Horse Racing News on July 18, 2012

Besilu Stables' Royal Delta headlines the $750,000 Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park July 21, but the champion filly will have to fend off an old nemesis in Awesome Maria, who beat her earlier this year in the Sabin Stakes.

Zo Impressive and Disposablepleasure met for the first time in the Grade 1 Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park on June 23, and on Saturday the duo will continue the rivalry born in that contest in the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga.

In five starts on turf this season, no horse has been able to head Silver Max. Whether that trend continues will be determined Saturday when the streaking three-year-old heads a field of nine in the Grade 2, $600,000 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs.

Defending winner Jackson Bend looks for a repeat July 20 in the $100,000 James Marvin Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, an event he used to launch a successful Forego Stakes bid last year.

Acclamation, 2011 champion older male, will attempt to extend his winning streak to seven this weekend in the July 21 Eddie Read Handicap at Del Mar, a race he captured a year ago in wire-to-wire fashion.

Seven 2-year-old fillies line up July 20 for the $150,000 Schuylerville Stakes on opening day at Saratoga Race Course, and five are eligible for a $100,000 bonus.

Acting upon the recommendation of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission chief veterinarian Dr. John T. Peters, live racing at Delaware Park has been canceled for July 18 due to excessive heat.

Team Valor International's Went the Day Well, winner of the Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes and a fast-closing fourth in the Kentucky Derby, will not run again this year due to bone bruising in his front ankles.