Free: Del Mar horses to watch for week of July 31
ARETHUSA
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Last race: July 26, 3rd
Finish: 2nd by 1 3/4
Beyer: 81
This veteran turf mare broke slowly, made a premature move four wide on the far turn, hit the front, and then lost her punch. Claimed for $25,000 by Mullins, she fits in N1X or high claiming.
CHICAGO STYLE
Trainer: Tom Proctor
Last race: July 26, 6th
Finish: 1st by 4 1/2
Beyer: 91
An explosive move in an N1X turf marathon stamped this 4-for-5 Kitten’s Joy gelding as a potential long-distance turf stakes winner. This was a “wow” performance.
EDWARDS GOING LEFT
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: July 28, 6th
Finish: 3rd by 2
Beyer: 90
Blocked badly the final quarter-mile of a sprint stakes for California-bred 3-year-olds, this gelding probably was best. Lightly raced, 3-for-5, he should run long when given a chance.
LADY MAMBA
Trainer: Peter Eurton
Last race: July 29, 7th
Finish: 2nd by 2 1/4
Beyer: 76
Fussy in the paddock, this $1 million War Front maiden pressed the pace in a turf route, made the lead, and lost punch late in her first start in eight months. This was a promising comeback by well-regarded filly.
BIG LEAGUE
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: July 29, 8th
Finish: 2nd by 3/4
Beyer: 82
This class-dropping 3-year-old dueled through extreme splits, shook off rivals, fought back in deep stretch, and proved tough to down. He will be tough to catch next time in a similar claiming sprint.
ROY H
Trainer: Peter Miller
Last race: July 29, 9th
Finish: 2nd by 1 ½
Beyer: 98
Streaking sprinter was best in Grade 1 Bing Crosby, but was caught outside a riderless horse that carried him six wide into the lane. He is now established as Breeders’ Cup Sprint contender.