Will ‘Tin Man Be Rusty?

The Tin Man, who has spent most of his career running in graded stakes, will make his first start since Oct. 25 in today’s seventh race at Del Mar. The race is an optional claimer at a mile on the turf and is part of a pick six with a carry-over of more than $159,000

A multiple stakes winner for owners-breeders Ralph and Aury Todd and trainer Richard Mandella, the 6-year-old Affirmed gelding hasn’t run since he finished fourth behind stablemate Johar, who dead-heated with High Chaparral, in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

Successful in seven of his 18 starts while earning $1,074,460, The Tin Man will break from the outside post in the field of seven.

He will have to beat some sharp horses, including Grafton, Royal Price, Anziyan Royalty and Stage Player.

Race of the day: Primary Suspect, who beat maidens by 10 3/4 lengths in his debut at Monmouth on July 17, will stretch out an eighth of a mile to seven furlongs in today’s seventh at Saratoga. Jerry Bailey will ride the 3-year-old Hennessy colt for owner Lee Lewis and trainer Mark Hennig in the $47,000 allowance. Other contenders include Swift Attraction, Love Of Money and Tango Tales.

One for the road: Know The Judge gets a barn change to trainer Scott Lake after losing all chance at the break in his debut July 5 at Belmont Park and could spring a surprise as he drops into a claimer in today’s third at Saratoga, a $75,000 claimer at five furlongs.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Aussie Girl and Nadira in the second, Tiz Only Money in the third and Los Solano, Tikkun and Billy’s Echo in the fourth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 5/45. Money: Previous day/meet total: $32.60/$252.40. Total money bet: $324.