Ghost Machine has look of a runner

CYPRESS, Calif. – Ghost Machine, a $300,000 purchase at auction this year, was ready to start at Del Mar last month until the slightest setback took him out of training.

“He had an ulcer on his throat,” trainer John Sadler said.

Ghost Machine will debut in a maiden special weight race at 5 1/2 furlongs for 2-year-olds in Friday’s sixth race at Los Alamitos. Expectations are high from Sadler and owners Pete and Kosta Hronis.

“He’s shown himself as very fast,” Sadler said. “I want to get him started. He’s a pretty smart type. He’s got plenty of training.”

Bought at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. auction of 2-year-olds in training in March, Ghost Machine, by Gemologist, is one of six first-time starters in the main body of the field for the maiden race. Marchtothemusic, who is on the also-eligible list, is another yet to start.

Of the runners with experience, Datcatsa Gem was second in a $62,500 claiming race for maidens at Del Mar on Aug. 17, the same day Supreme Giant was third in a $40,000 claiming race for maidens. Cut and Gemstorm were fourth and eighth in a maiden special weight race on Aug. 13. Big Gray Rocket, second in the Aug. 13 race, returned to win a maiden race at Del Mar on Monday.

◗ The Sadler-trainer Morganite, who finished sixth in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante last Saturday for Hronis Racing, has returned to training at Santa Anita. She might start in the $300,000 Chandelier Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles there on Oct. 1.

“She went back to the track this morning,” Sadler said on Wednesday. “We’ll give her a chance to make the next one.”