Whatsthescript scores in Del Mar Mile

By STEVE ANDERSEN

DEL MAR, Calif. - Whatsthescript continues to collect Grade 2 wins this summer, but trainer John Sadler is dreaming of greater prizes. Two months after winning the Grade 2 American Handicap at Hollywood Park, Whatsthescript ran an outstanding race to win Sundays $400,000 Del Mar Mile, a Grade 2 on turf.

His autumn goal is the Breeders Cup Mile at Santa Anita on Oct. 25, a race that Sadler thinks is an ideal fit.

I feel this is a Group 1 horse, he said.

Whatsthescript beat a strong field in the Del Mar Mile, running down Daytona, the winner of six stakes, including two Grade 1 stakes, in the last year.

Ridden by Garrett Gomez, Whatsthescript ($6) was timed in 1:32.40, winning by three-quarters of a length over Bold Chieftain. Bold Chieftain, a 7-1 shot, finished second, a neck in front of Global Hunter. Daytona, who took command of the race on the final turn, finished fourth in the field of nine. Jockey Jose Valdivia Jr., who rode Global Hunter, alleged interference against Bold Chieftain, but the stewards disallowed the objection.

Whatsthescript was seventh on the backstretch and with a quarter-mile remaining. He reached the front with a wide rally.

With Garrett, you dont worry about them being too far back, Sadler said.

A 4-year-old Irish-bred colt by Royal Applause, Whatsthescript earned an automatic berth to the BC Mile since the Del Mar Mile was part of the Breeders Cup Win and Youre In program. Owner Tom Stull said Whatsthescript would likely be nominated to the Breeders Cup program in October at a cost of $150,000.