BAFFERT FILLY RETURNS IN DEBUTANTE
Unbeaten and relatively untested Executiveprivilege was a smart winner of the Sorrento S. (G3) on this oval most recently and is surely the one to beat as she aims for her first Grade 1 tally in the $300,000 Del Mar Debutante (G1) on Saturday. The fantastic daughter of First Samurai has basically toyed with a trio of fields late and it seems the more distance the better for this exquisite youngster, who seems destined for a banner two-year-old campaign.
Sunday will play host to a trio of stakes, including the $300,000 Del Mar Derby (G2). Oceanside stakes winner My Best Brother had the tables reversed on him in the La Jolla (G2) last time, but the Julio Canani trainee has really improved since moving to the lawn and looms a big chance in this spot. The son of Stormello will be close up early on.
Old Time Hockey was a game winner of the La Jolla and goes for a barn that has been going well this entire meeting. The gelded son of Smarty Jones has been showing steady improvement in his career and will be a big late player against this cast. No Silent had some excuses for his second place allowance finish most recently and should have a shot for Gary Mandella. Graded winner All Squared Away, Bob Baffert’s Midnight Crooner and Grade 3 East Coast import Howe Great, also add a lot of class to this field.
Turf distaffers will take center stage on the Monday Holiday in the $250,000 Yellow Ribbon S. (G2). A fine and balanced field is likely for this affair. Clement Hirsch (G1) runner-up Star Billing has seemingly got back to her best form and looms a big chance for trainer John Shirreffs. The bay daughter of Dynaformer didn’t start 2012 in top fashion but could be set for a fine conclusion in the fall and winter seasons.
The top three finishers of the John Mabee (G2) are also likely; City to City, All Star Heart and Go Forth North. Briecat, Broken Dreams and Byrony are also possible for this 1 1/16-mile turf contest.