Smoke Break to Run in CTBA Stakes

Able to run second in open company in her first race in Southern California, Smoke Break will face California breds in today’s $125,000 CTBA Stakes at Del Mar. The race is the fifth leg of a pick six with a $562,576 carry-over after several longshots won Thursday.

Smoke Break, a daughter of Smokester who is owned by a partnership and trained by Gil Matos, broke her maiden by two lengths in her debut at Bay Meadows on May 1.

Sent to Hollywood Park five weeks later, the dark bay filly finished second to Yogi’s Polar Bear after setting a quick pace (44 4/5 for the half-mile) at 12-1.

Ridden by Omar Figueroa in her first two starts, Smoke Break will be handled by Victor Espinoza today.

Alex Solis, who has won the ungraded race two of the last three years, will ride Car Lady for owner Bill Aubrey and trainer Jose Corrales.

A $14,500 yearling purchase, the Distinctive Cat filly won a two-furlong race at Santa Anita on March 14, then was fourth in the five-furlong Nursery May 11 at Hollywood Park.

Race of the day: Defending champion Del Mar Show is among 11 older turf specialists entered in today’s $150,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap at Saratoga. The 1 1/8-mile race is a Grade II. Besides Del Mar Show, who will be ridden by Jerry Bailey, other contenders include Patrol, Rouvres and the Kiaran McLaughlin-trained entry of Millennium Dragon and Trademark

One for the road: Treasure Hunt should win right back for trainer John Martin in today’s eighth at Santa Rosa. The 7-year-old Prospector’s Gamble looks like the quickest horse in the race and at least two of the horses who finished behind him in his three-length win on June 29 have returned to score.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Little Celebrity, Malibu Momma and Olivia’s Amour in the third, singling I’mallwilly in the fourth and using Rontu, Rush Into Heaven and Ruhland in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/4. Money: Previous day/meet total: $8.20/$17.60. Total money bet: $34.