Nadia Makes U.S. Debut

Although she is a filly taking on six males, Nadia holds a distinct class edge in the $64,000 Kobuk King, today’s feature at Del Mar.

Owned by Sheik Maktoum al Maktoum and trained by Neil Drysdale, the 4-year-old daughter of Nashwan makes her U.S. debut and her first start since Oct. 7 in the 1 3/8 mile turf race.

An English-bred, Nadia, who will race on Lasix for the first time this afternoon, had two wins and two seconds in six races in France. She was good enough to win a Group I at Longchamp as a 3-year-old and was second in the French Oaks three weeks later.

Facing a field in which two of the entrants--Sumati and Komistar--are entered for a $62,500 claiming tag, Nadia should fire off the bench and she has a history of doing so.

She was a winner in her first start on Nov. 15, 2000, then returned after five months on the sidelines to run second in a Group III at Saint-Cloud. Corey Nakatani, recently returned to action after being injured in a spill early in the meet at Hollywood Park, has the mount on the chestnut filly, who will break from the rail, an advantage going 11 furlongs on the Del Mar turf.

Meanwhile, at Saratoga, some promising 2-year-olds will get together in the $150,000 Sanford Stakes at six furlongs.

A Grade II, the Sanford attracted recent first-out maiden winners Run Production, Title Contender, Wildcat Heir and Spite The Devil along with stakes winners Posse, Whywhywhy and Hear No Evil.

Four races earlier, Svea Dahl will make her debut for trainer Bruce Levine and owner Roddy Valente after being claimed for $62,500 at Hollywood Park on June 26.

The trainer-owner combination has had success in the past claiming horses in California, then winning in New York.

Race of the day: Del Mar’s third race--which kicks off the pick six--drew a full field of well-matched 3-year-old fillies running for a $20,000 claiming price.

Who’s hot: Doug O’Neill. The trainer of Hollywood Gold Cup winner Sky Jack had a strong finish at Hollywood Park and wound up second to Bobby Frankel in the standings with 18 victories.

Who’s not: Raul Rojas. The jockey went three for 90 at the recently concluded Belmont Park meet.

Exotically speaking: A trifecta keying Reluctant Hero on top in the fifth with Slippery When Bet and Delong in the two hole and all in the third spot.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/1. Money: Previous day/meet total: $5/$5. Total money bet: $18.