In one week, Hollendorfer surpasses last year's meet win total

DEL MAR, Calif. - Jerry Hollendorfer needed four days on opening week at Del Mar to surpass his win total for the entire 2017 summer meeting.

Last year, Hollendorfer won with 5 of 80 starters. Through Sunday, he has 7 wins from 17 starters. Hollendorfer said the early success at this meeting helps the morale of his employees.

“It’s good for the barn,” Hollendorfer said, overseeing activity at his stable on Sunday morning.

The 72-year-old Hall of Fame trainer downplayed the frustrating summer of 2017.

“I’m a big boy,” he said. “I can take the abuse.”

In the first week of the meeting, Hollendorfer won with four horses expected to run in stakes.

Brill, the outstanding 2-year-old filly, is a leading candidate for the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante on Sept. 1 after an easy win on July 18. The 3-year-old Shivermetimbers may run in the $100,000 Shared Belief Stakes on Aug. 25 after winning an optional claimer on July 18.

Hollendorfer had two wins Saturday. Rowayton won a maiden race for 2-year-olds, a likely prep for the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 3. Vasilika won her fifth consecutive start in an optional claimer and could run in the Grade 2 John Mabee Stakes for fillies and mares on turf on Sept. 1.

Hollendorfer has a deep team of 2-year-olds this year, including Instagrand, a maiden race winner at Los Alamitos on June 29.

Hollendorfer said he is unlikely to ship Instagrand or Rowayton away from Del Mar this summer.

“I’d rather race at home if you can,” Hollendorfer said. “I’m not real keen on shipping them early in their careers.”