Right Proof Makes Return

The seaside air must agree with Right Proof.

Winless in 10 starts at Ellis Park, Santa Anita and Hollywood Park, the 4-year-old Lasting Approval gelding is perfect in two races at Del Mar and he’ll try to stay that way in today’s seventh, a $63,000 optional claimer at 1 3/8 miles on the turf.

Right Proof broke his maiden in his sixth career start last Aug. 2, leading throughout at nearly 7-1 odds. Two weeks later, the gray again went wire-to-wire, winning by two lengths as the 2-1 choice at today’s distance.

Victor Espinoza was aboard for those two victories in 2003, but he has chosen to ride Hatif today, so Kent Desormeaux will be Right Proof’s jockey for the first time. Desormeaux and Drysdale teamed to win the John C. Mabee Handicap on Saturday with Musical Chimes.

The probable favorite in today’s race, which has a field of seven after the Sunday morning scratches of American Son and Unrivalled, is Fantastic Spain.

Race of the day: The Yellow Sheet, who won a Gold Rush Day race at 20-1 in her last start on April 24, is among 10 fillies and mares scheduled to compete in the first turf sprint of the Del Mar meet in today’s fourth. The $54,000 optional claimer goes at five furlongs.

One for the road: Grandpa Chan won his only previous start at Solano and can get the money on the closing day card at the fair in today’s ninth under jockey Bobby Gonzalez. The veteran is the 5-2 second choice in the $6,250 claimer at one mile.

Exotically speaking: A pick four using Wild Senorita and the Dancing Event entry in the fifth, Haint You Grand, Legendary Traitors and Malibu Baby in the sixth, Fantastic Spain in the seventh and Las Vegas Dancer, Swiss Ladybug and Subway Sing in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/11. Money: Previous day/meet total: $7.80/$60.80. Total money bet: $88.