Del Mar riding title up for grabs
With news that Patrick Valenzuela may eventually have to undergo back surgery, who's poised to win the Del Mar jockey title?
How about apprentice Martin Garcia, who has been tearing up the Southland since relocating from Northern California two weeks into the Hollywood Park meet?
Certainly, Victor Ezpinoza has to be favored now that it appears P-Val could be sidelined for quite a while because of back pain.
Today's featured race at Del Mar, the $125,000 CTBA Stakes, appears to be a three-horse race between Swiss Rose, Ces't Mark and Sharoana. I like Sharoana, who finished second to the talented filly Richwoman in the Cinderella Stakes at Hollywood Park in May. Richwoman came back to win her next start and could be something special.
Swiss Rose will be ridden by Victor Espinoza, who is getting off two other fillies to stay with the daughter of Swiss Yodeler.
Other horses to watch today include Cotorra (second race), Eo Po too Too (third) -- don't take too short a price, however -- Anearlyfil (fourth) and Gran Tenor (fifth).
Two long shots who deserve a look -- Global Genius (sixth) and Flying Strawberry (eighth).
Keep up the good work! LRF