DEL MAR : Luazar Wins Escondido Handicap

Luazar, who had raced poorly in his only previous U.S. start, rallied through the stretch under Pat Day to win the 1 3/16-mile Escondido Handicap by 2 3/4 lengths at Del Mar on Saturday.

It was the only ride on the card and the first victory at Del Mar for the Louisville-based Day.

The Irish-bred Know Heights, who had raced almost exclusively in France, finished second under Kent Desormeaux in his first U.S. race. Corrupt, who spent most of 1992 in Britain and France, came on for third under Chris McCarron. Favored Slew Of Damascus was fourth.

In the second feature, the 6 1/2-furlong Sorrento Stakes for 2-year-old fillies, Laffit Pincay rode Phone Chatter to an upset victory. It was Pincay’s 7,990th career victory, but the first in a stakes race at this meeting.

Trainer Bobby Frankel’s original plan for Luazur was to race him in the Arlington Handicap, but the equine virus in northern Illinois changed his plans.

“I asked Pat (Day) if he wanted to come out and ride here,” Frankel said. “I didn’t think he would, but he did.”

“Whenever Bobby’s called,” Day said, “he’s always had a live mount. I went by his assessment, and you saw the result.”

Horse Racing Notes

Pat Valenzuela was suspended for five days beginning next Wednesday for failing to maintain a straight course through the stretch on Best Market in Friday’s second race. . . . Roman Image and Future Storm, who finished second and third behind Codified in the Affirmed Handicap on July 3 at Hollywood Park, will meet in today’s $100,000 La Jolla Handicap for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles on turf. . . . Contention will be deep in today’s $100,000 Rancho Bernardo Breeders’ Cup Handicap for older fillies and mares over 6 1/2 furlongs. Bountiful Native won the Rancho Bernardo last year in the midst of a five-race win streak. Knight Prospector finished second in the Fantastic Girl Stakes here July 30, a head in front of third place Bountiful Native. Western Approach was second in the Grade I Hollywood Budweiser Breeders’ Cup Handicap.