French-born trainer Leonard Powell, a regular on the Southern California circuit for the last two decades, saddles the potent pair of Maltese Falcon and Zalamo in the Aug. 6 $150,000 La Jolla Handicap (G3T) at Del Mar.
Maltese Falcon heads into Sunday’s 1 1/16 mile turf contest for 3-year-olds as the second choice on the morning line despite being winless in six career starts. Owned by Red Baron’s Barn or Rancho Temescal, the son of Caravaggio ran a gallant second last time out in the June 11 Cinema Stakes over 1 1/4 miles on Santa Anita’s downhill turf course. The late-running gelding will be ridden for the first time by leading SoCal rider J.J. Hernandez.
Zalamo, breaking from the far outside post in the field of 8 under jockey Mike Smith, will attempt to redeem himself off a poor showing in the July 21 Oceanside Stakes. Making his North American debut for owners Madaket Stables, Convergence Stables, Ocean Reef Racing, and William Strauss, the Seahenge colt lost all chance when slammed hard out of the gates. A two-time winner in France, Zalamo will need to overcome the quick 15-day turnaround on Sunday.
Other contenders include favored Panic Alarm , a stakes-placed runner in Ireland making his first start in the U.S. for trainer John Sadler and The Del Mar Group’s grade 3-placed Henry Q , who tries the turf for the first time.
