Baffert Seeking a Quick Start

There are certain givens about opening day at Del Mar.

The first race always begins in front of a boisterous grandstand, the second is always on turf, and the Oceanside Stakes is always run in divisions.

In the last four years, there has been another certainty at the seaside track: Bob Baffert, who has led the Del Mar trainer standings for six consecutive summers, has won the first 2-year-old race of the meet.

Looking to continue the streak, Baffert will send out Attack Alert and Battle Red against $1.5-million yearling purchase Rosberg in today’s third at 5 1/2 furlongs.

Owned by James McIngvale, who teamed with Baffert to win the Swaps with longshot During on July 13 at Hollywood Park, Attack Alert, a son of Souvenir Copy, was second at 7-10 odds in his debut on July 5. The $110,000 yearling buy adds the blinkers today and worked five furlongs in 58 2/5 at Santa Anita since he raced.

Battle Red, owned by Bob and Janice McNair’s Stonerside Stable, has a series of fast works on his resume and will race on Lasix.

Rosberg is a son of A.P. Indy out of the Woodman mare Bosra Sham. He also has worked well for trainer Eoin Harty.

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Race of the day: Unbeatens Be Gentle, Feline Story, Hermione’s Magic, Ashado and Maple Syrple are among the 2-year-old fillies running in the $150,000 Schuylerville, the opening day feature at Saratoga. The race is a Grade II at six furlongs.

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One for the road: Actaeon, a son of Elusive Quality, has trained well for his debut in today’s fourth at Saratoga. The dark bay colt is out of a productive dam and trainer Todd Pletcher has been doing well with his 2-year-olds. John Velasquez will ride in the 5 1/2-furlong race.

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Exotically speaking: A pick three singling Singletary in the fifth, using Excaper, Sabalucious, Mining Diamonds and Judge Jason in the sixth and Allover and T S Eliot in the seventh.

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Winners (Final for Hollywood Park): Previous day/meet total: 7/190. Money: Previous day/meet total: $36/$1,019. Total money bet: $1,124.