Lukas Seeks First Win

It seems hard to believe that high-profile trainer Wayne Lukas is without a winner at Del Mar 41 days into the meet.

Of course, Lukas has barely been active this year at Del Mar. Through Sunday, he had only four starters.

On the second-to-last day of the meet, the Hall of Fame trainer could pick up not one, but two victories.

Downtime, a 2-year-old son of Favorite Trick, is a contender in the fourth as he is entered in a maiden claimer for the first time and Jury Box is the 7-2 second choice on Jeff Tufts’ morning line in the $100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes.

Downtime is the 5-2 favorite in the fourth, a $62,500 claimer at six furlongs.

In the I’m Smokin, a six-furlong race for 2-year-olds bred in California, Jury Box will be seeking his second win in six races.

Race of the day: Volkonsky, who beat maidens by 17 1/2 lengths Aug. 24 at Saratoga, will make his turf debut in today’s eighth at Belmont Park.

Who’s hot: Xtra Heat. The amazing 4-year-old filly won again Saturday at Delaware Park and is 23 for 30 in her career.

She may not run again until the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Oct. 26 at Arlington Park.

Who’s not: Trainer Frances Henderson, who is based in Northern California, is 0 for 36 this year.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Vamos Nina and Bush Triumph in the first, using Apalachian Thunder and Listen Indy in the second and Ben Saw San, Unrelenting Grit and High Noon Meeting in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/87. Money: Previous day/meet total: $41.20/$510.40. Total money bet: $720.