Baffert Tries to Extend Lead

Even though the Pacific Classic escaped Bob Baffert--and, by the way, the start didn’t get War Emblem beat on Sunday--the trainer has another Del Mar training title within reach.

With 13 days left, Baffert, who has led every meeting here since 1997, holds a 19-14 edge over Bill Spawr, who was Del Mar’s top trainer in 1994. Baffert has a chance to pad his advantage today with four lively entrants in three races.

In the first, a $45,000 starter allowance at six furlongs for 2-year-olds, the trainer will be represented by favorite and likely winner Martinblestme. Owned by Dawn and Terry Henn, the son of Benchmark overcame self-caused trouble to win his debut at Hollywood Park on July 11, then finished fourth in a Graduation Stakes dominated by stablemate Icecoldbeeratreds. He’s facing much softer competition today and should relish the extra distance.

In the sixth, a $62,500 claimer for 3-year-olds at six furlongs, Baffert will send out the uncoupled duo of Requesto and Chaos N Confusion.

Owned by the Thoroughbred Corp., Requesto, back in his own age group after two consecutive races against older horses, is making his first start in a claimer. Chaos N Confusion, owned by Mike Pegram, will be making his first appearance since beating maidens by a length last Dec. 26 at Santa Anita.

Finally, in the seventh, a $60,000 allowance at one mile on the turf, Baffert will saddle Tradition Rocks, a promising 3-year-old son of Spinning World. He was impressive beating maidens in his second start on the grass for owners Pam and Marty Wygod.

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Race of the day: Reciprocate, a $575,000 purchase by owners Bob and Beverly Lewis last summer, will make his debut for trainer Wayne Lukas in today’s sixth at Saratoga.

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Who’s hot: Linda Rice. The trainer has won with six of her first 16 starters at Saratoga.

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Who’s not: Norberto Arroyo Jr. The former apprentice sensation has struggled at Saratoga, having won with only two of his first 52 mounts.

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Exotically speaking: A pick three singling Fax Blitz in the fourth, using Jink Williams, Gamblin Caper, Fringe Comment and Cruisenrightalong in the fifth, and Requesto, Chaos N Confusion and Red Vintage in the sixth.

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Winners: Previous day/meet total: 0/61. Money: Previous day/meet total: $0/$368. Total money bet: $512.