Paynter on target for San Diego Handicap

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Del Mar, CA (Sports Network) - Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert confirmed Tuesday that 4-year-old Paynter is going to start in the San Diego Handicap at Del Mar on Saturday, July 27.

Paynter worked Monday morning at Del Mar five furlongs with stablemate Liaison. Owned by Zayat Stables, last year's Haskell Invitational winner covered the distance in 1:00 1/5 with Liaison going in 1:00 3/5.

Baffert also indicated to Del Mar officials the 4-year-old colt would probably follow the San Diego with the $1 million Pacific Classic on Sunday, Aug. 25 with last year's runner-up and stablemate Game On Dude.

Paynter won his return race at Hollywood Park on June 14 after being sidelined with health problems. The colt covered seven furlongs in 1:21.86 with jockey Rafael Bejarano and posted a 4 1/2-length win in typical front running fashion.

The colt has earned $989,424 in seven starts and four wins.