San Luis Rey-based colt sets track record at Del Mar

Chasing Aces, a 2-year-old colt who had been preparing for the Del Mar racing season by working out at the San Luis Rey Training Center in Bonsall, set a track record at the seaside oval last Sunday.

Chasing Acres won a five-furlong maiden allowance race by 5 1/4 lengths in a sizzling 56.21 seconds, breaking the 52-year-old track record of 56.40 seconds set by Soldier Girl in 1964.

Trained by Peter Miller, Chasing Aces had run a solid second in his career debut at Santa Anita in June and was made a heavy 4-5 favorite at Del Mar. The bettors didn't have to sweat as Chasing Aces pulled away down the stretch to win easily under jockey Tyler Baze.

Chasing Aces, purchased in March for $250,000, is a Kentucky-bred colt by Flatter. Owned by Rockingham Ranch, Chasing Aces earned $37,800 for the victory and has banked $49,000 in his two starts.

On Friday, the 3-year-old filly Song for Jade broke her maiden before an opening-day crowd of 42,562. Trained by San Luis Rey-based Janet Armstrong, Song for Jade won the 5 1/2-furlong maiden claiming event (claiming price $20,000) by 3 1/4 lengths under jockey Santiago Gonzalez.

Song for Jade was timed in 1:05.75 and paid $10.60 to win after collecting her first victory in six tries. The filly didn't return to San Luis Rey, however, as she was claimed out of the race by trainer Sal Gonzalez.