Del Mar Picks:
Let’s head back to Del Mar today to prep for tomorrow’s card from Colonial and Saratoga. Due to the weather, both tracks have moved their major stakes races to Sunday. Let’s look at today’s Del Mar picks.
$50k Allowance, Del Mar, Race #6
Let’s kick it off with a wide-open event on the Del Mar turf going one mile. Forwardly placed horses have been tough the last week on this course, so early pace is key. #1 Jack Kerouac should play right into that track bias, with enough early speed to be close and a good final kick. He faced much better going longer two back at Santa Anita, including Final Boss, who won his next start and was stakes placed. Jack should get a good inside trip and be able to tip out around the far turn to make a run at the leaders.
#6 Jeweled Shillelagh will be up front right from the jump. There are three primary speed horses in the race so it’s important either he clears or sits behind the other two and stalks. The last race was better than it looks on paper and you get a big jockey upgrade to Umberto Rispoli.
#3 Sea of Cortez jumps up from the maiden claiming ranks after scoring a win at that level. The water is deeper today, but he is the most likely horse to benefit from a hot pace up front. He had trouble in all three of his first career starts, so there is some upside here.
#2 Belmont Bill is the most likely horse to go right to the front in this spot. He was upfront last time and got caught just before the wire. He has not run his best off the layoff in the past so he may need a race before he finds his best form.
Del Mar Picks: 1-6-3-2
Bets: $50 Win #1
$75k Maiden Special Weight, Del Mar, Race #10
The card closes today with a very interesting turf sprint for older fillies. Since many of these have not run before it can be some of the more tricky races, but that also means you can find some hidden value. Let’s start with #5 Girvin Gal, who sold for $180,000 at auction last March. She is sired by Girvin, whose children are winning at 18% the first time out. Trainer Eoin Harty is sneaky with these turf sprinters, winning at a 29% rate, and Talamo takes the call. The price is right here at 5-1 as well.
#1 Queen Maxima is another first time starter in here who I would have liked more if not for the rail draw. Trainer Jeff Mullins is great with first-time starters, winning at 19% with a $4.93 ROI, and you get an aggressive jock aboard as well. She clearly has talent based on the work two back.
#3 Wimberly sold for a big-time price, $700,000, and has not lived up to it yet. He was okay on debut turf sprinting and returned to the track on the dirt to get a tune-up in for this race. I expect the best version of this horse today, but I’m not sure it’s enough to win.
To round it out, let’s include a bomb, #2 Above All Else, at 20-1. She has been running in Kentucky over the turf, going two turns, showing speed, and then quitting in the lane. I love the cutback for her, especially if she can show the ability to stalk and close. Carla Gains takes over the training duties and secures Antonio Fresu to ride. The two are currently clicking off at 21% with a $2.79 ROI at Del Mar.
Del Mar Picks: 5-1-3-2
Bets: $50 Win – #5
Spot Plays:
Del Mar Race #8 – $50 Exacta 2-1
Del Mar Race #9 – $50 Win #8
