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RACE ONE

THUNDER BLUFF dropped into a claimer after a year-plus layoff and proved much the best in a wire-to-wire victory. The fact that he returns at the same level suggests he's fragile, but he's probably okay for at least one more good one. GEM PROOF has a similar pattern to 'BLUFF. A hard-knocker against allowance stock last year, 'GEM comes back for $40,000 off some solid workouts. He'll give the top one a battle if he holds together. WESTERLY MAGIC hasn't won since September but can hold off the others.

RACE TWO

ONE TRACK MIND has been right there both starts and can make the third time the charm. He showed a lot more speed in his second start but showed he can come from off the pace in his debut. He'll most likely let NATIONWIDE FAMILY go to the lead then pounce in the lane. 'FAMILY is very fast but has been giving way against better. He'll appreciate the class drop but will have his hands full with 'MIND. HIGHLY UNUSUAL got some valuable experience and could round out the trifecta at a nice price.

RACE THREE

BAND OF THUNDER and FIGHT ON have almost identical records and will fight this one out. 'THUNDER has won three of his last four in northern California and is conditioned by hotshot trainer William E Morey, who just knocked off perennial champ Jerry Hollendorfer at Golden Gate Fields. FIGHT ON won at this tough distance one race back. He's back in for $50,000 and could take some catching. EXCEEDING is all heart but may be tailing off. He could use a bigger drop than he's getting today.

RACE FOUR

PARTY HARD has trained exceptionally well for Beau Greeley and rates the call in a field primarily made up of first time starters. The Medaglia d'Oro colt blew out in a sharp 35 1/5 from the gate July 9. CAPTAIN STEEL is the only one entered with experience. He was an even fifth vs. Seismometer back in May and has a series of nice moves since, topped off by a bullet 47 3/5 July 4. TEMERITY is by a win-early sire and could make his presence felt for the productive combination of Ron Ellis and Jose Valdivia, Jr.

RACE FIVE

MILLION DOLLAR RUN had a terrible trip as the favorite in the Hollywood Oaks and the race should be discarded. Full of run entering the backstretch, 'MILLION ran into a roadblock and had to slam on the brakes. She tried her hardest but wasn't able to overcome the trouble. VAN BRIT looked super graduating first time around two turns. She'll be a force to reckon with in her first try against winners. FIRE N' BRIMSTONE has been in the money five straight and can be counted on for another honest effort.

RACE SIX

CANDY LION had an eventful trip first time out. The Candy Ride colt broke well but was shuffled back going into the turn. He re-rallied through the lane only to be beaten in a photo. Unless a first time starter monster is lurking, 'LION should exit the maiden ranks. I WANT REVENGE makes his initial start for the red-hot Jeff Mullins barn. Mullins has been using Clinton Potts to great effect all meet. EMPIRE HOUSE has some talent but might need a race. Keep an eye on him for the future.

RACE SEVEN

CEDAR MOUNTAIN has blossomed into a top-notch marathoner for Neil Drysdale. His sweeping victory in the recent Round Table Handicap suggests that bigger and better things are yet to come from the son of Gallileo. CHURCH SERVICE is the proven class and has a fine grass trainer in Mike Mitchell. He's been a real gamester since being claimed for $50,000 four races back and is fresh from a Grade 3 victory in Texas. TRANSDUCTION GOLD was second best to the top choice in the Round Table. He, too, loves these long distance affairs, but his trainer has been shut out in 23 starts this year.

RACE EIGHT

COMMON TRUST will take some beating for Bill Spawr. The six-time winner will be tracking the early leaders from the outside and roar past when the real racing begins. FOUL PLAY is after his third straight win for Mullins but must overcome the rail. If he can scoot clear early, he's got a chance. PRESIDENTIAL CAUSE has a losing record (2 for 20) but is a must-use in the trifecta under leading rider Bejarano.

RACE NINE

ISLE OF GIANT'S was given a tall order going long on the turf first time out, but wasn't disgraced in a fourth place finish. The nicely-bred son of Giant's Causeway is loaded with talent and should show it today with the race under his best. DAKOTA PHONE was fourth in a blanket finish first time on the lawn. Bejarano rides back and the pair should be flying the last quarter. RUMBA ALONG missed by a whisker against similar June 21. If he draws in off the also eligible list he'll be a big factor.

Best Bet-ONE TRACK MIND (2)