Free's preview: Surface questions

DEL MAR, Calif. – Two weeks into the summer meet, horseplayers might expect a hint of stability regarding surface. But as Del Mar begins its third week, uncertainty abounds.

Four fatal breakdowns on the new turf course led to cancellation of turf racing Sunday. Since then, the course has been aerated and the rails moved to 18 feet after being at zero and six feet the first two weeks. Turf racing resumes Wednesday in races 1, 3 and 6.

How will the course play? Perhaps it will be the same as the first two weeks. Beyond unfortunate breakdowns, it played like “true” turf. The emphasis was on class, trips and ability to finish.

On turf, closers closed. They rallied right into the winner’s circle – 13 of the 21 routes were won by horses positioned more than three lengths off the lead at the first pace call.

It is unclear if the profile will continue, or if cautious riding strategies will be employed due to the rash of incidents. If so, it is possible that the pace in turf races might be slower than normal. If so, perhaps early speed/tactical speed might hold the upper hand.

The one thing everyone hopes is for all the runners to make it back.

As for the main oval, it is Polytrack. So who knows what will happen?

Four track records were set last week – at five furlongs, one mile, 1 1/16 miles, and 1 1/8 miles. Perhaps the surface will slow down Wednesday after an application of wax on Tuesday.

Synthetic surfaces require constant tinkering, including wax reapplication. It would be pure speculation to guess how, or if, the waxing will affect the Polytrack nuances. Who knows? Polytrack is sensitive to temperature and water. It has a life of its own.

Below is a preview of select Wednesday races.

CINCH ON PAPER, race 1

Big John B is the 2-1 program favorite and likely to drop shorter in a 1 3/8-mile turf race, N2X/optional $62,500 claiming. He scored a resounding victory in his West Coast debut last month at 1 1/4 miles; he has the highest figures and a top stable.

Phil D’Amato trains the 5-year-old gelding, a 9-for-26 pro to be ridden by Mike Smith. D’Amato also trains 8-1 outsider Thirtyfirststreet, making his first start since May 2013 and first for this stable. D’Amato comebackers have been firing lately, but Thirtyfirststreet is not as fast as his stablemate. Tigah is the second choice at 5-2, but uncertain beyond a mile. He is sharp, having been claimed for $40,000 from a win 10 days ago.

HYPE HORSE, race 2

Bob Baffert has been touting West Riding, a 3-year-old Tapit filly making her career debut in race 2. Owned by Juddmonte Farms, she is the 2-1 favorite in the one-mile race which is the first of the day on re-waxed Polytrack.

West Riding’s workouts have been outstanding, according to National Turf clocker Andy Harrington.

The fact Baffert likes West Riding means two things. First, she will get bet accordingly. Second, she will fire. When Baffert publicly touts a horse, they almost always run well. This handicapper picked her fourth. That is too low, should have picked her second. The top choice is seven-start maiden Live for Now, runner-up last out in a Grade 2.

STANDOUT, race 7

Wake Up Nick is the 9-5 favorite in the $100,000 Graduation Stakes for 2-year-olds bred in California. That price would be attractive on an unbeaten colt more likely to start closer to even-money.

Wake Up Nick, trained by Doug O’Neill, won his debut by more than nine lengths. Seven weeks later, he won the $125,000 Santa Anita Juvenile over next-out stakes winner Story to Tell. Wake Up Nick subsequently was scratched from the Willard Proctor at Los Alamitos to point for the Graduation.

On paper, he is a standout at a short price, breaking from the outside post. One piece of trivia – favorites are 0 for 6 at 5 1/2 furlongs; the lowest win payoff is $9.20. Expect that to end on Wednesday.