They Play the Percentages

With the Del Mar meet approaching its halfway point, Bob Baffert is in his customary position atop the trainer standings.

Baffert, who began Del Mar’s fourth week with 12 victories, has been the leading trainer by the beach six years in a row. If he wins this year, he will match Farrell Jones’ record of seven consecutive titles (1960-66).

Two of the trainers closest to Baffert, Jeff Mullins and John Sadler, are winning at a higher percentage, and they will have three starters on today’s card.

Mullins, who is winning at a 32% rate in 2003, will send out first-time starter Getouttamykitchen in the fifth, a $40,000 maiden claimer for 2-year-old California bred fillies. Sadler, who won with seven of his first 29 runners locally, will be represented by Fresal in the first and Laurabobsteve in the third.

In the final race, Sir Tificiate will seek his 20th consecutive loss in the $25,000 maiden claimer at one mile. Bred in California by actor Jack Klugman, all the 5-year-old gelding has managed to do so far is finish second once and third four times.

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Race of the day: The sixth at Del Mar is a wide-open grass race for $40,000 fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles. Last Tango, who won the first turf race of the meet on July 23, and Hazen, who has won two of four since being claimed by trainer Mike Mitchell, appear to be the leading contenders.

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One for the road: Court Recorder debuts for high-percentage trainer John Martin in the eighth at the Bay Meadows Fair and should improve for her new barn. The Holding Court filly fits off her easy maiden victory on June 27 at Pleasanton.

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Exotically speaking: A pick three using Last Tango, Hazen, Ec Lady and Poison Ivy in the sixth, Sophisticatedbluff, Teresa Ann and Lyncola in the seventh and Tacticalfortyniner and Call Sign in the eighth.

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Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/43. Money: Previous day/meet total: $9.80/$249.20. Total money bet: $324.