From Del Mar track notes
Nine of the swiftest sprinters in Southern California vie for honors Sunday in Del Mar’s $300,000 Bing Crosby Handicap (gr. I) at six furlongs on the seaside track’s new Polytrack surface.
The race, named for the famed entertainer and co-founder of Del Mar, includes 2005 Crosby winner Greg’s Gold, trained by David Hofmans, and last year's unlucky runner-up Bordonaro, conditioned by Bill Spawr.
The swift gelding lost to Pure as Gold in 2006 in a controversial decision. Bordonaro was struck by the whip of rider Jon Court aboard the winner. After a lengthy review of the stretch run, Del Mar stewards said there was not indisputable evidence of an incident and Pure as Gold was declared the official winner.
Bordonaro, also the fourth-place finisher in the 2006 TVG Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I) at Churchill Downs, carries top weight of 120 pounds Sunday.
The 6-year-old son of Memo sizzled over the Polytrack surface July 22 in 1:11 4/5 for six furlongs, but Spawr isn't sure that means Bordonaro will like the surface. “That only means he worked good. It never impresses the paymaster when they work fast.”
But Spawr is hoping that Bordonaro will reprise that work in the Crosby.
“He worked really well and came out of it in really good shape,” the trainer said. “You never know if they’re going to like it (Polytrack), but he sure is training well over it. The thing of it is he’s going to be on the lead or close to it and they’re the ones that die. There’s going to be speed and he’s going to be up there.”
Spawr isn't sure if Bordonaro will rate. “I would like to say so, but the way he worked … one of the fellows who was watching with me said it looked like (Richard) Migliore was water skiing. He was standing up and leaning back, and he got pulled around there anyway.”
Joining the field is Battle Won, who was second in the 2005 Crosby and third last year, beaten only a half-length. His trainer, Mike Mitchell, is hoping the third time will be the charm for the 7-year-old son of Honour and Glory.
The unknown factor in the race could be the undefeated 3-year-old E Z Warrior from the barn of Bob Baffert. The highly regarded son of Exploit, with three victories to begin his career, hasn’t raced since winning Santa Anita’s San Miguel Stakes under a hold by nearly three lengths on Jan. 7. If he wins Sunday he’ll be the first 3-year-old to capture the Crosby since King’s Blade in 1994.
Gotaghostofachance worked a half-mile July 25 in :47 2/5.
Coming in from New York for trainer Christophe Clement is In Summation, already on the grounds.
$300,000 Bing Crosby Handicap (gr. I, Race 8, 5:30 p.m.), 3 & Up, 6 Furlongs
PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Northern Soldier (KY), 114, Clinton L. Potts
2. Bordonaro (CA), 120, Richard Migliore
3. Greg's Gold (CA), 117, Victor Espinoza
4. Corazondelcampeon (FL), 114, Martin A. Pedroza
5. Declan's Moon (MD), 115, Jose Valdivia, Jr.
6. In Summation (FL), 114, Corey S. Nakatani
7. Gotaghostofachance (MD), 114, Jon K. Court
8. E Z Warrior (KY), 111, David R. Flores
9. Battle Won (KY), 115, Michael C. Baze
