DEL MAR NOTES: Another betting issue surfaces

By JEFF NAHILL - Staff Writer | Thursday, July 17, 2008 11:24 PM PDT ∞

DEL MAR ---- Every time Del Mar's advance deposit wagering problem seems to be somewhat solved, another issue emerges.

On Wednesday, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club thought it had reached an agreement to get back at least 90 percent of the bettors it had a year ago through ADW companies. Del Mar's exclusive contract with Television Games (TVG) and its wagering partner, Youbet, was enforced in California. But TVG allowed competitors in states where it didn't do business to take wagers on Del Mar's races.

Then, at the California Horse Racing Board meeting on Thursday morning, Drew Cuoto of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) told the board a problem had arisen.

Del Mar executive vice president Craig Fravel said an ADW company he wouldn't specify ---- TVG, Youbet, XpressBet or TwinSpires ---- objected to bets being taken via the Internet instead of exclusively over the phone.

Fravel said the situation was resolved by forbidding Internet betting in those states.

"It's not a big deal," he said.

Valenzuela on the way?

It wouldn't be Del Mar without a controversy involving jockey Patrick Valenzuela, who isn't even licensed to ride in the state.

The Daily Racing Form reported that Valenzuela has asked for reinstatement. The 45-year-old had a hearing on Tuesday before administrative law judge Daniel Juarez in Los Angeles.

Neil Papiano, Valenzuela's lawyer, told the DRF he had no idea how long the process would take.

Juarez will make a decision and forward it to the CHRB, which will make a final ruling.

Valenzuela had his conditional license revoked in December after he was arrested for driving under the influence in Upland. He pleaded guilty to that charge in May, receiving three years' probation and a $1,595 fine.

Valenzuela, who has a long history of drug and alcohol abuse, is riding at Louisiana Downs.

Clement is here

Eastern-based trainer Christophe Clement has a small string at Del Mar for the first time. Clement is known for his work with grass horses.

Assistant Nicholas Bachalard was sent west with four horses and expects to have another two arrive on Monday.

The star of the barn is sprinter In Summation, who won the Bing Crosby Handicap last year. In Summation has become a synthetic surface standout and figures to stay in California since the Breeders' Cup Sprint will be held at Santa Anita Park.

Perfectly Natural became the first starter for the Clement barn when she finished third in Thursday's fourth race at 5 furlongs on the turf.

Staff writer Jeff Nahill's spot wagering play:

Trainer Peter Miller came through with two out of three on Thursday, so we showed another flat bet profit. Two winning days in a row? We probably should stop now, but it's too much fun. In Friday's fifth race, trainer Wesley Ward has My Man Sumo (No. 6) set for his career debut. Ward hits with 32 percent of his first-time starters. Bet $14 to win and a $3 exacta box with No. 7 Let'spickupthepace.

Friday's wager: $20       Thursday's result: Plus $16.50     Season: Plus $56.50