Turf Switch Makes Grade

A switch from dirt to turf made a difference in the number of entrants for today’s $350,000 Del Mar Breeders’ Cup Handicap. Plagued by small fields in recent years, the Grade II switched surfaces this year and the result was 14 entrants, with only 10 allowed to go a flat mile.

Whilly, who was overmatched and finished last in the Arlington Million on Aug. 13, cuts back in distance and faces a field more his speed.

Trained by Doug O’Neill, Whilly, a 4-year-old Sri Pekan colt, won the last time he raced in California, gamely winning the American Handicap on July 3 at Hollywood Park. Felipe Martinez will ride Whilly.

The highweight in the race at 119 pounds is Three Valleys. Trained by Bobby Frankel, the 4-year-old son of Diesis has won three of nine. He won in his first start over this course, prevailing by three-quarters of a length as the 3-5 favorite in an optional claimer July 24. He will be ridden by Patrick Valenzuela.

Race of the day: Jambalaya, unbeaten in three starts on turf, will make his first start at a track other than Woodbine when he takes on nine other 3-year-olds in the $100,000 Saranac today at Saratoga. Juno Jones will ride the son of Langfuhr in the Grade III at 1 3/16 miles. In his last start, on Aug. 7, Jambalaya won the $501,000 Breeders’ Stakes, the last leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, by eight lengths.

One for the road: Sands Of Time is on top of his game for hot trainer Bill Delia and can win his third in a row in today’s seventh at Bay Meadows. Russell Baze will ride the 6-year-old gelding in the $12,500 starter allowance at one mile on turf. Sands Of Time has won five of 17 on the Bay Meadows lawn.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Rey Lake, Miss Valentina and Royal Kleven in the seventh, Three Valleys, Tsigane and Whilly in the eighth, Sabalucious in the ninth and Century Man, Carbonator and King Canaveral in the 10th.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/99. Money: Previous day/meet total: $16/$586.40 Total money bet: $684.