Sunday maiden event shaping up as key race

DEL MAR, Calif. – The fifth race at Del Mar on Sunday – a maiden special weight for 2-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs – is the sort of race that could play a pivotal role in the juvenile division in coming months.

The race drew eight first-time starters – seven colts and a gelding – and includes expensive purchases such as Eight Rings, Express Train, and Shooters Shoot who have their trainers optimistic about short-term and long-term prospects.

Eight Rings, a colt by Empire Maker bought for $520,000 as a yearling, is expected to go favored on the strength of a series of quick workouts from the gate here in recent weeks.

In a text message from Saratoga, trainer Bob Baffert said Eight Rings has “been working well and should be very competitive.”

Owned by a partnership, Eight Rings worked five furlongs in 1:00 from the gate here July 25, the fastest of the morning, and will be ridden by Drayden Van Dyke.

Shooters Shoot, a colt by Competitive Edge who was purchased for $300,000 in April, drew the rail, which trainer Peter Eurton said is not ideal. He is entrusting jockey Flavien Prat to guide Shooters Shoot through what is likely to be a lively pace.

“I’m not happy with it,” Eurton said of the draw. “I’ve got a good rider on him. However he places himself, he’s got tactical speed. I don’t think he’s a lightning bolt. That’s why I’d prefer to be outside. I’m looking for a good experience.”

Express Train, a Union Rags colt bought for $500,000 as a yearling, will be ridden by Mike Smith for trainer John Shirreffs. Express Train breaks from post 7 and should be prominent early, Shirreffs said.

“It’s a good post position,” Shirreffs said. “He’s very good out of the gate.”

The race could produce a few starters for the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs on Sept. 2, the closing day of the current summer meeting.