Del Mar Race 2 – Post: 2:00 PT
3-Barristan The Bold (4-1)
Was victimized by one of the worst trips of the season when finishing third, beaten less than a length, in a five-furlong grass dash for this $32,000 tag last month. Claimed by R. Hanson and wheeled back at the same level but this time over a distance of ground, the English-bred gelding retains J. Hernandez, who will hopefully find clear sailing this time when launching his best bid at the head of the lane. Though we suspect this gelding might prefer one turn, he’s in sharp enough form to win over a distance of ground with good racing luck.
Del Mar Race 5 – Post: 3:30 PT
5-Queen Goddess (7/2)
Was a willing runner-up in her debut in mid-July and then, as expected, produced a forward move to graduate in her next start over this course and distance in clever fashion, stalking slow fractions before kicking clear when ready like a filly who can win again. “Again” is this first-level allowance affair for 3-year-old fillies, and with J. Hernandez riding her back the daughter of Empire Maker should draft into an easy pace-prompting position and then kick home when given her cue.
