Mabee Draws a Strong Field

Five of the six fillies and mares entered in today’s $400,000 John C. Mabee Handicap know their way around the Del Mar turf course.

Tates Creek, Dublino, Megahertz, Golden Apples and Magic Mission are a combined five-for-seven over the layout. Voz de Colegiala, who will be the longest shot in the field for the 1 1/8-mile Grade 1 race formerly called the Ramona, has never run over the surface.

Trained by Bobby Frankel for the Juddmonte Farms, Tates Creek is perfect in two starts at Del Mar.

The champion female turf performer of 2003, Golden Apples will be making her first start since Dec. 1. The 5-year-old Pivotal mare was second in this race last year and won the 2001 Del Mar Oaks at 21-1 in her only other local appearance.

Race of the day: Bird Town, who won the Kentucky Oaks and Acorn in her last two starts, will make her Saratoga debut for trainer Nick Zito in today’s $250,000 Test, a Grade 1 at seven furlongs. The card also includes the $500,000 Diana, a Grade 1 at 1 1/8 miles on the turf.

One for the road: Wonder Again, third in the Just A Game on June 7, can get the money with clear sailing in the Diana over a turf course she loves. The 4-year-old Silver Hawk filly went two for two at Saratoga in 2002, winning an allowance race and the Lake Placid Handicap. Edgar Prado will ride for owners John and Joan Phillips and trainer James Toner.

Exotically speaking: A pick three singling Captain Squire in the sixth, using Sarava, Consistency, Nose The Trade and Bonus Pay Day in the seventh and singling Tates Creek in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/5. Money: Previous day/meet total: $5.80/$23.40. Total money bet: $50.