One day after Del Mar plays host to the centerpiece of its meet, the GI TVG Pacific Classic, a well-matched field of turf milers will load the gate for the GII Del Mar Mile H. Sunday afternoon.
Brazilian star Bal a Bali (Brz) (Put It Back) is on a recovery mission Sunday afternoon. Once beaten in 12 South American starts at distances from five furlongs to a mile and a half, the dark bay overcame a near-death experience and stamped himself as one to watch in this country with a smooth one-length defeat of Talco (Fr) (Pivotal {GB}) in the GIII American S. at Santa Anita May 9. But Bal a Bali never seemed 100% happy when last seen in the GI Shoemaker Mile S. in Arcadia June 13, as he didn't take either turn especially well and was a flat last of five behind perfect-trip Talco, though beaten only three lengths. He is well-drawn to save some ground behind what should be a generous pace and there would appear to be no excuses here.
Four of the top five finishers from the restricted Wickerr S. renew acquaintances this afternoon. The in-form Doug O'Neill barn sends out Texas-bred Pure Tactics (Pure Prize), who was bet hard and proved the money was right with a determined head defeat of Winning Prize (Arg) (Pure Prize) and Wilkinson (Lemon Drop Kid). Favored Kulik Lodge (Curlin) was an alibi-free fifth.
Longshot players could do worse than Marchman (Sharp Humor). Victorious in the 2013 Woodchopper S. going this distance when under the care of Bret Calhoun, the bay became a multiple GSW sprinting on the grass in 2014. He exits a troubled runner-up effort in a five-furlong allowance over this course and, if able to switch off early, can rattle home at a big price.
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