Stage Shy Is Back on Track

Stage Shy, who showed much promise on the turf for trainer Neil Drysdale this year, will make her first start in nearly three months in today’s seventh race at Del Mar.

A 4-year-old daughter of Theatrical out of the productive broodmare Garimpiero, Stage Shy, who is owned by the estate of Robert Sangster, won one of four races in England and Ireland before being shipped to America.

In her first two outings in California, Stage Shy won an optional claimer by two lengths as the 8-5 favorite on Jan. 29 at Santa Anita, then returned two months later to win by four lengths as the 5-2 second choice.

Given another two months by Drysdale, the $725,000 yearling purchase disappointed in her first race over the Hollywood Park turf course.

The 3-10 choice against five opponents, she finished fourth, beaten a little more than two lengths.

Prepping for her first Del Mar appearance, Stage Shy, who will be ridden by Kent Desormeaux, has trained well and should appreciate the distance of 1 3/8 miles. She is the 7-5 choice on Jeff Tufts’ morning line.

Race of the day: Mambo Slew, who won the Sands Point at Belmont Park the last time she ran in New York, is among nine 3-year-old fillies scheduled to go 1 1/8 miles on the turf in today’s $150,000 Lake Placid, a Grade II, at Saratoga.

One for the road: Clover Situation should get a good trip in today’s third at the Bay Meadows Fair. Chad Schvaneveldt will ride the gelding for trainer Daniel Franko in the $12,500 claimer.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using B.Z. Jones and Behind The Plate in the third, Cappucino Kid, Puma and Right Proof in the fourth, and Zulu Secrets and Society Senorita in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/74. Money: Previous day/meet total: $16/$397.60. Total money bet: $496.