Mucho Unusual sharp and healthy for San Clemente

DEL MAR, Calif. – Mucho Unusual missed a few planned starts in the spring because of a recurring illness that forced owner and breeder George Krikorian and trainer Tim Yakteen to adjust expectations along the way.

Mucho Unusual won the California Cup Oaks against statebred fillies at Santa Anita in February and did not race again until she won an allowance race with an $80,000 claiming option against open company there on June 16.

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The recent win has given Krikorian and Yakteen a reason to aim higher. Mucho Unusual will have her graded stakes debut in Saturday’s Grade 2 San Clemente Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at a mile on turf at Del Mar.

In the last several days, Mucho Unusual’s assignment has become slightly easier. Hostess, winner of the Grade 3 Providencia Stakes at Santa Anita in April, was retired with a knee injury. Lady Prancealot, who won the Grade 3 Honeymoon Stakes at Santa Anita in June, will miss the race because an elevated temperature.

Mucho Unusual still has nine rivals, notably Maxim Rate, who won the Grade 3 Senorita Stakes at Santa Anita in May. Still, the $200,000 San Clemente Stakes is not as strong as it could be.

KEY CONTENDERS

Mucho Unusual, by Unusual Heat

Last 3 Beyers: 86-81-54

◗ Mucho Unusual is unbeaten in two starts on turf. In the Cal Cup Oaks at a mile on turf, she led throughout and won by three lengths. In the optional claimer at a mile on turf on June 16, she closed from fourth in a field of eight to win by a head.

“She bounced out of the allowance race the way you want,” Yakteen said of Mucho Unusual’s recent win. “Hopefully, her morning activity transfers into an effort in the afternoon and she can run a bang-up race.”

◗ Joel Rosario rode Mucho Unusual in the Cal Cup Oaks and has the mount Saturday. Rosario will have options as to where to place Mucho Unusual in the first half-mile, Yakteen said.

“We’re hoping she can come from off it,” he said. “If there is no legitimate pace, we might set the pace.”

Maxim Rate, by Exchange Rate

Last 3 Beyers: 77-81-79

◗ Maxim Rate was a quiet fifth as the 2-1 favorite in the Honeymoon Stakes at 1 1/8 miles. She stalked a slow pace and was within a half-length of the lead with a furlong remaining before fading in the stretch.

◗ Callaghan said Maxim Rate emerged from the race with a skin condition, which has since healed.

“I think she’ll be right there,” Callaghan said. “She’s back on top of her game. I think a mile is the best distance.”

Stillwater Cove, by Quality Road

Last 3 Beyers: 78-82-58

◗ Trained by Wesley Ward, Stillwater Cove has had quick workouts on turf at Keeneland for her first start since a troubled fourth as the 9-5 favorite in the Grade 3 Soaring Softly Stakes on May 18 at Belmont Park.

◗ In that race at seven furlongs on turf, Stillwater Cove exchanged bumps with a rival in the final furlong and was beaten three-quarters of a length for third.