Borrego Tries to Rebound

Borrego, who spent much of the spring chasing Smarty Jones, will return for trainer Beau Greely in today’s $75,000 El Cajon Stakes at Del Mar.

A 3-year-old son of El Prado owned by a partnership, Borrego hasn’t run since he finished seventh, 15 1/2 lengths behind Smarty Jones, in the Preakness.

A second consecutive dull performance was enough to take the chestnut off the Triple Crown trail. Borrego had finished 10th in the Kentucky Derby after being the runner-up in both the Arkansas and Louisiana derbies.

Second to Master David in the Sham Stakes on Feb. 8 in his last start in California, Borrego will be racing without the blinkers worn in eight of his nine lifetime outings in the one-mile El Cajon.

Borrego, winless since he won an optional claimer at Santa Anita last Dec. 27, will be ridden by Tyler Baze, who was aboard for that victory.

The field in the restricted El Cajon also includes Perfect Moon, who is 0 for 3 in 2004 after winning three times as a 2-year-old.

Race of the day: Unforgettabull, a $6,250 claim by owner-trainer Keith Bennett on Aug. 4 at Santa Rosa, will try for her third consecutive win in today’s seventh at Bay Meadows. Dennis Carr, who was aboard for the first time when she won by four lengths against $12,500 claimers Aug. 11, will ride the 6-year-old In Excess mare in the $32,000 claimer at five furlongs on the turf on the opening-day program.

One for the road: Lemon Lady gets off the rail after breaking slowly in her debut Aug. 18 and can get her maiden win in her second start in today’s fourth at Saratoga. John Velazquez will ride the 2-year-old Lemon Drop Kid filly.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Subway Sing in the third, Gent, Kewen and Interceptor in the fourth and Lady Truffles, Vikki’s Honor, Netty’s Knockout and Miss Bobbie Quick in the fifth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 3/101. Money: Previous day/meet total: $19/$555.20. Total money bet: $646.