Unapologetic enjoying the great outdoors

DEL MAR, Calif. – Like a lot of people who head here for the summer, the 6-year-old gelding Unapologetic perks up at Del Mar. In 10 starts on the turf course here, he owns a pair of wins and three seconds, and his last victory came here last November going 1 3/8 miles on turf, the same distance and surface at which he will compete on Thursday.

Unapologetic has finished out of the money in all four of his starts since then. But a return to Del Mar and a drop in class could help him regain his best form in race 6, an optional claimer in which he is entered for a $40,000 claiming price.

Unapologetic might like this turf course more than others. But his trainer, Bill Spawr, said he thinks the reason Unapologetic so enjoys Del Mar is that he can remain outdoors most of the time.

Unapologetic hates being in a stall. “He’s a bad weaver,” Spawr said.

At Del Mar, though, outdoor pens are allowed, and Unapologetic finds those appealing.

“He stops weaving,” Spawr said.

Saving his energy for his races instead of using it up fretting in his stall can translate to an improved performance for Unapologetic.

Six others are entered in the race, including Red King, who comes off a third-place finish in the Grade 3 San Juan Capistrano last time out June 23. Off current form and the class drop, he should go favored.

The seven-race card begins at 2 p.m. Pacific.

KEY CONTENDERS

Unapologetic, by Temple City

Last 3 Beyers: 82-82-92

◗ He has two wins and a second in four starts going 11 furlongs.

◗ Geovanni Franco rode him to his victory last fall at Del Mar and is back aboard for the fifth time in his last six starts.

Red King, by English Channel

Last 3 Beyers: 87-83-86

◗ He has turned in three sharp efforts since being claimed by trainer Phil D’Amato for $50,000 in February.

◗ Prior to his third-place finish in the San Juan Capistrano, he won an optional claimer in which he was eligible to be claimed, and was fourth on synthetic at Golden Gate in the Grade 3 All American. He still has his first allowance condition, which he’s using here.

◗ He is winless in five starts on this course, but has finished in the money three times

Trojan Spirit, by Smart Strike

Last 3 Beyers: 84-74-85

◗ He has been stuck at this level since a maiden victory at Santa Anita last October, but he’s never raced farther than 1 1/8 miles and his style indicates this extra distance will be of benefit.

Ground Attack, by Surf Cat

Last 3 Beyers: 39-82-81

◗ He added blinkers for the first time for the San Juan Capistrano and ran dreadfully, so they are being removed for this race.