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Del Mar hosts an 8-race card for Friday, November 21, 2025, with a mix of turf and dirt events for fillies and mares across allowance, claiming, and maiden levels. The races start at 12:30 PM local time and feature competitive California-bred fields, a blend of experienced runners, and promising newcomers. The rail is set at 30 feet for turf races, which may influence trip dynamics. There are no significant stakes today, but several allowance fields showcase improving runners. Scratch watch lists Severe Clear and Que Bella Luna as potential withdrawals but they are still drawn into their respective races as of the latest update.
Weather and Track Conditions
Forecast calls for clear skies with moderate temperatures, typical for Del Mar in November. Morning reports indicate the turf is firm and the main track is fast. No precipitation is expected, which favors speed and forwardly-placed runners. Breeze conditions are light; no impact expected on running styles today.
Track Bias and Post Position Bias
Del Mar’s turf tends to be fair with a slight advantage to inside posts when the rail is set at 30 feet. For dirt sprints, mid-to-inside draws have performed best recently, especially for early speed types. Turf sprints reward tactical speed but allow for some closing; stretching out increases the importance of trip and ground loss. Dirt routes remain consistent, but posts 1-4 offer the highest win rates.
1st Race – Starter Allowance – 1 Mile Turf
Post Time
12:30 PM local
Pace Analysis
A moderate tempo is expected with several midpack types and limited true front-runners. Upcharge and Crossanna could vie for the early lead, with How Lovely (IRE) likely stalking.
Key Contenders
Upcharge has shown consistent turf form and benefits from Kimura in the saddle, favoring lightly-raced improvement. Crossanna owns pressing ability and form with strong closing sectionals. How Lovely (IRE) debuts at Del Mar with European turf form; O’Neill horses in these conditions run well.
Secondary Choices
Miss Meagher (IRE) and No Other Like You can both contend for minor awards if the race collapses up front. Miss Meagher gets blinkers off and a patient rider, while No Other Like You may be best suited for a late surge.
Longshots
O K Rose could get a ground-saving trip and represents sneaky value if the pace gets hot early.
Selections
Win: Upcharge
Place: Crossanna
Show: How Lovely (IRE)
2nd Race – Claiming – 7 Furlongs Dirt
Post Time
1:00 PM local
Pace Analysis
An honest pace is likely with Coralgableskaylin and Exington vying for early dominance. Stretch-out sprinters may add pressure; Severe Clear projects just off the leaders if she does not scratch.
Key Contenders
Freya carries reliable dirt sprint form with Gonzalez aboard. Coralgableskaylin gets an advantageous post and track profile. Exington’s recent works suggest readiness.
Secondary Choices
Headstrong Ways and Severe Clear (if running) are logical minor players, with Severe Clear showing competitive claiming form.
Longshots
Coiffeur’s last was subpar, but Eaton’s trainees rebound quickly and could wake up today at a price.
Selections
Win: Freya
Place: Coralgableskaylin
Show: Exington
3rd Race – Claiming – 5 Furlongs Turf
Post Time
1:30 PM local
Pace Analysis
Expect a heated scramble; Cyprus Moon and Miracle Ball intend to blast from the gate, while Willow Cove and Emirates Affair have tactical speed.
Key Contenders
Cyprus Moon prefers Del Mar’s tight turns, draws well, and offers value for win bets. Willow Cove is ultra-consistent and always in the mix on turf sprints.
Secondary Choices
Discrepancy and Cheeky Gal show improving form and can pick up pieces late. Elegant Sway has been sharp in morning drills and deserves inclusion.
Longshots
A Real Jewel possesses live closing kick but needs a trip. Shangrilama (IRE) could get overlooked after some tough recent beats.
Selections
Win: Cyprus Moon
Place: Willow Cove
Show: Discrepancy
4th Race – Maiden Claiming – 6.5 Furlongs Dirt
Post Time
2:00 PM local
Pace Analysis
Divine Wind and Moonlit Courage look to set a brisk early pace, with Lucky Nea potentially sending hard. Some off-the-pace runners are present.
Key Contenders
Divine Wind offers speed and class relief in maiden claimers. Moonlit Courage with Kimura represents a barn in sharp form lately. Greta’s Ghost could improve second time out.
Secondary Choices
Aloha Dreamin and My Kimmie make sense for minor awards if they save ground and show improved form.
Longshots
Lucky Nea is lightly weighted and may take them further than anticipated.
Selections
Win: Divine Wind
Place: Moonlit Courage
Show: Greta’s Ghost
5th Race – Maiden Special Weight – 5 Furlongs Turf
Post Time
2:30 PM local
Pace Analysis
Fast fractions are likely with Dr. Filkins and The Max Factor gunning from the gate. Eye of the Smiley could force the issue, creating honest splits.
Key Contenders
Sirnami holds solid turf breeding and is working smartly for Puype. Dr. Filkins gets a favorable draw and has the pedigree for turf sprints.
Secondary Choices
The Max Factor and Eye of the Smiley are potential speed types who might last longer than expected. Manx Missile debuts with quiet works and could surprise.
Longshots
Uecker brings upside and fitness that fits for exotics consideration.
Selections
Win: Sirnami
Place: Dr. Filkins
Show: The Max Factor
6th Race – Allowance Optional Claiming – 6.5 Furlongs Dirt
Post Time
3:00 PM local
Pace Analysis
Buds N Suds and California Rocks project to dispute the lead early, with Rizzleberry Rose pressing. Stalkers may get ideal setups.
Key Contenders
Christel Clean returns off a sharp win and draws ideally. Don’t Ju Forget has experience among open company; possesses seasoned class. Buds N Suds is dangerous if left alone early.
Secondary Choices
Rizzleberry Rose and California Rocks offer tactical speed and are capable underneath. Timekeeper’s Charm may improve with a trip.
Longshots
Draw Me has back class but needs to recapture form.
Selections
Win: Christel Clean
Place: Don’t Ju Forget
Show: Buds N Suds
7th Race – Allowance Optional Claiming – 5 Furlongs Turf
Post Time
3:30 PM local
Pace Analysis
Prime and Ready and Origami (IRE) have precocious speed and may prompt fast fractions. Judith can tuck in close behind.
Key Contenders
Current Affair displays strong recent turf sprints and reunites with Hernandez, who excels at Del Mar. Origami (IRE) may get a perfect trip off the speed.
Secondary Choices
Dare to Fly, Young Love, and Judith are exotics players with a chance for minor awards if the favorites falter.
Longshots
Gypsy Woman (IRE) and Invincible Molly (GB) represent live longshot types on turf, especially if the pace collapses.
Selections
Win: Current Affair
Place: Origami (IRE)
Show: Judith
8th Race – Maiden Claiming – 5.5 Furlongs Dirt
Post Time
4:00 PM local
Pace Analysis
Amelia’s Echo and Dixie’s Delight vie for the front early, while Eldis should sit just off the leaders. Smiling Rapper has tactical speed.
Key Contenders
Eldis has upside for Powell; solid stamina evident in recent drills. Dixie’s Delight draws well and figures prominent with Hernandez aboard.
Secondary Choices
Amelia’s Echo and Smiling Rapper have speed; if one gets loose, could surprise. Royal Dusty is a reliable exotics option.
Longshots
Violences Ohr and Put Her On My Tab are viable for trifecta/superfecta tickets, if pace gets too hot.
Selections
Win: Eldis
Place: Dixie’s Delight
Show: Smiling Rapper
Jockey Notes and Insights
Kimura Kazushi continues to be aggressive in local routes, scoring consistently on turf and dirt. Juan J. Hernandez remains among the top choices for turf sprints and routes with strong situational awareness. Frey Kyle and Gonzalez Ricardo offer reliable rides in competitive claiming and maiden conditions. Armando Ayuso and Antonio Fresu are worth upgrading in closely-matched fields given recent winning efforts at Del Mar.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Doug F. O’Neill targets turf allowance and claiming conditions, often improving new imports or stretch-outs. Philip D’Amato’s turf runners deserve respect, especially first-time-in-claiming or allowance. Peter Eurton’s barns are returning to form, favoring claiming and allowance opportunities. Sadler, Knapp, and Yakteen assemble competitive allowance runners that upgrade with tactical speed and favorable post positions. Richard Baltas and Mark Glatt should not be overlooked for sharp turnarounds in dirt races.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Today’s card is balanced with fair odds in most events; vertical wagers should focus on exacta/tri spread in full fields. Early Pick 4: anchor with Upcharge and Freya in legs one and two. Turf sprints can be spread wide due to expected pace meltdown potential. Key value spots: Cyprus Moon (race 3) and Sirnami (race 5). Look for underneath prices from Confirmed Closers and tactical midpack types in route races. Bankroll management critical given wide-open maiden and allowance fields; avoid chasing short-priced favorites in competitive claiming races.
