High expectations for Gas Station Sushi

DEL MAR, Calif. – Gas Station Sushi definitely has a funny name – and apparently loads of ability.

Expectations are high for Gas Station Sushi’s debut in a maiden special weight race for 2-year-old fillies at 6 1/2 furlongs at Del Mar on Sunday. Bought for $240,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. auction of 2-year-olds in training in March, Gas Station Sushi has worked well in recent weeks, trainer Richard Baltas said.

“I don’t know if she’s 100 percent ready to go 6 1/2 [furlongs], but I don’t think a lot of them are,” Baltas said.

“She’s done everything pretty easily. We haven’t had to ask her in her works. She’s beaten the workmate, but I don’t let them draw away from the other horses.”

Gas Station Sushi, by Into Mischief, is owned by Jason Tackitt and his family, who race as Jaam Racing. Tackitt and Baltas hope a winning race on Sunday will result in a start in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante for 2-year-old fillies at seven furlongs on Sept. 2.

Gas Station Sushi is one of six first-time starters in a field of 10 fillies in Sunday’s third race.

Time to Play, by Medaglia d’Oro, is another first-time starter. Trained by Eoin Harty for Godolphin Racing, Time to Play is out of Game Face, the winner of the Grade 1 Princess Rooney Handicap at Calder in 2009.