Del Mar Days, 8/4
by Emily Hufford

Giacomo fills me with joy. That's what I can honestly say about the colt. While I don't know for sure if he will ever run again, and I don't know if I will ever get the chance to be around a horse like him again, I do know that I am grateful for my time with him every day.

On Thursday I did a photo shoot of the Derby winner for the Del Mar Times. It was very fun to see trainer John Shirreffs actually smiling and posing with his star. Upon smelling Shirreff's old Mill Ridge Farms hat, Giacomo curled his upper lip and raised his head in protest. This happened several times, while onlookers laughed and cheered.

Hollywood Story was walking in preparation for her run at the Clement L. Hirsch on Sunday. After a dismal performance in the Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park, she is looking to rebound at Del Mar. Later that day she schooled in the paddock and looked phenomenal, dappled and strong.

On my way back from the barns in the morning I saw Megahertz on the track. The little chestnut mare pinned her ears and launched a sneak attack bite at her pony, hitting him squarely on the neck. Both riders laughed and continued on with their exercise.

Giacomo © Emily Hufford 2005

In the stall next to Giacomo lives Sweet Way, which is the new name for Sweet Catomine's 2 year old 3/4 sister (by Giant's Causeway). The big filly is in training with Shirreffs and will likely debut later this summer or in the fall.

Styler, Giacomo's full sister, had a timed workout in the morning, and the bright bay filly (who is about as opposite as you can get from Giacomo in appearance) was alert and happy in the shedrow.

Down the aisle is Proposed, a filly who has always had a world of talent and now gets the chance to show it. A huge, powerful win at Del Mar earlier in the meet confirmed her ability, and now she is resting comfortably, awaiting her next race.

There wasn't any major stakes action on Thursday, but on Wednesday, Sarafan and Laura's Lucky Boy dueled to the wire in thrilling fashion. Sarafan won but was disqualified for interference in the stretch.