Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Del Mar Racetrack – Racing News and Analysis for August 23, 2026


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Pick Pony Handicapper Report — Del Mar | August 23, 2026

Dry, warm conditions with light winds forecast; main track fast, turf firm. No significant post bias on either surface — pace, class, and form are the primary factors today.

Race 1

Dustem Too (8) is the top selection, dropping in class and able to stay clear from her outside draw. Mischievous Bev (7) and Cotta Ride (1) are the main alternatives, with Cotta Ride best suited to a ground-saving stalking trip. Alix (6) is the longshot closer to watch if the pace collapses.

Race 2

Eltonsingsanother (3) is the best bet on the card, dropping to a career-low tag while carrying the field's best recent figure. Baytown Butterfly (7) is the logical alternative with consistent form, and Perfect Life (8) stalks for a piece if the pace heats up. No major longshot angle here.

Race 3

Joint Venture (6) and Hard To Figure (7) are co-favorites and the clear top two, both suited to patient stalking trips in this one-mile-plus route. Mighty Kai (3) is the value alternative if allowed a soft lead. Geometry (5) is a speculative closer worth a small look in deeper exotics.

Race 4

Johnny B (10) is the morning-line favorite and primary key in this wide maiden sprint, with the tactical edge to sit just off early speed. Bo Diddley (8) and Winsor George (4) are the main alternatives and natural exacta partners. Maiden race volatility justifies spreading slightly to Club Fighter (5) in trifectas.

Race 5

Sacred Sound (13) is the top selection in this large-field turf sprint, with Alittletoofabulous (6) and Maggles Mcgee (11) as the preferred secondary plays. Field size and turf sprint unpredictability make spreading necessary — Sally's Wish (3) and Unusual Exchange (8) are the best longshot threats.

Race 6

Forza Azzurri (6) gets the win call with tactical speed and strong connections, while Che (3) and Hondo Crouch (8) are the main alternatives in this dirt route. Day Man (5) is worth a sprinkle underneath in trifectas at a likely attractive price.

Race 7

Tribalism (4) gets the win selection with Proletariat (1) and Melismatic (8) as must-uses in all exotics. Jordi Bear (7) and Secured Freedom (3) round out the core trifecta coverage as live closers. Bust Out (5) is the best longshot to include in the superfecta bottom.

Race 8

Anti Slapp (6) is the top choice with pace options and sharp connections, while Stormy Gal (1) and Sophia Mija (4) are the natural exacta partners. Soda (11) offers some outside value in trifectas if the early speed softens late.

Race 9

Syntax (9) is the top selection in this deep turf route, with Wild West Coast (4) and We The Hobby (3) as strong co-secondaries covering multiple pace scenarios. Goje (6) and Ellen Jorth (10) are the best secondary closers, while It's A Fairlife (1) offers rail-saving value underneath at a potential price.

Before wagering, check the Latest Race Scratches, Changes, and Conditions post for any last-minute scratches or race changes.


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