Seeking a Claim to Fame

This will be something of an anticlimactic afternoon after the excitement of opening day. The crowd will shrink considerably and the racing isn’t nearly as interesting. Only one race drew a full field (12) and all eight contests are claimers, including the featured $64,000-added Kobuk King. The 11-furlong turf race drew seven entrants and three of them will be running for a $62,500 tag. Sestino, who hasn’t run since finishing fifth in the 1999 Del Mar Handicap, will return to the races in the Kobuk King for trainer Neil Drysdale.

Race of the day: The best race in terms of quality is the Kobuk King. Besides Sestino, the race also marks the return of another Drysdale trainee. Beat All, who finished third behind the great Dubai Millennium in a Group I race in England last year, is the 6-5 favorite in his first race since April 1.

Who’s hot: Trainer Barry Abrams has had a tendency to get off to quick starts at Del Mar. He will start Starship, the 9-5 favorite, in today’s first race.

Who’s not: Hampered because of injury and a suspension, jockey Felipe Martinez was only one of 46 at Hollywood Park.

Exotically speaking: Miss Alyetta should be a decent price in the fourth and is worth keying on top in the trifecta. Put Secret Index, Ella’s Pal and Bright Sunday in the second spot and mark the all box for third.