DEL MAR, Calif. – Closing Remarks has amassed a collection of Grade 2 wins in turf stakes this year that has left the 5-year-old mare with a bevy of race options at different distances in Southern California in the next three months.

Soon, owner and breeder John Harris and trainer Carla Gaines must choose a plan. Closing Remarks won her most recent start in Saturday’s Grade 2 John C. Mabee Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf for fillies and mares at Del Mar, a win that could lead to a start in the Grade 2 Rodeo Drive Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf at Santa Anita.

DEL MAR, Calif. – Prince of Monaco on Sunday became Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert’s record 17th career winner in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity, joining a crowded list that began with Silver Charm in 1996.

The record will be safe for decades. No other active trainer has won the seven-furlong race for 2-year-olds more than twice.

Prince of Monaco earned another unique distinction, returning only $2.10, the lowest win price in the 76-year history of the race. The previous mark of $2.20 was set by the Baffert-trained Officer in 2001.

All-sources wagering at the Del Mar summer meeting that ended Sunday declined 10.9 percent compared to the corresponding meeting in 2022, a figure affected by the cancellation of a Sunday program last month.

The meeting was scheduled for 31 days, but 30 days of racing were held. The Aug. 20 program was lost because of rain from the remnants of Hurricane Hilary.

The lucrative seven-day turf meeting at Kentucky Downs concludes with a 10-race card Wednesday, topped by a pair of rich stakes for 2-year-olds – the $500,000 Juvenile Sprint and the $500,000 Untapable.

Conditions should be kind. Following about a 50 percent chance of rain forecast for Franklin, Ky., in the early hours of Tuesday, conditions are expected to be clear and sunny Wednesday, with a high of 78. Horseplayers can chase a carryover of $6,061 in the Super High 5. First post is 12:30 p.m. Central.

Mark Casse wasn’t at Kentucky Downs on Saturday, but of course he was watching closely as his longshot Get Smokin loaded into the gate, broke on top, and quickly took a lead in the $1.7 million Kentucky Turf Cup. Get Smokin was cruising in the clear, going easily.

“Watching the race, I said to myself, ‘Hmm, this is interesting,’ ” Casse said Monday morning.

While I have never been one to put a lot of stock in Beyer Speed Figures, I find it hard to believe that you only gave my horse Nutella Fella a 72 Beyer in the Hopeful [Stakes at Saratoga]. It was just a matter of disrespect. You disrespected us because we are a small stable that upset the apple cart. I wonder if [second-place] Timberlake had held on what his number would have been. I promise you it would have been over 90. I hope my horse proves you wrong over and over.

Nick Beaver

Bell Gable Stable

Dear Nick,

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Thursday’s racing action kicks off Woodbine Mile week, and there’s a good conditioned allowance/optional claimer on the eight-race card that begins at 4:40 p.m.

Trainer Marty Drexler sends out Cotton and Priceless Will in the 6 1/2-furlong Tapeta sprint, which carries a base purse of $76,000.

Even though he’s coming off a subpar performance, Cotton could be favored while competing for the $50,000 tag. After wintering in Florida, Cotton commenced a three-race win streak in a $25,000 starter handicap after a stalking trip here April 29.

Two Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races in Ireland and Arc trials in France highlight a busy Sunday of European stakes action.

The five-furlong Flying Five Stakes at The Curragh is a Win and You’re In race linked to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, while the seven-furlong Moyglare Stud offers the winner automatic fees-paid entry into the BC Juvenile Fillies Turf.

He is the leader of the California 2-year-old division, the only graded stakes winner in Sunday’s Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity, and has earned the highest Beyer Speed Figure achieved by a juvenile this year.

Prince of Monaco is unbeaten in two starts, a record widely expected to increase to three when he starts as a heavy favorite in the $300,000 Del Mar Futurity on Sunday.

An expected win would propel Prince of Monaco closer to the major stakes of the fall, notably the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on Nov. 3 at Santa Anita.

Don’t Get Khozy has mastered the main track at Gulfstream Park, where she returns Sunday in search of a 12th win over the local strip in the $60,000 Stormy Embrace.

She’s the 120-pound highweight for the overnight handicap at 6 1/2 furlongs. Poiema, weighted at 118, will also get good support in the field of seven fillies and mares. The Stormy Embrace is slotted as the fourth race.