Baffert Sends Out Favorites

Although he is already guaranteed $50,000 merely for gracing Oceanport, N.J., with his presence, trainer Bob Baffert is expected to add some more cash to his bank account at both Monmouth Park and Del Mar.

Second to Bobby Frankel among trainers in stable earnings for 2002, Baffert will send out favorites in the $1-million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth and the $250,000 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar.

War Emblem, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness who lost his chance to make history in the Belmont Stakes after a bad start, will make his first appearance since that June 8 race against probably five opponents in the Haskell, which is run at 1 1/8 miles.

Medaglia d’Oro, Peekskill and Easyfromthegitgo were also entered in the Grade I but are expected to run in the $500,000 Jim Dandy Stakes, Saratoga’s prep for the Aug. 24 Travers.

Locally, Congaree is the 7-5 choice to rebound from his sixth-place finish in the Stephen Foster Handicap about two months ago against seven rivals in the San Diego. A Grade II at 1 1/16, the San Diego is a prep for the $1-million Pacific Classic in three weeks.

Congaree will be making his first start in California since he won the 2001 Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park. He will be seeking his sixth win in 11 races and will be refitted with blinkers. Four of his five wins have come with the hood.

Race of the day: Medaglia d’Oro, last seen running second to longshot winner Sarava in the Belmont Stakes, will be favored in the Jim Dandy, a Grade II at 1 1/8 miles.

Who’s hot: Special Ring. The 5-year-old son of Nureyev ran the fastest mile ever (1:32 3/5) when winning the Wickerr on Friday. He is owned by William Preston and trained by Julio Canani. Might he be another Breeders’ Cup Mile winner for Canani, who has already won the race with Silic and Val Royal?

Who’s not: Monte Gomes. The trainer, who will send out the consistently overmatched Chile Bar in today’s ninth at Santa Rosa, is one for 65 this year.

Exotically speaking: An exacta box in the third using Ramona Girl, Stormented and Entrancing.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5-20. Money: Previous day/meet total: $30.80/$131.80. Total money bet: $165.