Hammersly's preview: Bejarano's choices may be telling

BEJARANO COULD BE KEY

Jockey Rafael Bejarano may have done some of your handicapping for you. There are a few races where the top rider’s presence on one horse instead of another could be telling.

In Race 1 he takes the call on LINDZ WINZ for Jerry Hollendorfer. Yes, Bejarano rides frequently for Hollendorfer, but it’s not as if he’s locked in to that barn. For example, Hollendorfer has used Elvis Trujillo, Mike Smith and Drayden Van Dyke more often this meet. Bejarano hasn’t been riding LINDZ WINZ of late, either. He did ride rival ON GOLDEN PAWN here July 31 for Marty Jones, guiding that runner to an easy win. You don’t give up a mount like that for a trainer he teams with from time to time that easily. There’s also HIT GIRL, sent out by Michael Stidham. Of Stidham’s 15 starters this meet, Bejarano has ridden seven. LOOKIN FOR JONESY is trained by Vladimir Cerin. Bejarano has ridden the most Cerin runners this meet.

In Race 6 Bejarano is on GEORGE’S PEACH for Stidham. He was aboard CHILADA for that two of that runner’s last three starts, all for Doug O’Neill. He’s ridden frequently for Vann Belvoir (sends out CARRICK BAY) and Richard Baltas (sends out SCENE QUEEN), but stays with Stidham’s horse.

In the nightcap (race 8) he rides NEXT BOOK for trainer Marty Jones. He’s a frequent rider for Mark Glatt (sends out BITTER HEAT), having piloted 12 of his horses this meet. There’s another Jones horse in here (INSPIRED WISDOM), but Bejarano ends up on NEXT BOOK, who may go favored as he takes the big drop from straight maiden to maiden claiming.

MILLER HAS 4 GOOD SHOTS

It’s not inconceivable that trainer Peter Miller can split the card, as he has legitimate contenders in four of the eight races.

In race 2 Miller sends out BIG CAZANOVA as the likely favorite. The son of Giant’s Causeway was good enough as a maiden in South America to be multiple Grade 1-placed and comes off a smashing win over this main track July 26 when he set a track record for a mile.

Recent Miller claim ALWAYS AN ANGEL fits well in race 4. She dueled and faded in a mile main track event at this level Aug. 14. Miller claimed her that day, is a smart 19 percent first off a claim, and brings her back at the same level. By no means is she a need-the-lead type.

Miller has likely favorite SUPERBOOT in race 5. That runner, on the also-eligible list, has been knocking on the door with four seconds in his last five starts, the last two seconds coming on this track at this level at this type of distance.

Finally, in the nightcap (race 8) another new acquisition gives Miller a chance. He claimed IT IS LIVING WATER off a fourth for $30,000 here Aug. 7. He nearly doubles him in value to $50,000, an encouraging move.

SPOT PLAY

Race 4

ALWAYS AN ANGEL (#9, 5-1) dueled and paid the price in a race just like this here Aug. 14, finishing fourth. She was inside that day but this time moves outside for new trainer Miller. A return to off-the-pace tactics can to the trick. She was 12-1 last time and should be a good price again today.

HORSE TO WATCH

CANDY FOR DEBBIE
Trainer: Frank Lucarelli
Last Race: Aug. 24, 7th
Finish: 4th by 1

Making his first start in over two months, he was slow into stride in this mile contest and got shuffled back to last turning for home. When a lane materialized he came through strongly, finished with good energy, and may be ready to peak.