An Ocean of Opportunity

Jockey Patrick Valenzuela, who will ride likely favorite Atlantic Ocean in today’s $150,000 San Clemente Handicap at Del Mar, has won the Grade II race twice.

The leading jockey at Santa Anita and Hollywood Park in 2003, Valenzuela won a division of the one-mile turf race with Future Bright in 1987 and Lonely Girl in 1990.

Atlantic Ocean, who was purchased by the Thoroughbred Corp. for $1.9 million in March 2002, has earned four of her five victories on the main track, but she is capable on turf.

In three starts on the surface, she has a victory in the Miesque at Hollywood Park last fall, a second in the Honeymoon Breeders’ Cup in Inglewood on June 7, and a third in the American Oaks at Hollywood Park on July 5.

The San Clemente is a prep for the $300,000 Del Mar Oaks on Aug. 24.

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Race of the day: Posse, arguably the top 3-year-old sprinter in the country, will seek his fourth consecutive victory for trainer Steve Asmussen in today’s $150,000 Amsterdam at Sara-

toga.

One for the road: Hajji’s Honor makes his second start for trainer Chuck Jenda in today’s ninth at Santa Rosa and most horses from his stable improve second time out.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Smart Again, Classy Fella and Southern Image in the seventh, Atlantic Ocean and Valentine Dancer in the eighth, Winsome Dame and Force The Way in the ninth and Fly To The Lake, The Poseur and Sombrio in the 10th.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 0/13. Money: Previous day/meet total: $0/$83.80. Total money bet: $170.