Dublino, Megahertz Meet in Del Mar Oaks

Those who missed the American Oaks on July 6 at Hollywood Park can catch the rerun this afternoon.

Dublino and Megahertz, the principals in what turned out to be a controversial conclusion, are back for the $300,000 Del Mar Oaks, a Grade I at 1 1/8 miles on the turf.

Making her U.S. debut for trainer Laura de Seroux, Dublino crossed the wire first in the American Oaks but was disqualified and dropped to second for alleged interference against runner-up Megahertz with about an eighth of a mile to run.

This “victory” left Megahertz, who is owned by Michael Bello and trained by Bobby Frankel, perfect in five American starts, and she is two for two at today’s distance.

The race, won a year ago by longshot Golden Apples, attracted two others who ran in the American Oaks.

Of that pair, Alozaina is the one with the best chance of surprising the top two.

Owned by Arnold Zetcher and trained by Ron McAnally, who’s having an excellent Del Mar meet, Alozaina has been compromised by troubled trips in all three of her races in the U.S.

That could change today because she’s getting a huge rider upgrade to Eddie Delahoussaye and the hall-of-fame rider has been making few mistakes at Del Mar.

Before he tries to win the Del Mar Oaks, Frankel will be seeking to add four more graded stakes to his total at Saratoga. Besides heavy favorite Medaglia d’Oro in the $1-million Travers, he will send out Surya in the $200,000 Ballston Spa Breeders’ Cup Handicap, contender Kappa King in the $200,000 Fourstardave Handicap and the 3-year-old Labamta Babe in the $200,000 King’s Bishop.

Race of the day: The third at Del Mar isn’t a particularly good betting race with only five entrants, but it does feature something unusual. When was the last time the names of all the horses in a given race began with the same letter? Macaneo, Marine, Meckeme, Most Likely and Motto will be getting together in the $80,000 claimer at one mile on the turf.

Who’s hot: Edgar Prado. The jockey continues to sizzle at Saratoga, having won with half of his 24 mounts during one stretch earlier in the week.

Who’s not: Dallas Stewart. The trainer of that “win machine” Dollar Bill was three for his first 45 at Arlington Park.

Exotically speaking: A trifecta in the first keying My Babycakes on top with Rubin’s Rose, Lil Miss Hollywood and Absolutism in the second spot and all in the third hole.

Winners Previous day/meet total: 1/56. Money: Previous day/meet total: $6.40/$341. Total money bet: $458.