the Grade 2 Best Pal on Aug. 13.

CONQUEST SO TRUE
Trainer: Vladimir Cerin
Last race: July 9, 7th
Finish: 2nd by 1
Beyer: 73
First time running long in this N1X, this filly pressed a hot pace and did well to hold second behind a closing winner. She might prefer to sprint; either way this was a big effort.

EXCAVATION
Trainer: Phil D’Amato
Last race: July 10, 6th
Finish: 3rd by 5 3/4
Beyer: 61
This 2-year-old first-time starter broke well but was not quick, rallied wide, finished with run, and galloped out alongside the winner. He reportedly has speed. This was a promising debut.

DISTINCTIVE B
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: July 10, 9th
Finish: 9th by 14
Beyer: 67
Eliminated by a slow start from an inside post first off the claim, this N1X/claiming sprinter can be followed at Del Mar. Needs an outside post. Likely to start at high odds.