By Hank Wesch NEW STABLES 1-2-3 IN FIRST DEL MAR STAKES TRY The saying goes “You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. “ If that’s true, trainers Mike Stidham and...

Istanford, a 10-1 outsider in the wagering despite the presence in the saddle of star jockey Rafael Bejarano, took control from the gate and never looked back in winning the featured Grade II $200,000 San...

RAFAEL BEJARANO (Istanford, winner) – “I knew there was other speed in the race and I wasn’t expecting to be on the lead. But my filly broke so well and went right to the front...

By Hank Wesch SUMMER FRONT BLOWS IN FROM EAST FOR READ If Summer Front had a business card it would likely read: “Have Ability, Will Travel.” When Summer Front, the 8-5 morning line favorite for...

My Fiona, a daughter of 2004 Horse of the Year Ghostzapper, outdueled odd-on favored Lost Bus in the stretch to win Friday’s featured $100,000 C.T.B.A. Stakes for California-bred two-year-old fillies. A well beaten third in...

FERNANDO PEREZ (My Fiona, winner) – “Yes, she was a little green. When she got bumped, she didn’t quite know what to do. But by the end of the race she was running very well....

By Hank Wesch ANOTHER BIG OPENING OF ANOTHER BIG SUMMER SHOW Opening day of the 75th summer racing season drew an on-track crowd of 42,021 and a total handle of $14,858,277. Down slightly from 2013...

Waterford Stable's classy Summer Front, runner-up to the sensational Obviously in the recent Shoemaker Mile at Santa Anita, is the likely favorite Sunday in the 41st running of the Grade I $300,000 Eddie Read Stakes...

Glen Hill Farm’s Enterprising, the 5-2 favorite ridden by Hall of Famer Mike Smith, rallied from last place to win the featured $$116,700 Oceanside Stakes on opening day of the 2014 Del Mar summer racing...

MIKE SMITH (Enterprising, winner) – “I’m not sure how he was affected by those gate issues (when two different horses broke through the gate prior to the start). It’s unsettling for everyone in the race....