Sedamar finds reasonable spot

DEL MAR, Calif. – Sedamar ran the best race of her 2-yearold campaign last year at Del Mar, and a return to this grass course last time helped propel her to her best effort this year. Only a bit of improvement is likely needed to get her to the winner’s circle in Thursday’s featured sixth race, an optionalclaimer at one mile on turf for California-bred females.

Those are the same conditions under which she ran on July 25, finishing second in a three-horse photo while losing by a neck.

“I think it was the best race she’s actually ran,” said Shelbe Ruis, who trains Sedamar for her family’s Ruis Racing LLC. “She was forwardly placed, but that’s where she wanted to be. She’s a temperamental filly. You just have to do whatever she’s happy doing.”

That task is ably carried out by Ruben Fuentes. He has ridden Sedamar four times, and they’ve never finished out of the money. They own a win and a second in two starts on the Del Mar grass.

“Ruben gets along with her really well,” said Ruis, who said Fuentes also is aboard for workouts between starts.

Sedamar has raced eight times. Her two dirt races were poor. She has never finished out of the money on turf.

“She’s getting better. She’s developing,” Ruis said. “She’s coming back in three weeks. Usually we give her more time. Hopefully she’ll come back strong. She should come running.”

A field of nine was entered in the race, including She has the rite stuff, who was just a neck behind Sedamar in third in the July 25 race, and Algorhythmic, who is taking a giant drop in class to run for the $20,000 claiming price. She is one of three runners entered for a tag.

The seven-race card begins at 2 p.m. Pacific.

KEY CONTENDERS

Sedamar, by Richard’s Kid Last 3 Beyers: 77-22-70

◗ She got a great trip from her rail draw last time.

◗ She has displayed more tactical speed in her last two grass races, which should afford her a better trip than dropping out of it.

She has the rite stuff, by Unusual Heat Last 3 Beyers: 77-66-74

◗ She was claimed for $35,000 in June and is now racing for $20,000 for the second straight time since that claim.

◗ She has lost 11 straight races after winning four of her first 11.

Algorhythmic, by Vronsky Last 3 Beyers: 78-76-73

◗ Having lost nine straight since July 2017, she is tumbling in class after racing in stakes in her three outings this year.

Super Bunny, by Super Saver Last 3 Beyers: 66-44-58

◗ She scored a front-running win against Cal-bred maidens on Aug. 2 and picks up red-hot Flavien Prat.

Smiling Annie, by Smiling Tiger Last 3 Beyers: 40-65-66

◗ Her last race (on dirt, stumbled at start) is a throwout. She’s back on her best surface, and her sprint speed makes her the one to catch.