Plenty of hype around Sunday baby races

DEL MAR, Calif. – Reviews are strong for many of the 2-year-olds set to compete in race 6 on Sunday at Del Mar, a six-furlong maiden race that might be a preview of coming attractions.

The field is led by Bob Baffert’s highly regarded Roadster, as well as the Jerry Hollendorfer-trained Gunmetal Gray, both of whom are making their debuts. But the field has plenty of depth, including Jefe, who finished strongly for third in his debut last month at Santa Anita for Keith Desormeaux.

“People say the race is loaded,” said Hollendorfer, who will run two horses, Gunmetal Gray (by Exchange Rate) and View Magic (Tapit).

“We like both of them,” Hollendorfer said. “Just want to get them started. If you can win at Del Mar, you can run just about any place.”

Roadster, a colt by Quality Road, turned in a series of sharp works at Santa Anita, and on Monday worked in company with the mare Vale Dori. Baffert was disappointed Roadster drew the rail. Mike Smith, who has worked Roadster, has the mount.

Also of interest is Of Good Report, a son of Twirling Candy making his first start. His trainer, Luis Mendez, has sent out well-prepared youngsters from limited starters.

Also Sunday is a one-mile maiden race on grass for 2-year-old fillies, including Kathryn’s Sky (Trappe Shot) and Vibrance (Violence), both trained by Michael McCarthy. They landed posts 9 and 10 in the race, the fourth on the card, which is the first leg of the pick six.

“Kathryn’s Sky acts like she wants a mile, and has turf action,” McCarthy said. “Vibrance, it seems like stamina will play to her favor, too. But not the easiest posts going a mile on turf first time out.”

Tom Proctor has brought in Summering (War Front) to debut here after she did most of her prep work at the Fair Hill training center in Maryland.