Racing! A brief conversation with Aidan Butler - Los Angeles Times
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Racing! A brief conversation with Aidan Butler

Santa Anita race in September 2019.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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Hello, my name is John Cherwa and welcome back to our horse racing newsletter as we send you a YouTube clip that is guaranteed to make you laugh.

At the recent California Horse Racing Board meeting a bunch of reporters (including me) caught up with Aidan Butler, acting chief executive of California racing for The Stronach Group. Aidan, like all of us, needed a break from the never-ending meeting and we chased him down outside front doors of the Del Mar Hilton. (Note: Aidan stayed until the bitter end of the meeting.)

What we’ve got below is not an exact transcript of the eight-minute mini-news conference with the Santa Anita boss. In some cases, questions have been modified to fit the answer. And the answers are edited for brevity and clarity.

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So, here’s what Aidan had to say on some of the most pressing issues.

Reporter: How are you going to make the decision that racing is safe on any given day?

Butler: I’m not prepared to put any more guesswork into this. We’ve got to start getting better as an industry at the actual data we can use. … Let’s base [decisions] on evidence so we know … because the more it’s open to interpretation, you’re in the same position as if you don’t know.

Q: But if jockeys come back after the first race and say it’s not safe is that not an interpretation?

A: That’s a real-life working example. When we’re racing, if anyone mentions it’s unsafe then it’s unsafe. I’m talking about when you have to call these things early before you actually know. When we make these decisions, I want to make sure they are rooted in data and science rather than people’s ideas.

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Q: How do you plan to use the 12 flex days where you have to cancel racing?

A: It’s my understanding the 12 flex days are to be used to give us the ability to cancel for any reason, be it inclement weather or horse population. It hasn’t occurred to me to game the situation. If we’re not 100% sure it’s safe for the horses or rider than it’s not even a conversation as far as I’m concerned. I’m always going to err on the side of being overcautious.

Q: Where are you at on making your decision on synthetics?

A: This is a big conversation. There are very few viable synthetic companies in the States. Many have gone by the wayside and some are internationally based. The one that seems to work for us is Tapeta. That’s going to be the benchmark and the conversations around that will be will it work and stand up to climate in Southern California and especially Santa Anita. Dr. Mick Peterson and myself speak on what seems like a daily basis. He’s got some pretty good ideas and pretty good data sets that he believes will be applicable here. And he’ll be able to give much advice to us. My preference is to look at this as an industry group of not just the local guys but as many people as we can across the country.

Q: How much have you done hands-on exploration of Tapeta as an option?

A: Dr. Mick Peterson and Dr. Dionne Benson (chief veterinary officer for The Stronach Group) [and I] went to a Tapeta farm. We feel the latest iterations of Tapeta are far better than in the old versions. As a side note we have a real-world working example of Tapeta at Golden Gate. Everyone is real happy with it from the horsemen to track operations. We’re fairly confident it will be good. But again, I’ve got to make sure whatever we do is done absolutely right. As far as products go, Tapeta is the best one out there.

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Q: It has been suggested you could test it by making it the training track?

A: That’s absolutely another option. Where I stand nothing is off the table as far as what corporate says. A lot of people like turf racing in which case a synthetic option could be on the training track or could be on the inside or outside [of the turf curse]. I think it’s a nice complement from the training aspect. I think you all know that synthetic tracks are a better training track for turf. Whatever we decide has to be done the right way. … It’s up to the whole industry to get it right once and for all. … It seems it’s been a little hit or miss, worked well in some places and not so well in others.

Q: But you’ve said Santa Anita is not afraid to go it alone.

A: Absolutely. You use all of the best advice that you can. And all of the best experts that you can. My job is to make sure that whatever we land as the final decision is the best one we can possibly make.

Who goofed, I’ve got to know?

It was me, of course. In Saturday’s newsletter I said that Roadster had run in the Del Mar Debutante. Obviously, I meant the Del Mar Futurity because he is a colt. But you knew that.

Del Mar review

Everyone, including me, was eager to see Roadster, but eager turned to anxious as the once promising colt finished fourth in the four-horse Grade 3 $100,000 Native Dancer Stakes for horses going 1 1/8 miles. The winner, under yet another smart ride from Victor Espinoza, won the race in a gate-to-wire runaway by 5 ¾ lengths.

It was Midcourt’s fourth win in seven starts for trainer John Shirreffs. Midcourt paid $7.60 and $4.40. Extra Hope was second and Two Thirty Five finished third.

Here’s what the winning connections had to say.

John Shirreffs (winning trainer): “It wasn’t the way I expected. I didn’t think they’d take off that soon and go to the lead. But Victor rode him great and he wanted to run today. He’s been training well but there’s always a step up they have to take in the afternoons. You hope there’s a realization then. He’s doing really well right now so we’ll go on to Santa Anita and see what we can do.”

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Victor Espinoza (winning jockey): “The whole thing [Saturday] was I knew I had to let him do what he wants. He’s that kind of horse. I knew there wasn’t much speed in there today. And even though he’s never been on the lead in his races, I thought he might if he broke OK. He got out of there well and I gave him just a little encouragement and he went to the front. He was going so easy doing it, I knew when it came time he was really going to go.”

Del Mar preview

It’s a pretty decent card for a Sunday. There are nine races starting at 12:30 p.m. Five of the races are on the turf, there are four allowance/optional claimers and one stakes race. The stakes is the $100,000 Cary Grant for Cal-breds going seven furlongs. Any horse named Judy gets a free pass into the race. (Naw, just made that up.) If you don’t understand the joke listen to this. It’s the best thing in this newsletter, it’s got Andy, Gomer and Goober. And if you don’t know what that means, I give up on you. And if you don’t laugh, you can get this newsletter for free for six months.

OK, back to reality. The favorite in the Cary Grant is Fashionably Fast, at 8-5, for trainer Dean Pederson and jockey Tiago Pereira. This 4-year-old gelding has won his last three races, a couple of allowances at Del Mar and a stakes at Fresno. The second favorite, at 5-2, is Oliver (please sir, I want some more) for Doug O’Neill and Abel Cedillo. This 3-year-old colt has won a stakes at Los Alamitos and an allowance at Del Mar. Post time is around 4 p.m.

Here are the field sizes, in order: 8, 10, 8, 9, 8,12, 9, 6, 10.

Bob Ike’s Dmr pick of the day

THIRD RACE No. 5 Harmless (6-1)

Second-level allowance/optional claimer going one mile on turf and this sophomore filly from the Bob Hess stable might be able to take them all the way on the front end. There isn’t much pace signed up and she can be very tough on the front end even though some of her better efforts have been on the synthetic. If left alone long enough under Abel Cedillo should might not look back.

Saturday’s result: Seaside Dancer got away with a soft trip on the lead but was run down near the wire while just holding second in a three-way blanket finish.

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Bob Ike is a Partner/VP of Horsebills.com (here’s a video) and the proprietor of BobIkePicks.com (full-card picks, 3 Best Plays and betting strategy).

Big races review

A look at graded stakes or races worth $100,000 or more on Saturday or late Friday.

Aqueduct (9): Grade 3 $200,000 Red Smith Stakes, 3 and up, 1 3/8 miles on turf. Winner: Sadler’s Joy ($4.70)

Woodbine (8): Grade 2 $175,000 Kennedy Road Stakes, 3 and up, 6 furlongs. Winner: Pink Lloyd ($3.50)

Woodbine (9): $225,000 Coronation Futurity, Ont-bred 2-year-olds, 1 1/8 miles. Winner: Halo Again ($8.70)

Del Mar (8): Grade 3 $100,000 Native Diver Stakes, 3 and up, 1 1/8 miles. Winner: Midcourt ($7.80)

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Big races preview

A look at graded stakes or races worth $100,000 or more on Sunday. All times PDT:

12:47 Aqueduct (8): $150,000 New York Stallion Series Stakes (Thunder Rumble Division), NY-breds 3 and up, 7 furlongs. Favorite: Gold for the King (2-1)

1:43 Woodbine (8): $175,000 Bessarabian Stakes, fillies and mares 3 and up, 7 furlongs. Favorite: Xenobia (5-2)

4:03 Del Mar (8): $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes, Cal-breds 3 and up, 7 furlongs. Favorite: Fashionably Fast (8-5)

Ed Burgart’s LA pick of the day

EIGHTH RACE: No. 3 You Can Run (5-2)

Whlle four-time winner Budderlicous deserves his 7-5 morning-line odds, I have been waiting for You Can Run to get more distance. He was loaded with late energy when second and fourth respectively after troubled starts in his first two outs and looked terrific in last rapid 330-yard victory. In last win, he scored head verdict over well-regarded Ain’t Working, who was coming off a terrific 12.0 gate drill. I suggest a win bet and exactas with #7 Budderlicous and #8 Five Bar Jackpot. The latter has also been crying for more ground.

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Final thoughts

Always looking to add more subscribers to this newsletter. Can’t beat the price. If you like it, tell someone. If you don’t like it, then you’re probably not reading this. Either way, send to a friend and just have them click here and sign up. Remember, it’s free, and all we need is your email, nothing more.

Any thoughts, you can reach me at [email protected]. You can also feed my ego by following me on Twitter @jcherwa

And now the stars of the show, Saturday’s results and Sunday’s entries.

Del Mar Charts Results for Saturday, November 23.

Copyright 2019 by Equibase Company. Reproduction prohibited. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar, California. All finishes confirmed by Plusmic USA. Official program numbers may not correspond with post position. 9th day of a 15-day meet. Clear & Fast

FIRST RACE.

1 Mile. Purse: $30,000. Claiming. 3 year olds. Claiming Prices $25,000-$22,500. Time 22.16 45.91 1:11.85 1:25.08 1:37.88


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

6 Royal Insider 120 6 1 4–hd 4–½ 5–3½ 2–2 1–½ Cedillo 2.80
5 Zorich 120 5 4 6 3–hd 2–hd 1–½ 2–4¼ Talamo 4.90
2 Bird 120 2 5 5–1½ 5–½ 4–½ 3–1½ 3–10¼ Prat 1.40
4 Owning 115 4 6 3–hd 6 6 6 4–¾ Diaz, Jr. 19.80
3 Savagery 120 3 3 2–6 2–5 1–1 4–1½ 5–½ Figueroa 3.90
1 Concord Jet 120 1 2 1–hd 1–hd 3–1 5–3½ 6 Pereira 9.90

6 ROYAL INSIDER 7.60 3.60 2.20
5 ZORICH 4.20 2.40
2 BIRD 2.20
$1 EXACTA (6-5)  $16.30
$2 QUINELLA (5-6)  $13.40
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (6-5-2-4)  $17.34
50-CENT TRIFECTA (6-5-2)  $21.65

Winner–Royal Insider B.g.3 by Divine Park out of Quality Included, by Include. Bred by Brereton C. Jones (KY). Trainer: Jack Carava. Owner: Chris Curtis. Mutuel Pool $154,785 Exacta Pool $80,255 Quinella Pool $2,339 Superfecta Pool $30,357 Trifecta Pool $51,907. Claimed–Royal Insider by Knapp, Steve and Sarno, Tony. Trainer: Steve Knapp. Claimed–Bird by Sandlot Racing Stables. Trainer: Dean Pederson. Scratched–none.

ROYAL INSIDER stalked three deep, came four wide into the stretch, drifted in and bid outside the runner-up under left handed urging in midstretch, gained the advantage a sixteenth out and gamely prevailed. ZORICH chased off the inside then went up four wide on the backstretch and into the second turn, bid three deep leaving that turn to gain the lead in upper stretch, drifted in and fought back along the rail to the wire. BIRD saved ground stalking the pace, came out leaving the second turn and between horses into the stretch and bested the others. OWNING chased between horses, fell back off the rail on the second turn and weakened. SAVAGERY bobbled just after the start, had speed between horses then dueled outside a rival, took the lead then inched away briefly leaving the second turn, drifted to the inside in the stretch and weakened. CONCORD JET pulled hard along the inside and dueled from the rail, fell back leaving the second turn and into the stretch, came out in midstretch and had little left for the drive.

SECOND RACE.

1 Mile. Purse: $29,000. Maiden Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Prices $50,000-$40,000. Time 23.31 47.67 1:12.31 1:24.69 1:37.65


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

3 Challah 118 3 4 2–1 2–1 2–1½ 1–½ 1–nk Prat 3.10
5 The Longest Night 122 4 2 3–hd 3–hd 3–1½ 3–3 2–½ T Baze 3.30
2 C Falls 122 2 1 1–½ 1–½ 1–hd 2–hd 3–1½ Cedillo 1.50
6 Mongolian Legend 122 5 5 5 5 5 5 4–¾ Gutierrez 4.50
1 Caribbean 124 1 3 4–1½ 4–½ 4–1½ 4–hd 5 Blanc 6.30

3 CHALLAH 8.20 4.20 2.60
5 THE LONGEST NIGHT 4.60 2.80
2 C FALLS 2.10
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (6-3)  $35.80
$1 EXACTA (3-5)  $16.00
$2 QUINELLA (3-5)  $15.60
50-CENT TRIFECTA (3-5-2)  $17.65

Winner–Challah Ch.g.3 by Jimmy Creed out of Sliced Bread, by Noonmark. Bred by Ralph Kinder, Erv Woolsey &Spendthrift Farm (KY). Trainer: Richard Baltas. Owner: Zayat Stables, LLC. Mutuel Pool $138,976 Daily Double Pool $39,323 Exacta Pool $63,602 Quinella Pool $2,410 Trifecta Pool $47,039. Scratched–Khalfani.

CHALLAH had good early speed and pressed the pace outside a rival, took a short lead into the stretch, fought back between foes under urging through the final furlong and held gamely. THE LONGEST NIGHT three deep early, stalked outside a rival, came three wide into the stretch, bid three deep in the drive and also continued gamely to the end. C FALLS sped to the early lead, set a pressured pace inside, fought back along the fence into and through the stretch and went willingly to the wire. MONGOLIAN LEGEND chased a bit off the rail then briefly between foes leaving the backstretch, went outside a rival leaving the second turn and into the stretch and was outfinished. CARIBBEAN (AUS) saved ground stalking the pace throughout and could not quite summon the needed late kick.

THIRD RACE.

1 Mile Turf. Purse: $33,000. Maiden Claiming. Fillies. 2 year olds. Claiming Prices $80,000-$70,000. Time 22.40 46.96 1:12.64 1:25.36 1:37.60


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

3 Establish Justice 122 3 2 4–2 4–1 3–1 1–1½ 1–1¾ T Baze 7.20
7 Lucia's Design 122 7 4 8–1½ 7–hd 6–1 2–½ 2–nk Figueroa 51.50
9 Going to Vegas 120 9 5 7–hd 8–1 7–1½ 4–½ 3–½ Talamo 4.10
1 My Girl Pearl 122 1 7 6–½ 6–hd 5–hd 3–hd 4–¾ Maldonado 39.80
6 Dipping In 122 6 9 9–3½ 9–1 9–½ 7–1 5–1¾ Gutierrez 2.70
8 Flamigo Bay 115 8 8 5–1 5–½ 4–½ 5–hd 6–1 Diaz, Jr. 20.00
10 Keepinmypromise 122 10 10 10 10 8–½ 8–½ 7–6¼ Prat 6.30
5 Lace 122 5 1 3–hd 3–1½ 2–hd 9–10½ 8–½ Pereira 28.90
2 Magically Honored 122 2 3 1–1 1–1½ 1–1½ 6–1 9–22¾ Cedillo 2.30
4 Lizzario 122 4 6 2–½ 2–½ 10 10 10 Bejarano 20.30

3 ESTABLISH JUSTICE 16.40 7.60 5.00
7 LUCIA'S DESIGN 28.00 12.00
9 GOING TO VEGAS 3.80
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (3-3)  $123.20
$1 EXACTA (3-7)  $280.70
$2 QUINELLA (3-7)  $683.60
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (3-7-9-1)  $2,832.59
50-CENT TRIFECTA (3-7-9)  $895.15

Winner–Establish Justice Dbb.f.2 by Constitution out of Toast of Mayfair, by Speightstown. Bred by Fred W. Hertrich lll, John D. Fielding& Robert L. Tribbett (KY). Trainer: Mike Puype. Owner: Paymaster Racing LLC and Slugo Racing. Mutuel Pool $285,529 Daily Double Pool $22,016 Exacta Pool $194,420 Quinella Pool $4,863 Superfecta Pool $89,223 Trifecta Pool $124,853. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (6-3-3) paid $108.30. Pick Three Pool $61,628.

ESTABLISH JUSTICE had speed between horses then angled in and stalked inside, came out into the stretch, took the lead outside the pacesetter in upper stretch, inched away under urging in midstretch and proved best. LUCIA'S DESIGN pulled her way along between horses then stalked between foes to the stretch and edged rivals for the place. GOING TO VEGAS chased three deep then four wide leaving the second turn and five wide into the stretch and was edged for second. MY GIRL PEARL saved ground stalking the pace, waited a bit then split horses in midstretch and was edged for the show. DIPPING IN angled in and chased inside, split horses leaving the second turn, continued inside, came out for room but lacked room off heels from upper stretch to midstretch, was in a bit tight again a sixteenth out and was outfinished. FLAMIGO BAY (IRE) stalked off the rail then outside a rival, went three deep on the second turn and four wide into the stretch and lacked the needed late kick. KEEPINMYPROMISE hopped some in a bit of a slow start, angled in and settled inside, went up three deep into the second turn and outside a rival into the stretch, was boxed in off heels in midstretch and could not summon the needed late response. LACE had speed four wide then stalked outside foes, bid three deep midway on the backstretch, tracked again three wide into and on the second turn and into thee stretch and weakened in the final furlong. MAGICALLY HONORED had speed inside then inched away on the first turn, set the pace along the rail, fought back into the stretch and also weakened in the final furlong. LIZZARIO had speed between foes then stalked a bit off the rail, bid between horses midway on the backstretch, dropped back between rivals then inside on the second turn, gave way and was eased in the drive.

FOURTH RACE.

6½ Furlongs. Purse: $53,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $40,000. Time 22.82 45.93 1:10.23 1:16.31


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ Str Fin Jockey $1

3 Del Mar May 120 3 5 4–2 5–½ 4–2½ 1–1 Prat 1.20
6 Message 120 6 3 2–1 2–1 1–hd 2–1¼ Van Dyke 1.70
1 Road Rager 120 1 2 1–hd 1–hd 2–hd 3–¾ Gryder 7.50
4 Into Chocolate 120 4 6 6 3–hd 3–1½ 4–4¼ Smith 3.70
5 Time for Ebby 124 5 1 3–hd 4–hd 5–1½ 5–2½ Espinoza 72.80
2 Andyoushallreceive 120 2 4 5–hd 6 6 6 Cedillo 35.70

3 DEL MAR MAY 4.40 2.40 2.20
6 MESSAGE 2.80 2.40
1 ROAD RAGER 3.00
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (3-3)  $36.20
$1 EXACTA (3-6)  $5.10
$2 QUINELLA (3-6)  $5.80
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (3-6-1-4)  $3.00
50-CENT TRIFECTA (3-6-1)  $9.10

Winner–Del Mar May B.f.3 by Jimmy Creed out of Big Lou, by Malibu Moon. Bred by T/C Stable, LLC (KY). Trainer: Richard Baltas. Owner: Calvin Nguyen. Mutuel Pool $267,648 Daily Double Pool $29,195 Exacta Pool $119,868 Quinella Pool $3,567 Superfecta Pool $57,836 Trifecta Pool $82,055. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (3-3-3) paid $75.30. Pick Three Pool $32,179.

DEL MAR MAY stalked a bit off the rail then between horses, came out into the stretch and again in upper stretch, rallied under urging to the lead in deep stretch and gamely prevailed. MESSAGE had speed off the rail then dueled outside a rival, took the advantage in the stretch, fought back between foes in the final furlong and held second. ROAD RAGER went up inside to duel for the lead, fought back along the rail on the turn and in the stretch and held third. INTO CHOCOLATE broke awkwardly then stumbled in the second step, chased outside a rival, went up four wide on the turn, bid three deep into and through the stretch and was edged for the show. TIME FOR EBBY stalked outside a rival then three deep into and on the turn, came four wide into the stretch and weakened. ANDYOUSHALLRECEIVE saved ground stalking the pace, continued inside into the stretch and also weakened.

FIFTH RACE.

1 Mile Turf. Purse: $36,000. Claiming. Fillies. 3 year olds. Claiming Prices $40,000-$35,000. Time 23.86 49.03 1:13.24 1:25.10 1:37.11


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

8 Miss Flawless 118 8 5 6–hd 5–1 5–1 3–1 1–hd Prat 17.40
4 Seaside Dancer 120 4 1 1–2 1–1½ 1–1½ 1–2 2–nk Cedillo 2.60
5 Querelle 120 5 3 7–1½ 7–1 6–1 4–1 3–¾ Espinoza 3.60
1 Swing Thoughts 120 1 4 4–1 4–1 4–1 2–½ 4–2¾ Van Dyke 6.70
6 Creative Romance 120 6 7 3–½ 3–½ 3–hd 5–hd 5–½ Bejarano 22.20
7 Clockstrikestwelve 120 7 8 9–1½ 9–1½ 9–hd 8–1 6–nk Smith 9.30
2 Imperial Creed 113 2 9 10 10 10 9–1 7–1½ Diaz, Jr. 81.90
3 Italia 120 3 10 8–½ 8–½ 7–1½ 7–½ 8–½ Gryder 31.90
10 Posh Holly 120 10 6 5–hd 6–hd 8–hd 10 9–½ Franco 3.20
9 Factor of Two 120 9 2 2–hd 2–1 2–1 6–2½ 10 Gutierrez 9.70

8 MISS FLAWLESS (FR) 36.80 12.60 6.60
4 SEASIDE DANCER 4.40 3.20
5 QUERELLE 3.00
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (3-8)  $101.80
$1 EXACTA (8-4)  $95.40
$2 QUINELLA (4-8)  $58.60
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (8-4-5-1)  $187.84
50-CENT TRIFECTA (8-4-5)  $185.80

Winner–Miss Flawless (FR) Grr.f.3 by Siyouni (FR) out of Diamond Flawless (FR), by Cape Cross (IRE). Bred by Mr. Jean-Philippe Dubois (FR). Trainer: Peter Eurton. Owner: Alesia, Sharon and Carr, Mark. Mutuel Pool $326,916 Daily Double Pool $37,346 Exacta Pool $231,746 Quinella Pool $7,166 Superfecta Pool $106,294 Trifecta Pool $150,839. Claimed–Seaside Dancer by Altamira Racing Stable. Trainer: Peter Miller. Claimed–Querelle by Altamira Racing Stable and Rockingham Ranch. Trainer: Peter Miller. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (3-3-8) paid $174.10. Pick Three Pool $87,451. 50-Cent Pick Four (3-3-3-8) 4 correct paid $1,348.35. Pick Four Pool $183,404. 50-Cent Pick Five (6-3-3-3-8) 5 correct paid $5,877.25. Pick Five Pool $465,429.

MISS FLAWLESS (FR) stalked between horses then outside a rival, swung four wide into the stretch, drifted in a bit and rallied under urging to get up three deep on the line. SEASIDE DANCER sped to the early lead, set the pace inside, came a bit off the rail and held on gamely but was edged between foes late. QUERELLE pulled between horses early then a bit off the rail, angled in and saved ground chasing the pace, bid along the rail in deep stretch and continued willingly to the end. SWING THOUGHTS saved ground stalking the pace, came a bit off the rail in the stretch, was between foes past midstretch and continued gamely late. CREATIVE ROMANCE stalked outside a rival, came three wide into the stretch and lacked the needed late kick. CLOCKSTRIKESTWELVE chased outside a rival then three deep on the backstretch, continued outside a foe on the second turn and between horses into the stretch and could not summon the necessary response. IMPERIAL CREED saved ground off the pace, continued inside into and through the stretch and lacked the needed rally. ITALIA (SPA) a bit slow to begin, tugged inside then a bit off the rail, went outside a rival on the backstretch and into the second turn and lacked a rally. POSH HOLLY (IRE) stalked three deep, continued three wide on the backstretch and second turn and into the stretch and did not rally. FACTOR OF TWO angled in and stalked the pace a bit off the rail, continued outside a rival into the stretch and also weakened.

SIXTH RACE.

6 Furlongs. Purse: $52,000. Maiden Special Weight. 2 year olds. Time 22.10 45.13 57.05 1:09.72


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ Str Fin Jockey $1

1 Ancient Warrior 120 1 2 1–½ 1–½ 1–1½ 1–4¼ Prat 2.40
7 Garth 120 7 3 3–2 2–2 2–4 2–2 Van Dyke 1.90
2 Candy Fury 120 2 4 5–hd 3–2 3–1 3–hd Talamo 10.40
9 Snap Chap 120 9 7 9 5–1½ 4–4 4–2¾ Smith 3.20
5 Heros Reward 115 5 6 6–hd 6–hd 5–hd 5–1¼ Diaz, Jr. 8.30
6 Winners Club 120 6 5 7–hd 7–½ 6–2 6–6 Gutierrez 33.50
8 Show Business 120 8 8 8–2 9 9 7–2 Cedillo 26.70
4 Royal Thunder 120 4 1 2–hd 4–1 7–1 8–2¼ T Baze 38.80
3 Port Saint Joe 120 3 9 4–hd 8–2 8–2 9 Pereira 35.30

1 ANCIENT WARRIOR 6.80 3.60 3.00
7 GARTH 3.00 2.60
2 CANDY FURY 3.80
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (8-1)  $138.80
$1 EXACTA (1-7)  $9.70
$2 QUINELLA (1-7)  $10.80
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (1-7-2-9)  $13.16
50-CENT TRIFECTA (1-7-2)  $22.95

Winner–Ancient Warrior B.c.2 by Constitution out of Wellington Beauty, by Forestry. Bred by Al Graziani (KY). Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer. Owner: Al Graziani. Mutuel Pool $387,577 Daily Double Pool $36,850 Exacta Pool $240,756 Quinella Pool $6,381 Superfecta Pool $129,989 Trifecta Pool $174,430. Scratched–none.

50-Cent Pick Three (3-8-1) paid $77.70. Pick Three Pool $85,814.

ANCIENT WARRIOR had good early speed and dueled inside, inched away and came a bit off the rail in midstretch, drifted in late and drew clear under a crack of the whip and a vigorous hand ride. GARTH prompted the pace three deep then outside the winner on the turn and was clearly second best. CANDY FURY stalked inside, came out leaving the turn and three wide into the stretch and just held third. SNAP CHAP settled of the rail, angled in leaving the backstretch, found the rail on the turn and was edged for the show along the fence. HEROS REWARD stalked three deep between foes then between rivals on the turn, angled in nearing the stretch and weakened. WINNERS CLUB close up stalking the pace four wide between horses then four wide on the turn and into the stretch and also weakened. SHOW BUSINESS bobbled at the start, recovered and stalked five wide, dropped back and angled in off the rail on the turn and had little left for the drive. ROYAL THUNDER pressed the pace between horses then stalked off the rail, fell back leaving the turn, came three wide into the stretch and gave way. PORT SAINT JOE broke a bit slowly, stalked between horses then a bit off the rail on the turn, found the inside into the stretch, came out in midstretch and also gave way.

SEVENTH RACE.

1 Mile Turf. Purse: $53,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. 3 year olds. Claiming Price $80,000. Time 24.35 49.11 1:13.32 1:25.03 1:36.82


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

3 Never Easy 120 3 2 1–½ 1–½ 1–hd 2–1 1–nk Bejarano 2.90
4 Prodigal Son 120 4 3 2–½ 2–½ 2–1 1–hd 2–1 Gutierrez 9.40
7 Appreciated 120 6 6 3–1 3–3 3–1½ 3–hd 3–nk Pereira 18.10
2 Rijeka 123 2 7 6–½ 7–1 6–hd 5–1 4–½ Cedillo 2.20
1 Seven Scents 120 1 4 4–½ 5–1 4–hd 4–2 5–¾ Figueroa 31.00
9 Shining Through 120 8 8 8 8 7–hd 7–1 6–ns Prat 2.60
6 One Flew South 120 5 1 5–1 4–½ 5–1 6–hd 7–1¼ Roman 10.10
8 More Ice 123 7 5 7–1 6–hd 8 8 8 Van Dyke 11.40

3 NEVER EASY 7.80 5.40 4.20
4 PRODIGAL SON 9.80 6.60
7 APPRECIATED 9.00
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (1-3)  $34.00
$1 EXACTA (3-4)  $39.20
$2 QUINELLA (3-4)  $53.60
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (3-4-7-2)  $138.27
50-CENT TRIFECTA (3-4-7)  $194.60

Winner–Never Easy B.g.3 by Candy Ride (ARG) out of Wasted Tears, by Najran. Bred by Bart Evans & Stonehaven Steadings (KY). Trainer: Richard E. Mandella. Owner: Bart B. Evans. Mutuel Pool $323,842 Daily Double Pool $36,653 Exacta Pool $210,854 Quinella Pool $5,302 Superfecta Pool $93,418 Trifecta Pool $138,689. Scratched–Hartel.

50-Cent Pick Three (8-1-3) paid $203.25. Pick Three Pool $59,152.

NEVER EASY had speed between horses then set a pressured pace inside, came a bit off the rail in the stretch, fought back to a short lead under urging in deep stretch and held gamely. PRODIGAL SON prompted the pace between horses then outside the winner, put a head in front in the stretch, fought back in deep stretch and was outgamed. APPRECIATED pressed the pace three deep then stalked off the rail leaving the second turn and three wide into the stretch and just held third. RIJEKA (IRE) chased outside a rival then inside on the first turn and backstretch, continued along the rail on the second turn, came out into the stretch and again in midstretch and was edged for the show. SEVEN SCENTS pulled early, saved ground stalking the pace throughout and was outfinished. SHINING THROUGH angled in and settled inside, came out on the backstretch, went three deep into and on the second turn and four wide into the stretch and found his best stride late. ONE FLEW SOUTH three deep early, stalked outside a rival, went three wide into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. MORE ICE pulled three deep and steadied into the first turn, continued three wide on that turn then outside a rival on the backstretch, went between foes on the second turn and did not rally.

EIGHTH RACE.

1 1/8 Mile. Purse: $100,000. 'Native Diver Stakes'. 3 year olds and up. Time 23.55 47.61 1:11.54 1:35.95 1:48.36


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

2 Midcourt 121 1 2 1–1 1–1 1–1 1–3½ 1–5¾ Espinoza 2.80
5 Extra Hope 118 3 1 2–1½ 2–1½ 2–1½ 2–2 2–1¼ Prat 4.80
6 Two Thirty Five 121 4 3 4 3–hd 4 3–½ 3–2¾ Cedillo 3.60
4 Roadster 122 2 4 3–hd 4 3–hd 4 4 Van Dyke 0.80

2 MIDCOURT 7.60 4.40
5 EXTRA HOPE 5.20
6 TWO THIRTY FIVE
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (3-2)  $31.60
$1 EXACTA (2-5)  $18.40
$2 QUINELLA (2-5)  $14.00
50-CENT TRIFECTA (2-5-6)  $16.10

Winner–Midcourt Dbb.g.4 by Midnight Lute out of Mayo On the Side, by French Deputy. Bred by Dixiana Farms LLC (KY). Trainer: John A. Shirreffs. Owner: C R K Stable LLC. Mutuel Pool $236,130 Daily Double Pool $40,832 Exacta Pool $90,861 Quinella Pool $3,701 Trifecta Pool $55,045. Scratched–Leading Score, Zestful.

50-Cent Pick Three (1-3-2) paid $43.50. Pick Three Pool $52,717.

MIDCOURT had speed inside a rival then inched away into the first turn, responded when the runner-up loomed a half mile out, edged away again into the second turn, came off the rail into the stretch and drew clear under urging and steady handling late. EXTRA HOPE outside the winner early, stalked just off the rail, bid alongside that one a half mile out then stalked again just off the inside, came out some in the stretch and held second. TWO THIRTY FIVE stalked outside a rival, came out into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. ROADSTER broke a bit splay legged but with the field, was between horses early then stalked inside, came off the rail on the second turn and into the stretch, drifted in some in the drive and weakened.

NINTH RACE.

1 1/16 Mile Turf. Purse: $32,000. Maiden Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Prices $62,500-$55,000. Time 23.39 47.73 1:12.72 1:37.10 1:43.16


Pgm Horse Wt PP St ¼ ½ ¾ Str Fin Jockey $1

1 Takeo 122 1 1 2–1 1–hd 1–1 1–1½ 1–ns Blanc 7.70
2 Fivestar Lynch 122 2 3 3–½ 3–hd 3–hd 2–2 2–2¼ Prat 1.00
6 Camps Bay 121 6 6 7–½ 8–2 8–hd 4–½ 3–¾ T Baze 14.90
4 Turn the Switch 122 4 7 5–½ 6–½ 6–1 5–hd 4–1¾ Maldonado 33.00
10 Salah 122 10 2 6–1½ 5–1½ 5–hd 6–1 5–¾ Pereira 13.20
9 Friendly Outthedor 124 9 10 8–1½ 7–2½ 7–1½ 7–½ 6–nk Cedillo 4.40
8 Peytons Path 122 8 4 4–2 4–1½ 4–1½ 3–1½ 7–1½ Figueroa 5.90
3 Gold N Grand 122 3 8 9–2½ 9–2 10 9–½ 8–2¼ Talamo 27.50
7 Silent Musketier 119 7 9 10 10 9–1½ 10 9–2¼ Flores 66.80
5 Chase and Colorado 114 5 5 1–hd 2–2 2–1 8–2½ 10 Diaz, Jr. 23.40

1 TAKEO 17.40 6.00 4.40
2 FIVESTAR LYNCH (IRE) 2.80 2.20
6 CAMPS BAY 5.80
$2 DAILY DOUBLE (2-1)  $62.40
$1 EXACTA (1-2)  $21.10
$2 QUINELLA (1-2)  $16.60
10-CENT SUPERFECTA (1-2-6-4)  $180.81
$1 SUPER HIGH FIVE (1-2-6-4-10)  $18,676.00
50-CENT TRIFECTA (1-2-6)  $64.85

Winner–Takeo Grr.g.3 by First Samurai out of Verdula, by Mizzen Mast. Bred by Mr. & Mrs. Jerome S. Moss (KY). Trainer: John A. Shirreffs. Owner: Jerome S. Moss. Mutuel Pool $366,045 Daily Double Pool $113,276 Exacta Pool $233,817 Quinella Pool $5,326 Superfecta Pool $139,761 Super High Five Pool $74,117 Trifecta Pool $175,363. Scratched–My Indy, No Parking Here, Rightful.

50-Cent Pick Three (3-2-1) paid $66.15. Pick Three Pool $171,165. 50-Cent Pick Four (1-3-2-1) 4 correct paid $431.20. Pick Four Pool $776,648. 50-Cent Pick Five (8-1-3-2-1) 5 correct paid $6,843.20. Pick Five Pool $520,061. $2 Pick Six (3-8-1-3-2-1) 5 out of 6 paid $365.80. $2 Pick Six Jackpot (3-8-1-3-2-1) 6 correct paid $182,619.60. Pick Six Jackpot Pool $132,659. $1 Place Pick All 8 out of 9 paid $654.70. Place Pick All Pool $23,165.

TAKEO had speed inside to duel for the lead, inched away into the second turn, edged clear and held on gamely under urging. FIVESTAR LYNCH (IRE) flashed early speed between horses then stalked a bit off the rail, continued inside on the backstretch and second turn, came out into the stretch and finished willingly to just miss. CAMPS BAY three deep leaving the chute, angled in and chased inside, cut the corner into the stretch and went up the rail in the drive for the show. TURN THE SWITCH bumped between rivals early, angled in on the first turn and saved ground chasing the pace, came out into the stretch and was edged for third. SALAH four wide exiting the chute, angled in and chased outside a rival, came three wide into the stretch and lacked the needed late kick. FRIENDLY OUTTHEDOR also four wide leaving the chute, chased alongside a rival, also came three wide into the stretch and could not summon the necessary late response. PEYTONS PATH pulled his way along four wide early, stalked outside a rival, went up three wide leaving the second turn and into the stretch and lacked the needed rally. GOLD N GRAND bumped between horses early, angled in and settled inside, came out into the stretch and again in upper stretch and could not offer the necessary late kick. SILENT MUSKETIER in tight between horses early, angled in and settled inside then a bit off the rail, went outside a rival on the second turn and into the stretch and did not rally. CHASE AND COLORADO had speed three deep then dueled outside the winner, stalked on the second turn, was between foes leaving that turn and weakened in the drive.


AttendanceHandle
On-Track4,012$624,767
Inter-Track6,590$3,988,711
Out of StateN/A$7,030,625
TOTAL10,602 $11,644,103

Del Mar Entries for Sunday, November 24.

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar, California. $2 Win, Place and Show; $1 Exacta, $2 Quinella, 50-cent Trifecta, $2 Rolling Double, 50-cent rolling Pick 3; 10-cent Superfecta; 50-cent Pick 4 last 4 races; 50-cent Players Pick 5 first 5 races; $2 Pick 6 last 6 races; $1 Place Pick All; $1 Super High Five last race. Trifecta needs 4 betting interests; Superfecta needs 6. 11th day of a 15-day meet.

FIRST RACE.

5 Furlongs Turf. Purse: $55,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $62,500.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1StealthediamondsAgapito Delgadillo118Mike Puype7-2
2Kentan RoadAbel Cedillo120John W. Sadler3-162,500
3Flower PointJose Valdivia, Jr.120John W. Sadler5-1
4Love a HoneybadgerJoseph Talamo120Peter Miller12-1
5LittlefirefighterFlavien Prat120Richard E. Mandella4-1
6EdnaEdwin Maldonado120Steven Miyadi15-162,500
7SmoovieTyler Baze120Steven Miyadi8-162,500
8Mischiffie Drayden Van Dyke120Philip D'Amato4-1

SECOND RACE.

5½ Furlongs. Purse: $18,000. Maiden Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $20,000.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1DarkhawkAssael Espinoza124Brian J. Pitnick20-120,000
2Wild Cat CanyonFernandez Rojas122Jesus Mendoza30-120,000
3NorskiEswan Flores122Hector O. Palma9-520,000
4Calder ValeHeriberto Figueroa122Ricardo Zamora15-120,000
5SeverinAgapito Delgadillo124Paula S. Capestro10-120,000
6Creeds RevengeEvin Roman122Neil A. Koch20-120,000
7FratelliTyler Baze122Jorge Periban7-220,000
8King of Leon Tiago Pereira124Ruben Gomez20-120,000
9ImperatorAaron Gryder122Rene Amescua4-120,000
10Lucky WallyJ.C. Diaz, Jr.119Val Brinkerhoff4-120,000

THIRD RACE.

1 Mile Turf. Purse: $55,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. Fillies and Mares. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $62,500.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Fiery LadyDrayden Van Dyke120Jerry Hollendorfer4-1
2Excellent Sunset Flavien Prat120Anna Meah8-5
3Maxim RateBrice Blanc118Simon Callaghan5-1
4Don't Blame JudyVictor Espinoza120J. Eric Kruljac7-2
5HarmlessAbel Cedillo118Robert B. Hess, Jr.6-1
6Ms PeintourJose Valdivia, Jr.120Brian J. Koriner10-1
7Renny's Lady Geovanni Franco120Manuel Badilla20-162,500
8Melissa Jane J.C. Diaz, Jr.115Leonard Powell20-162,500

FOURTH RACE.

5½ Furlongs. Purse: $30,000. Starter Optional Claiming. Fillies. 2 year olds. Claiming Price $50,000.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1VeganAgapito Delgadillo123William Spawr9-250,000
2Too Much HeavenEfrain Hernandez120J. Eric Kruljac20-1
3Win OftenAssael Espinoza120Dean Pederson6-1
4White VelvetJ.C. Diaz, Jr.115Hector O. Palma12-1
5Biddy DukeAaron Gryder123Andrew Lerner5-250,000
6Screen GossipCathleen Garner120Felix L. Gonzalez30-1
7Bella RenellaHeriberto Figueroa120Rafael DeLeon15-150,000
8Perfect RushVictor Espinoza120John W. Sadler6-1
9Lovely LiliaAbel Cedillo120Philip D'Amato2-1

FIFTH RACE.

5 Furlongs Turf. Purse: $52,000. Maiden Special Weight. 3 year olds and up.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Tyrannical RexTyler Baze122Jack Carava6-1
2TromadorTiago Pereira122Brian J. Koriner12-1
3KakistocracyDrayden Van Dyke122Carla Gaines12-1
4Cape PointAbel Cedillo122John W. Sadler6-1
5ShandlingGeovanni Franco122Philip D'Amato8-5
6Exsqueeze MeFlavien Prat119Simon Callaghan6-1
7Lincoln CityEfrain Hernandez122J. Eric Kruljac9-2
8Montana MoonEdwin Maldonado122Shelbe Ruis5-1

SIXTH RACE.

6 Furlongs. Purse: $30,000. Starter Allowance. 3 year olds and up.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1After YouJ.C. Diaz, Jr.114Neil D. Drysdale15-1
2RailmanRafael Bejarano119Peter Eurton8-1
3RineshaftEswan Flores119Hector O. Palma20-1
4Silken PrinceJose Valdivia, Jr.122Matthew Chew20-1
5CambyJoseph Talamo124Mark Glatt6-1
6Starring John WainHeriberto Figueroa122Jerry Hollendorfer12-1
7Gate SpeedAbel Cedillo119Mark Glatt3-1
8Baby GronkTiago Pereira121William Spawr9-2
9Next GenFlavien Prat119John W. Sadler7-2
10Mayan WarriorMario Gutierrez119Steve Knapp12-1
11It's Tiz TimeDiego Sanchez121Ronald L. McAnally20-1
12Lord AdareEdwin Maldonado119Robert B. Hess, Jr.6-1

SEVENTH RACE.

1 3/8 Mile Turf. Purse: $53,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $40,000.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Red KingTiago Pereira122Philip D'Amato3-1
2Crystal Tribe Drayden Van Dyke122Jeff Mullins5-1
3MobouVictor Espinoza120John A. Shirreffs20-1
4Soberano Tyler Baze122Thomas Ray Bell, II20-140,000
5Buckstopper KitAbel Cedillo122Philip D'Amato9-2
6French GetawayRafael Bejarano124Robert B. Hess, Jr.6-140,000
7North County GuyMario Gutierrez122Richard Baltas6-1
8UnapologeticJoseph Talamo124Peter Miller8-140,000
9M Town GemFlavien Prat120Mike Puype7-2

EIGHTH RACE.

7 Furlongs. Purse: $100,000. 'Cary Grant Stakes'. 3 year olds and up. State bred.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1Ultimate BangoMike Smith122Blake R. Heap7-2
2Grinning TigerHeriberto Figueroa120Anthony K. Saavedra3-1
3Fashionably FastTiago Pereira122Dean Pederson8-5
4Shades of VictoryEdwin Maldonado120Reed Saldana15-1
5OliverAbel Cedillo120Doug F. O'Neill5-2
6Rick's DreamEfrain Hernandez120Reed Saldana15-1

NINTH RACE.

1 Mile Turf. Purse: $53,000. Allowance Optional Claiming. 3 year olds and up. Claiming Price $20,000. State bred.

PPHorseJockeyWtTrainerM-LClaim $
1BrimstonedBrice Blanc124Thomas Ray Bell, II12-120,000
2AsaroEdwin Maldonado122Karen Headley20-1
3Push ThroughMario Gutierrez124Edward R. Freeman5-1
4ConoMike Smith124Michael W. McCarthy3-1
5No Name FredRafael Bejarano122Robert B. Hess, Jr.8-1
6Jamming EddyAbel Cedillo122Peter Miller10-1
7Claim of PassionGeovanni Franco122Philip D'Amato12-1
8Perfect WagerTyler Baze122Jeff Mullins5-1
9Coast of RoanEvin Roman122Doug F. O'Neill8-1
10Jet Set RulerFlavien Prat124Richard Baltas7-2
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