Longshot Holds One Edge

Emerald Dixie probably will be the longest shot in the field in today’s $75,000 Piedra Foundation Handicap at Del Mar, but she has done something none of the seven other fillies and mares in the one-mile race have done.

Specifically, win at Del Mar. The 4-year-old Emerald Jig filly, who is trained by Joe Parga, is two for three by the beach. Of the rest, three of the participants will be making their main-track debut at Del Mar and four have combined to go 0 for 8.

One of those making her first local start is Kiana. Bred in Peru, the 4-year-old filly won five of nine in her native country, including a two Group I races. Trained by Laura De Seroux, Kiana will race with Lasix for the first time.

Completing the field, from the inside out, are Royally Chosen, Angel Gift, Eclipse de Luna, Printemps, Adoration and Meguial. Printemps and Adoration will race coupled because of common ownership.

Owned in part by former jockey Eddie Delahoussaye, Angel Gift is winless in four Del Mar starts, but two of those defeats came against reigning horse of the year Azeri.

Race of the day: Gone To Party, who looked good in winning her debut Aug. 13, will make her second start for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer in today’s fourth at Bay Meadows. The $33,000 optional claimer at six furlongs drew eight other entrants.

One for the road: Wish For Gold should improve the second time out in the ninth at Arlington Park. The 2-year-old filly finished fifth of 13 in her debut, but trainer Rebecca Maker wins with a high percentage of second-time starters.

Exotically speaking: A pick four singling Lovely Rafaela in the fifth, using Royally Chosen, the Printemps-Adoration entry and Angel Gift in the sixth, Trial by Jury, Kachamandi and Dell Place in the seventh and Ruling House, Honor Game and Kama’aina Girl in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/90. Money: Previous day/meet total: $15/$516.60. Total money bet: $636.