Star Over The Bay Is Bright

Claimed by trainer Mike Mitchell for $80,000 about three months ago, Star Over The Bay will try for his second consecutive Grade II win in today’s $250,000 Del Mar Handicap at Del Mar. The race is part of a pick six with a carry-over of $226,040.

A 5-year-old gelded son of Cozzene, Star Over The Bay led every step in the Sunset Handicap on July 18 at Hollywood Park, prevailing by a nose over 4-5 favorite Continuously.

Worse than second only once in his last five races, the Florida-bred gray will be making his first start by the beach and his third at 1 3/8 miles.

Scheduled to race coupled with Murano, who was claimed by Mitchell for $62,500 out of a win on Aug. 14, Star Over The Bay will leave from the inside post and will again be ridden by Tyler Baze.

Race of the day: Lady Tak, who won the 2003 Test Stakes in her only other appearance at Saratoga, is among eight fillies and mares scheduled to go seven furlongs in today’s $250,000 Ballerina Handicap.

One for the road: Departing Now drops into a softer spot in today’s $50,000 Spectacular Bid at Arlington Park after chasing Afleet Alex in the Sanford at Saratoga. Frank Lovato Jr. will ride the 2-year-old Wheaton gelding in the seven-furlong race.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Bernstein’s Babe, She’s A Jewel and Quiet Rumor in the sixth, Musique Toujours and Power Tripper in the seventh, Sarafan, Moscow Burning and Continuously in the eighth and Deputy Doc Renzi in the ninth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/89. Money: Previous day/meet total: $20.80/$473.40. Total money bet: $580.