Del Mar opens tomorrow

Well, here we go. Another meeting down, another one beginning. Del Mar opens it's summer meeting tomorrow and the track where the turf meets the surf is always a welcome change as a working vacation for horsemen and horse players alike. Seems like a good card but we can't help but wonder how the track is going to play. With the Polytrack being a kind of "bi-polar" surface, it changes in the morning and is completely different when racing begins in the afternoon. All we can suggest is a conservative approach for the first day or so and see how things play out.

Congrats to jockey Joel Rosario and trainer Doug O'Neill for winning the titles at Hollywood Park. Hollywood Park was down in handle and attendance this meeting, which should come as no surprise with not only the economy but the cancellations due to a horse shortage and lack of entries. All sources handle was down a staggering 10%. The track did not announce average on-track attendance and handle figures. The decline in overall handle was close to expectations, according to the track's president, Jack Liebau.

Trainer Bob Baffert is once again deep with promising two-year-olds in his barn this summer and he unleashed a few closing week at Hollywood Park. A Z Warrior was one such promising filly by Bernardini who scored impressively on July 15th in the 5th race under Martin Garcia at $4.40. The filly won nicely for owners Zayat Stables LLC and should be watched as she climbs the ladder.Smash made his debut a winning one and the son of Smart Strike (Mr. Prospector) won scary good as he was green as grass under Martin Garcia for owner Kaleem S Shah. This $400k yearling purchase could be an early KY Derby favorite and is indeed another one that should be watched as he returns and goes through his conditions.

Trainer Kristin Mulhall saddled Westwood Pride to a nice win on Friday evening and this filly by Pleasantly Perfect scored gamely in her second start in the U.S. under Rafael Bejarano for owners Juliana and Rustin Kretz. This filly is another that should be watched when she returns, probably at the Del Mar meeting.

Going to the races today or in the near future? Take us with you! Sign up now at http://www.horseracing-selections.com and start cashing tickets at the races today!