Giacomo returns in San Diego Handicap

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Del Mar, CA (Sports Network) - Giacomo, winner of the 2005 Kentucky Derby, tops the field for Saturday's $300,000 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar Race Track. The San Diego Handicap is a prep race for the $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar in August.

Trainer John Shirreffs has entered Giacomo in the 1 1/16 mile race even though it may be a little shorter than the colt likes. Giacomo has not won since taking the Run for the Roses at 50-1. His last start was in the Santa Anita Handicap in March when he finished fifth to Lava Man.

On Saturday the four-year-old will start from post 6 with regular rider Mike Smith in the saddle. Owned by Jerry Moss, Giacomo has career earnings of more than $2 million with just two wins in 12 starts.

Breaking from the inside post will be Texas Mile winner Preachinatthebar. The five-year-old will be ridden by Jon Court for owner Mike Pegram and trainer Bob Baffert. Preachinatthebar has eight career wins in 25 starts for $653,240. He was fourth in the Californian Handicap last month behind Dixie Meister.

San Antonio Handicap winner Spellbinder will start from the far outside post in the field of eight. Also owner by Jerry Moss, the five-year-old will be ridden by Corey Nakatani. In his last start, Spellbinder was sixth in the Californian Handicap. Trained by Richard Mandella, Spellbinder has won five of 21 lifetime starts for $378,129.

Completing the field for the San Diego Handicap are Rathor, Texcess, Papi Chullo, Southern Africa and Publication.