Del Mar
Free: Del Mar horses to watch for week of July 23, 2018
JUST KIDDING
Trainer: Steve Knapp
Last race: July 18, 1st
Finish: 2nd by 1 3/4
Beyer: 90
Gelding ran as well as winner Popular Kid in $16,000 claiming route. Just Kidding pressed a strong pace, made the lead in deep stretch, and was collared. Fits in similar claiming route.
Trainer: Steve Knapp
Last race: July 18, 1st
Finish: 2nd by 1 3/4
Beyer: 90
Gelding ran as well as winner Popular Kid in $16,000 claiming route. Just Kidding pressed a strong pace, made the lead in deep stretch, and was collared. Fits in similar claiming route.
ARMS RUNNER
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: July 18, 5th
Finish: 10th by 8 1/4
Beyer: 73
Turf miler might have had an excuse in the second-level allowance. He jumped a patched-up segment of the course into the clubhouse turn, then misfired.
DEL MAR MAY
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: July 18, 7th
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/4
Beyer: 85
This 2-year-old filly finished nearly six lengths clear of third in a highly rated race won by future star Brill. Del Mar May will be tough in maiden special weight, would fit in stakes race.
SHOW IT N MOE IT
Trainer: Gary Sherlock
Last race: July 19, 7th
Finish: 4th by 3 3/4
Beyer: 79
Cal-bred stakes winner may have been just prepping in open allowance. She dueled and faded in lane. Nominated to $150,000 Fleet Treat on July 29, and worth consideration if she starts.
FORTNITE DANCE
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: July 21, 5th
Finish: 4th by 1
Beyer: 60
A $40,000 juvenile purchase, this debut 2-year-old pressed a fast pace, was challenged in the lane, and weakened. Good try in fast-pace scenario. Follow in second start, possibly on drop.
LIBBY’S TAIL
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Last race: July 21, 6th
Finish: 5th by 1 1/2
Beyer: 81
Turf speed held opening week, but not in this allowance route. Libby’s Tail was forwardly placed chasing a fast half-mile, and went one-paced as closers swept by. Possibly better than looked.
OLLIE’S CANDY
Trainer: William Morey
Last race: July 21, 8th
Finish: 2nd by neck
Beyer: 89
In a Grade 2 turf mile won by the pacesetter, this filly was drawn wide, rallied wide from the back, flew late, and barely missed. Any surface will do for the Grade 2 dirt winner.
BIG SCORE
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Finish: 4th by 1 3/4
Last race: July 22, 6th
Beyer: 91
In his first start in seven months, racing over a speed-friendly turf course, this good turf miler smoked the final quarter in 22 and change in a super comeback. Next stop, graded stakes.