Trainer Jeff Bonde is hoping
his ultra-speedy Smiling Tiger can parlay a solid victory in Del Mar's Grade I
Bing Crosby Stakes at 6 furlongs into another Grade I win Saturday, this time
in the Pat O'Brien Stakes at 7 furlongs on the main track.
Ten will go to the post.
Smiling Tiger made the most
of a poor start by Cost of Freedom to make the lead in the Crosby and go gate
to wire in the sprint. Also coming out of that race is E Z's Gentleman, who
finished third and by virtue of a win in Hollywood Park's Grade I Triple Bend
Stakes will pack high weight of 123 pounds.
Also carrying 123 pounds
will be New Bay, who finished fifth in the Triple Bend and was claimed in his
last race by A.C. Avila.
Here's the field, from the rail,
with weights and riders: Sangaree, 119, Martin Pedroza; E Z's Gentleman, 123,
Martin Garcia; Tropic Storm, 119, David Flores; Kanan Dume, 119, Kerwin John;
Leaving New York, 116, Patrick Valenzuela; Crown of Thorns, 119, Rafael
Bejarano; Hard Bill, 119, Garrett Gomez; Smiling Tiger, 120, Victor Espinoza;
New Bay, 123, Brice Blanc, and El Brujo, 119, Joel Rosario.