A Gentleman in Victory?

The way Yankee Gentleman burst into the game, the future seemed unlimited for the son of Storm Cat.

In his March 2002 debut for owner-breeders Marty and Pam Wygod and trainer Bill Mott at Gulfstream Park, Yankee Gentleman won by 11 lengths under jockey Jerry Bailey. At 5-1, he ran the seven furlongs in 1:22 2/5.

Since then, the bay has one victory in five starts and will make his first appearance in California for new trainer John Shirreffs in today’s seventh, a $59,000 optional claimer, at Del Mar.

Away since finishing second as the 7-5 favorite over a soft turf course at Saratoga last August, Yankee Gentleman will break from the rail in the 6 1/2-furlong race. He is scheduled to be ridden by Patrick Valenzuela, who was off his mounts Wednesday for what the stewards termed “personal reasons.”

In three Del Mar drills, the 4-year-old went five furlongs in 59 3/5, seven-eighths of a mile in 1:26 1/5 and three furlongs in 35 4/5 out of the gate.

The horse Yankee Gentleman probably will be trying to catch is Hurricane Smoke. The 4-year-old Smokester gelding returns to the main track for Ted H. West and the California-bred has won half of his eight starts on dirt. Alex Solis has the mount.

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Race of the day: The third at Del Mar, a six-furlong dash for older claimers running for a $40,000 tag, features seven veterans who have combined for 41 victories from 182 starts. Expressionist tops the group with nine victories.

One for the road: Gone For Christmas ran well in her debut at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 23 and returns for trainer Mark Hennig in today’s ninth at Saratoga. The Gone West filly has had five works over the track and lures Jerry Bailey. A single to conclude the pick four?

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Golden K K, Pem’s Hostess and Kissy Kat in the first, Island Maze, Mi D’or and Tiz Royalty in the second and singling Royal Footage in the third.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/22. Money: Previous day/meet total: $10.40/$131.40. Total money bet: $222.