Big Score facing large field

DEL MAR, Calif. – Big Score has not raced since he finished third behind the multiple stakes winner Bowies Hero in the Grade 2 Mathis Brothers Mile at Santa Anita last December.

The $75,000 Wickerr Stakes at a mile on turf at Del Mar on Sunday is a logical race for a comeback. The distance is right, and the race is restricted to horses who have not won a stakes at a mile or longer worth $50,000 or more to the winner, other than statebred races, since March 1.

The problem is there are several other equally talented horses capable of winning the Wickerr.

“It’s a strong Wickerr,” said Tim Yakteen, who trains Big Score.

The Wickerr drew 14 and is a prep for the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile on turf Aug. 19. Last year, Blackjackcat won the Wickerr and the Del Mar Mile and was third in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

KEY CONTENDERS

Big Score, by Mr. Big Last 3 Beyers: 94-98-94

◗ A 4-year-old colt owned by breeder George Krikorian, Big Score was a stakes winner at 2 and 3. Last summer, he was a game second in the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby.

◗ The layoff is not a concern for Yakteen.

“We wanted a fresh campaign for this year,” he said. “He’s fit. We’re looking to see a sharp race.”

Conquest Tsunami, by Stormy Atlantic Last 3 Beyers: 100-NA-106

◗ The Wickerr will be a distance test for Conquest Tsunami, who won the Grade 3 Daytona Stakes on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita in February for trainer Peter Miller. Conquest Tsunami was third in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai in March and second in the Grade 2 Jaipur Stakes at seven furlongs at Belmont Park on June 9.

◗ The Wickerr will be Conquest Tsunami’s first start at a mile on turf since an eighth in the Grade 3 Miami Mile at Gulfstream Park in 2016, when trained by Mark Casse.

◗ Victor Espinoza has ridden Conquest Tsunami in his last three starts and said the onemile distance is better for the 6-year-old gelding than a fivefurlong turf sprint at Del Mar.

“Five furlongs is a little quick,” Espinoza said. “Going a mile may be the best option for him. The way he’s running, I think he can handle a mile.” Liam the Charmer, by Smart Strike Last 3 Beyers: 93-96-97

◗ Liam the Charmer has not raced since he finished 11th in the Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap last August. The same race on Aug. 18 is under consideration for him, trainer Michael McCarthy said.

“I do want to get his season kick-started,” McCarthy said. “I expect him to run well.”

◗ McCarthy said Liam the Charmer had “nagging issues” that led to his layoff.

Colonist, by Pioneerof the Nile Last 3 Beyers: 102-97-94

◗ Colonist has yet to win a stakes but has been close this year, finishing second in the Grade 3 American Stakes at Santa Anita in April. Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, Colonist is a threat from off the pace.