New Del Mar turf course plays fast
DEL MAR, Calif. – The new turf course at Del Mar, widened and resod over the winter, was used for three races on Thursday’s opening-day program.
The course played fast and produced quick times. Super Ability led throughout an optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles on turf to win in final time of 1:40.83. Enterprising closed from last of 11 to win the Oceanside Stakes, finishing the mile on turf in 1:33.89. Affrettando closed from 10th of 12 to win at 1 1/16 miles in 1:41.57.
Victor Espinoza, who won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes with California Chrome this spring, rode Stoney Fleece to a sixth-place finish behind Super Ability.
“My horse handled it really well,” Espinoza said. “I think the turns are good.”
Turf racing was not without mishap.
In the fifth race, third-place finisher Kokaltash suffered sesamoid injuries while being pulled up and was later euthanized, track officials said.
Kokaltash, a French import, was third in the Group 2 Prix du Muguet in Paris on May 1. Brice Blanc rode Kokaltash. After the race, Blanc said, “I can’t blame the track.”