From Turf to Dirt for Del Mar Show

In a career that spans 35 races, Del Mar Show has never made a start on dirt.

Owned by the Allen Paulson Living Trust and now trained by Wayne Lukas after spending his glory days with Bill Mott, the 8-year-old Theatrical horse has been very productive on the turf. He has won 11 times and earned over $929,000.

Fifth in his first two starts for Lukas, Del Mar Show will make his main track debut in an ambitious spot this afternoon. He is one of eight scheduled to go seven furlongs in the $150,000 San Carlos Handicap at Santa Anita.

The 2-1 favorite in the Grade II is Mass Media. Owned by Gary and Mary West Stables and trained by Bobby Frankel, the 4-year-old son of Touch Gold has won five of nine. Most recently, he was second to Minister Eric in the San Fernando Breeders’ Cup at 1 1/16 miles.

The return to seven furlongs should play in this colt’s favor. In fact, the best race of his career came at the distance when he won the Sport Page Handicap by 3 1/4 lengths at Aqueduct on Oct. 31.

Hasty Kris, who has won five times at Santa Anita; Choctaw Nation, who has won five of six but has been idle since finishing fourth in the Pacific Classic on Aug. 22 at Del Mar; Sinister G, Perfect Moon, Harvard Avenue and Oceanus complete the field.

Race of the day: G P Fleet, who has won two of his last three starts, will try for his first win over the Fair Grounds turf in today’s $125,000 Fair Grounds Breeders’ Cup Handicap in New Orleans. Jose Martinez Jr. will ride the 5-year-old Northern Afleet gelding for owners Richard, Bert and Elaine Klein and trainer Steve Flint in the about 1 1/8 -mile race.

One for the road: Sun King, who was last seen finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on Oct. 30 at Lone Star Park in Texas, will drop into a softer spot for his comeback in today’s 10th at Gulfstream Park. The 3-year-old Charismatic colt, who is owned by Tracy Farmer and trained by Nick Zito, will be ridden by Edgar Prado in the $33,000 allowance at one mile. He could be a single in what is the third leg of the Magna Five.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Overnightsensation in the fourth, Waki American, American Writer and Brishane in the fifth and Jane Blossom, Musical Review and Mini Skirt in the sixth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/118. Money: Previous day/meet total: $3.60/$634. Total money bet: $784.