Maiden race could propel Straight Fire to Del Mar Futurity

Straight Fire could not keep pace with Chasing Aces in a maiden race at five furlongs in his debut at Del Mar on July 17, losing by 5 1/4 lengths. The loss seems to have had its benefits.

“He might be a little more on the bit now, a lot stronger and a lot more keyed in mentally,” trainer Keith Desormeaux said.

Straight Fire’s newly gained focus could result in a win in a maiden race at 6 1/2 furlongs in Saturday’s eighth race. Desormeaux sees the race as a possible prep for the $300,000 Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs on Sept. 5.

“He’s got us all dreaming big with that performance first time out,” Desormeaux said.

Owned by a partnership that includes sports commentator Jim Rome, Straight Fire will be favored in a field of nine. Straight Fire drew post 7, which Desormeaux said should be an asset in a longer sprint.

“We’re stretching out,” he said. “Even though they’re both sprints, it’s two different races. He’ll have to settle. I like that he has a good outside post.”

On July 17, Chasing Aces set a five-furlong track record of 56.21 seconds. Chasing Aces is a candidate for the Del Mar Futurity.

Saturday’s maiden race will be the debut of Plum Dandy, who was purchased for $500,000 at the Keeneland September yearling sale. Trained by Simon Callaghan, Plum Dandy, by Medaglia d’Oro, is owned by B. Wayne Hughes. Plum Dandy breaks from the rail.

“He’s a very nice colt, but the rail makes it tough,” Callaghan said. “He’s showed a good level of ability, really a straightforward colt. He’ll be better going further – that’s what he’s bred for.”

Maiden colt euthanized

Jagger Swagger, a maiden with three starts, was euthanized after sustaining an injury during morning workouts at Del Mar on Thursday, track officials said.

Jagger Swagger was 11th in a maiden race here July 15. The 3-year-old colt was vanned from the racetrack shortly after the start of the 7:45 a.m. training session but could not be saved.