No better time for Avicii to stretch out

DEL MAR, Calif. – Avicii loves racing at Del Mar, but she also has done nearly all her work sprinting, so her ability to handle one mile will be one of the compelling factors to consider in Thursday’s featured race 7, an optional claimer that matches several in-form females, most notably the red-hot Mended.

Avicii has finished first or second in all five of her starts at Del Mar, including victories last summer and fall. Both those races, though, were sprints. In her 31-race career, Avicii has raced just once at one mile, finishing third. But she comes into this race in sharp form, with a win and a close third in similar optional claimers at Santa Anita in May and June.

:: Christmas in July! Take 20% off PPs, Clocker Reports, and more

Trainer Peter Miller has tipped his hand a bit as to how Avicii is doing, as he protects her by using the second-level allowance condition for the second straight time after risking her for $62,500 two starts back.

“She’s won going seven-eighths, and she sprints like she can route,” Miller said. “She loves this track. And she’s very sharp.”

To prevail, Avicii will have to defeat Mended, who has won six straight races, all on synthetic and turf at Golden Gate Fields, since being claimed in January for $12,500. She’s a Warrior is back in an allowance race after facing graded company at Pimlico last time out. In fact, of the seven runners, none is an immediate toss-out. It’s one of the most competitive races on the card.

KEY CONTENDERS

Avicii, by City Zip

Last 3 Beyers: 83-88-78

◗ Miller claimed her back in April after losing her for one start to Jerry Hollendorfer. In Miller’s care this year, Avicii has two wins, two seconds, and a third in five starts.

Mended, by Broken Vow

Last 3 Beyers: 78-84-78

◗ After going 3 for 16, she has now won six straight since high-percentage trainer John Martin claimed her.

◗ She does her best work on the front end, and with Avicii exiting sprints, she could find herself outfooted early.

She’s a Warrior, by Majestic Warrior

Last 3 Beyers: 72-83-72

◗ She found the likes of Terra Promessa and Carrumba too tough in the Grade 3 Allaire duPont last time out and now returns to the level at which she prevailed April 14 at Santa Anita when returning from a six-month layoff.

◗ She is eligible for this race because she was racing above her conditions on April 14, so she still owns her second-level allowance condition.

Plastered, by Wilburn

Last 3 Beyers: 90-78-73

◗ She comes off a career-best effort when third in the Santa Lucia at Santa Anita, a race that already proved productive when second-place finisher Street Surrender came back to win her next start.

◗ She is one of two runners sent out by Hollendorfer, who also has Mangita.