Straight No Chaser Race Overview

Straight No Chaser is set to launch his racing career today at Del Mar in a $80,000 Maiden Special Weight which looks evenly matched, at least from a morning-line perspective.

Your colt has been assigned odds of 5-1 in the 12-horse field, which also has two also-eligibles waiting in the wings, pending any scratches in Race 2. The morning-line favorite, Peligroso, is just a tick lower, at odds at 9-2.

Straight No Chaser drew post 10 in the five-furlong turf race with Edwin Maldonado aboard for trainer Dan Blacker. The 3-year-old son of Speightster is among five first-time starters in the field.

Dan has been pleased with how Straight No Chaser is training coming into his first assignment, and he particularly liked his last breeze, which was from the gate on July 16th (5F in 1:00). His gate breezes has been exceptionally eye-catching and lead to the conclusion that he will be prominent in the early going.

With all-systems go and the team expecting a good run from Straight No Chaser, it’s important to remember this is your colt’s first start and it comes in a big field — with most of the runners having prior race experience — and there likely will be a scramble for the early lead in this sprint. Finish position aside, this debut also represents the opportunity for him to gain racing experience which will be of benefit going forward.

Here’s a good-luck toast to Straight No Chaser’s partners and to their colt for a good trip.

About the Competition (in post position order):

Magic Man (15/1) will make his first start as a gelding after six tries as a colt. He has run some competitive races early on in his career. Draw a line through his most recent race on dirt and he could be a factor again.

Peligroso (9/2) is the lone filly in this open maiden special weight. The connections have had no fear in doing this before as this will be her 3rd start against the boys in only five lifetime starts.

Cribbage Board (10/1) made a good account for himself on debut, earning a 74 Beyer Speed Figure. This CA-bred will take on open company this time but could step forward the second time out. Not our top choice but one that should be respected.

To Speight Her (20/1), a $100,000 OBS April 2021 purchase has all the credentials to love the turf. Workouts have just been ok from a time standpoint. We will watch one.

An Army of Light (6/1) makes his debut for trainer Peter Miller. His dam, Sunnysammi, was a 5-time winner sprinting on grass so it is no surprise this gelding is starting his career in this spot. He is showing some decent workouts on his form

Virat (20/1) debuted on the dirt and was simply a non-factor. Do not let this throw you off completely. Since the race, he has been gelded and will move to the turf for trainer Phil D’Amato. Flashing back two summers ago, Phil had Leggs Galore (also by Bayern) who was making her turf debut following two non-competitive races on dirt at Oaklawn Park. The rest was history as Leggs Galore is now a 9-time winner, including the Grade 2 Beuna Vista.

Peso (10/1) makes his debut on the grass for trainer Bob Baffert who is 0/9 when trying the turf the first time out. History will tell us that the connections may be unsure of his dirt works and are taking a bit of a shot here. Would like to watch one before we support him.

Mastermind (6/1) takes advantage of the “Ship and Win” program following a solid debut at Tampa Bay Downs behind MyRacehorse’s very own Psychedelic Shack. The competition as a whole will certainly be tougher this afternoon but now having a race under his belt, you would expect this guy to be much more prepared, especially from the gate.

Still On the Books (8/1) improved in his second lifetime start and will now be trying the turf for the first time. His dam, Cougarstown, has produced two winners on turf from a total of 15 starts.

Straight No Chaser (5/1) has been lighting up the work tab for trainer Dan Blacker. Does draw an outside post and will have to work out a clean trip but given the speed he has been showing us in the morning, it shouldn’t be an issue. Almost every local private clocker has been very high on his morning activity. Most recently, he received an “A-“ grade from Andy Harrington, something you don’t see often, especially with a first-timer. There is no secret about how he has been doing in the mornings.

Laughing Legacy (6/1) will be making his debut as a 4-year-old and has been completing all of his training at Los Alamitos. His work times are certainly quick which leads you to believe he has speed but the Los Alamitos track is generally a bit faster as well. Trainer Brian Kornier is 21% first time on grass and 24% with first-time starters in general.

Honeymoon Suite (10/1) is making his return to the races off of a 12-month layoff. He showed some ability as a 2-year-old and is working well from a time standpoint. His biggest challenge will be overcoming the 12 Post.