Tamarando targets return in California Flag

Tamarando, the winner of the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity in 2013 and two other stakes, is nearing a return to racing following a summertime break.

Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, Tamarando is a candidate for the $100,000 California Flag Handicap for statebreds at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course on Oct. 18, according to Dan Ward, Hollendorfer’s assistant.

Later this fall, Tamarando will be considered for two stakes at Del Mar – the $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes for California-breds at seven furlongs on Nov. 23, or the $200,000 Native Diver Handicap at 1 1/8 miles on Nov. 29. The Cary Grant Stakes was formerly known as the On Trust Stakes when run at Hollywood.

Ward said that a start at Del Mar will allow Tamarando a final race over a surface in which he has excelled.

“It’s a last chance to run on synthetic track in Southern California.,” Ward said. “He’s been good on that track.”

Del Mar plans to replace its synthetic track this winter with a dirt surface similar to the one in place at Santa Anita.

Owned by breeder Larry and Marianne Williams, Tamarando has not raced since finishing fourth in the Snow Chief Stakes here in April. He won the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby on Tapeta at Golden Gate Fields last February.

Anoakia tops Sunday card

Sunday’s top race at Santa Anita is the $75,000 Anoakia Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at seven furlongs. Seduire and Starlet O’Hara, fifth and ninth in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante on Aug. 30, are among the expected starters.

Seduire won the Wine Country Debutante at Santa Rosa in August for Hollendorfer.