Westrock Stables’ distance-loving Sky Kingdom, beaten a half-length as runner-up in the 2013 Cougar II Handicap, heads a field of 11 runners in Friday’s 64th running of the Grade III $100,000 mile one-half marathon over...

Masterfully handled by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, 2-1 second choice Tom’s Tribute got the jump on even-money favored Eastern invader Summer Front and scored an impressive triumph Sunday in the Grade I $300,000...

MIKE SMITH (Tom’s Tribute, winner) – “He really relaxed today. That’s the key with this horse. It was nice having that pace up front. We sat in right behind him (early leader Horizontalyspeakin) and were...

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...