Del Mar Race Track

DEL MAR -- Two years after the state required major thoroughbred racetracks to install synthetic surfaces, the Southern California racing industry is still wrestling with the costs and benefits of the investment. It was here two summers ago where the allure of horses running at the famed seaside track was spoiled by the fatal breakdowns of 19 animals, clinching a cry for action after the statewide deaths of 240 horses between 2003 and 2005.

Ryan Barber, an apprentice jockey who was pushed off his mount by jockey Corey Nakatani at the finish line of a race at Del Mar on Aug. 3, has filed a lawsuit seeking unspecified damages for alleged assault, battery and emotional distress.

The only way to beat War Emblem might be to give him the gate, but another bad start for the Kentucky Derby winner shouldn't detract from Came Home's authoritative win Sunday in the $1-million Pacific Classic at Del Mar.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is investigating the shortage of at least $300,000 from an off-track betting facility, money that apparently was bet by a parimutuel clerk during the last two weeks of the Del Mar horse racing season.

For trainer Ron McAnally, the grass could be greener at Del Mar than it was the last couple of days at Hollywood Park, where the sight of his horses being hauled off after turf races wouldn't go away.

Trainer John Sadler did the right thing by scratching Christmas Boy from a $65,000 allowance race here Friday night, opting for the tougher spot in Sunday's $170,600 Bing Crosby Breeders' Cup Handicap.