Del Mar Racetrack – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News and Analysis for the August 20, 2026 card

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The Pick Pony Handicapper's Report is published daily and provides analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts.

 

Race Day Overview

Thursday's Del Mar card for August 20, 2026 sets up as a classic summer seaside program: competitive allowance and claiming races, several big maiden fields, and a couple of key “opinion” spots that many handicappers are building their multi-race tickets around.

Pacific Classic Day looms on Saturday, with wide coverage across the national racing media and features on recent stakes performances and historical Pacific Classic upsets helping to drive strong handle into this week's cards. The broader Del Mar meet has been highlighted by deep turf and dirt fields and high-quality juvenile races at both Del Mar and Saratoga, with particular attention on 2-year-olds in turf routes similar to Race 1 today.

Locally, the mood is also reflective following the passing of longtime Del Mar board member and San Diego philanthropist Warner C. Lusardi earlier this week, whose support helped shape the modern Del Mar experience. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be prominent on Pacific Classic Day, underscoring the meet's growing emphasis on aftercare and sport integrity.

From a betting standpoint, today's card offers multiple wide-open races (notably Races 2, 3, 5, and 8) where spreading makes sense, and several races where strong opinions from handicappers form natural single or “press” candidates, particularly Tapalo (2) in Race 4 and Vegas Del Oro (2) in Race 6.

Weather and Track Conditions

Weather forecasts for Del Mar this afternoon call for classic coastal summer conditions: temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s Fahrenheit, with a morning marine layer giving way to afternoon sun and only minimal rain chances. Winds are projected to be light to moderate from the west-southwest, generally under 10 mph, with comfortable humidity.

This pattern strongly supports a fast main track and firm turf course, in line with what has been observed throughout the meet when there has been no meaningful precipitation. Nothing in the current forecast suggests any deviation from that standard.

Crucially for the turf races, national trade coverage notes that the Del Mar turf rails are out at the outermost 30-foot setting today, and that this configuration has not been kind to deep-closing styles in prior similar events. That rail position will be especially relevant to the turf sprint/route hybrids in Race 1 and the two-turn turf route in Race 8.

Track Bias and Post Position Bias

Meet summaries through mid-August show Del Mar's dirt and turf surfaces playing largely fair, with most winners coming from logical contenders and no persistent, extreme bias favoring either the rail or outside paths. On the main track, winners in sprints and routes have come from both on and off the pace, though tactical speed remains a mild, consistent asset.

On turf, prior cards at this meet under comparable fast-and-firm conditions have tended to favor horses with tactical speed and ground-saving trips rather than deep closers circling wide. The current 30-foot rail setting further tilts things away from deep closers, particularly in two-turn races, as documented in recent coverage that explicitly noted the difficulty late-runners face when the rails are this far out.

Post-position-wise, historical data from recent Del Mar meetings indicates a generally balanced distribution of winners across inside and middle gates on both dirt and turf when surfaces are fast and firm, with no statistically overwhelming draw bias. Outside posts can still be tricky in dirt routes with a short run to the first turn (such as Race 2 and Race 7), while inside to middle draws remain slightly preferred in those configurations. In turf routes with the rail out, saving ground from an inside or mid-gate is often a real edge.

RACE 1 — Post 5:00/4:00/3:00/(2:00) — 1100f | T | AO | OClm 80000n1x | BON | Purse $81,000

Field: Dr. My Eyes (1), Migo (2), Wiki Kane (3), Cal's Goal (4), Killourney Reigns (5), Tap The Gin (6)

Pace Analysis

This is a short turf dash with the rails at 30 feet, and the pace should be legitimately strong even without explicit pace figures available. At 1100 furlongs on this course, early position is at a premium, and the outside turf lanes are effectively shortened by the rail, placing a premium on tactical speed and quick acceleration into the first bend.

Recent analysis of Wiki Kane (3) noted that his maiden win came with the turf rails at 12 feet and a more favorable setup for his late-running style. With the rails now at 30 feet and an expected honest to fast pace, mid-pack stalkers and pressers who can sit within a few lengths of the lead while saving some ground are preferred over deep closers.

Key Contenders

Killourney Reigns (5) This Philip D'Amato trainee reportedly had a tough introduction to Stateside racing, breaking a step slow, rushing up into contention, and racing a bit too headstrong before flattening late. That pattern suggests raw ability and some greenness rather than a lack of talent. With natural second-start improvement and a more patient ride from Umberto Rispoli, Killourney Reigns (5) fits the ideal profile for today's configuration: tactical, capable of settling just off the pace, and drawn outside enough to stay clear of traffic while not being marooned wide. D'Amato's turf program is among the best in California, particularly in these allowance spots, and today's setup looks tailored to a rebound.

Wiki Kane (3) Wiki Kane (3) earned strong reviews for his maiden win, where he rallied from ninth, indicating a potent late kick at shorter turf trips. The challenge today is the 30-foot rail setting, which has proven unfriendly to deep closers. Wiki Kane (3) will need either a fast, contested pace or a more tactical trip—sitting closer than usual—to overcome that configuration. On sheer ability, he is absolutely a win threat, but relative to today's course setup he looks just slightly vulnerable as the likely favorite.

Dr. My Eyes (1) Dr. My Eyes (1) brings another D'Amato turf runner into the mix and lands a favorable inside draw. With Kazushi Kimura up, Dr. My Eyes (1) should be able to secure a ground-saving position just behind the speed and look for a seam in the lane. The main concern is trip: inside posts on Del Mar's turf can lead to traffic in big fields, but in this six-horse race, that risk is reduced. In a configuration where saving ground matters and tactical speed is rewarded, Dr. My Eyes (1) shapes as a major player.

Tap The Gin (6) Mark Glatt's barn has been dangerous in turf sprints at Del Mar, and the presence of Joel Rosario is a notable plus. Tap The Gin (6) projects as another press/stalk type who can sit in the second flight, one path off the rail, and launch at the right time. Combined with solid connections and an outside draw that should allow Rosario to choose his spot, Tap The Gin (6) rounds out a strong quartet of win candidates.

Secondary Choices

Cal's Goal (4) Cal's Goal (4) has the look of a horse who may be used aggressively early, perhaps sent to contest or sit right off the lead. The Tim Yakteen barn often has runners fit and forward in turf sprints. From post 4, Cal's Goal (4) can carve out a stalking trip, but on paper he appears a notch below the top tier in terms of overall upside; still, he is usable in exotics, especially if one of the favorites gets a bad trip.

Migo (2) With Doug O'Neill and Abel Lezcano, Migo (2) has connections that often produce live longshots in Southern California turf races. The inside post could allow a cozy pocket trip if Migo (2) has enough early foot; however, against this quality of opposition, he would need a step forward to win. He fits more as an underneath threat at a price.

Longshots

There are no extreme outsiders in this compact field, but if the public hammers Wiki Kane (3) and Killourney Reigns (5), prices may drift upward on Migo (2) and Cal's Goal (4), creating modest longshot appeal underneath in exactas and trifectas.

Selections

Win: Killourney Reigns (5) Place: Tap The Gin (6) Show: Wiki Kane (3)

Suggested wagering angle: Lean on Killourney Reigns (5) as an “A” horse in early multi-race bets, with Tap The Gin (6) as the backup. Consider exactas using Killourney Reigns (5) and Tap The Gin (6) over Wiki Kane (3) and Dr. My Eyes (1), taking a stand against a deep late run from Wiki Kane (3) at short odds given the rail setting.

RACE 2 — Post 5:30/4:30/3:30/(2:30) — 1760f | D | M | Md 12500 | BUM | Purse $23,000

Field: Smokem Hot Girl (1), Dancing With Shari (2), Dame It Dani (3), Big Whoosh (4), Lady Ruth (5), Howmanymoretimes (6), Sky At Sunrise (7), Spun Sweet (8), Princess Breanna (9), Strong Proof (10), Lively Girl (11), Just Mendelssohn (12), Nico Dijo (13), Sophia Mija (14)

Pace Analysis

This is a chaotic, bottom-level maiden claiming route on dirt with fourteen entries. Fields this large at a mile and a sixteenth at Del Mar typically feature several riders intent on securing early position before the first turn, resulting in at least an honest pace and often something stronger. Inside posts are advantaged in securing ground-saving trips, while wide posts such as Sophia Mija (14) and Nico Dijo (13) must work harder to avoid losing significant ground into the first turn.

Given the class level, trip and stamina are likely to matter more than brilliance. Expect some early contention, a potential mid-race lull, and a race that rewards grinders who can maintain position through the far turn rather than pure one-run closers.

Key Contenders

Lady Ruth (5) Lady Ruth (5) is the morning-line favorite at 2-1 and lands Joel Rosario, a significant jockey upgrade in this context. Dropping in for 12,500 in a maiden route with this pilot suggests clear intent. From post 5, Lady Ruth (5) should have every chance to secure a stalking trip, two or three lengths off the leaders, and grind past tiring rivals late. In fields like this, reliability is at a premium, and Lady Ruth (5) looks like the most trustworthy option, albeit at a short price.

Dancing With Shari (2) Dancing With Shari (2) for Tim McCanna and Kyle Frey draws well in post 2 and figures to work a ground-saving trip just off the pace. The McCanna barn has had success at Del Mar with modest-class stock, particularly when they can stretch out and use tactical speed. Dancing With Shari (2) projects as the main alternative to Lady Ruth (5), and she may offer slightly better value if the favorite is overbet.

Sophia Mija (14) Sophia Mija (14) is a key puzzle piece. The outside post is a genuine negative in a short-run dirt route, but the morning line of 5-1 and the presence of Kazushi Kimura signal ability and respect from the line-maker. If Sophia Mija (14) can clear some traffic early and find a mid-pack slot before the turn, she has the upside to win. Because of the post, however, she is more appealing at slightly inflated odds than at her morning line.

Secondary Choices

Dame It Dani (3) Dame It Dani (3) sits in a good draw and should benefit from a patient rail-adjacent trip under Emisael Jaramillo. Her connections are competent in these longer maiden claimers, and she looks like a logical exotics inclusion who could sit the right trip and pick up pieces.

Spun Sweet (8) Spun Sweet (8) from the Paul Aguirre barn draws midpack and may be one of several who try to secure a prominent early spot. If Spun Sweet (8) can rate kindly just off the speed rather than engaging in a duel, she has enough upside at 6-1 to be considered as a secondary win chance and a strong trifecta candidate.

Just Mendelssohn (12) Just Mendelssohn (12) has to overcome a wide gate but may appreciate the stretch-out if she has shown any late interest in prior sprints. Brendan Galvin sends her out with Joe Bravo, which is an intriguing pairing. Just Mendelssohn (12) is more of a price key underneath but not impossible with the right pace setup.

Longshots

Smokem Hot Girl (1) From the rail, Smokem Hot Girl (1) must break alertly to avoid getting shuffled back in a big field. At 12-1, she merits consideration as a rail-saving longshot who could cling to a minor share if the inside path is not disadvantageous.

Big Whoosh (4), Howmanymoretimes (6), Sky At Sunrise (7), Princess Breanna (9), Strong Proof (10), Lively Girl (11), Nico Dijo (13) These runners collectively populate the longshot tier. In a low-level maiden route, it only takes a small form reversal or trip upgrade for a 15-1 shot to hit the board. Of these, Big Whoosh (4) and Sky At Sunrise (7) might be the more interesting “bombs” to use for third and fourth in deeper trifectas and superfectas, given their mid-gate draws and potential to work out better trips than the far-outside runners.

Selections

Win: Lady Ruth (5) Place: Dancing With Shari (2) Show: Sophia Mija (14)

Suggested wagering angle: Use Lady Ruth (5) and Dancing With Shari (2) as primary “A” horses in multi-race wagers, but spread liberally underneath in vertical exotics. Tri and super players can key Lady Ruth (5) and Dancing With Shari (2) on top, with Sophia Mija (14), Dame It Dani (3), Spun Sweet (8), and a few prices like Smokem Hot Girl (1) and Big Whoosh (4) underneath.

RACE 3 — Post 6:00/5:00/4:00/(3:00) — 1760f | T | S | Md Sp Wt | AON | Purse $80,000

Field: Instinctively (1), City Of Forza (2), Baby T (3), Fumo Grigio (4), Lying Zero (5), Believer (6), Cross Fever (7), Tuddy (8), Missed Fortune (9), Enjoy The Ride (10), Rapid Thirsty (11)

Pace Analysis

This is a state-bred maiden special weight at a mile and a sixteenth on turf, with a full field and the rails at 30 feet. Expect a moderately run race early, with several inexperienced runners likely to overdo it into the first turn. Tactical positioning—sitting third through seventh, within three to five lengths of the lead—should be ideal, especially given the ground-loss penalty of trying to circle wide with the rails out.

Deep closers will be up against it unless the tempo turns unexpectedly hot. Horses who can save ground from inside to middle posts and still produce a turn of foot figure to have a distinct advantage.

Key Contenders

Lying Zero (5) Lying Zero (5) is the morning-line favorite at 3-1 and represents a powerful trainer-jockey combination for this circuit. The post is perfect for a midpack turf trip: far enough outside to avoid getting bottled up, but inside enough to allow ground-saving on the first turn. Lying Zero (5) projects as a tactical stalker who can settle and make one well-timed run into the lane.

Missed Fortune (9) Missed Fortune (9), with Umberto Rispoli up for George Papaprodromou, merits serious consideration in any turf route. Rispoli's strengths include judging pace and saving ground even from less-than-ideal draws. From post 9, Missed Fortune (9) may have to drop in behind and seek a second-flight position, but if he is manageable early he can still find a slot two or three wide into the first turn. On ability and connections, Missed Fortune (9) belongs in the top rung of contenders.

Enjoy The Ride (10) Ryan Hanson sends Enjoy The Ride (10), another with a slightly challenging draw but respectable connections. If Enjoy The Ride (10) can slide over and secure a midpack spot without getting hung out, he has the profile of a horse who can improve as distances stretch on turf. He feels like the type who might be finishing best of all if the top two tire late.

Secondary Choices

Believer (6) Believer (6) gets Rosario and an excellent draw; he may be overlooked relative to Lying Zero (5) and Missed Fortune (9). Rosario's turf route rides at Del Mar are typically patient but assertive when needed, and Believer (6) could easily jump forward with the extra distance. He is a must-use in exotic tickets.

Instinctively (1) Instinctively (1) has the rail, which is a two-edged sword: a perfect ground-saving trip if he breaks alertly, but potential traffic and boxed-in concerns if he does not. At a solid price, Instinctively (1) is a logical exotics inclusion who could surprise with the right trip.

Baby T (3) and Fumo Grigio (4) Both Baby T (3) and Fumo Grigio (4) come from barns capable of popping at a price in turf routes, and their positions give them a chance to tuck into the first third of the field early. They look better suited for minor awards than outright wins unless the favorites falter.

Longshots

City Of Forza (2), Cross Fever (7), Tuddy (8), Rapid Thirsty (11) These appear to be the deeper longshots, primarily due to either perceived lack of early form or tough draws. Still, in a large, inexperienced field, a sharp ride or unexpected improvement can vault any of them into the frame. Of this group, a midgate runner like Tuddy (8) might be the more plausible bomber to sneak into the lower rungs of superfectas given his neutral draw.

Selections

Win: Lying Zero (5) Place: Missed Fortune (9) Show: Believer (6)

Suggested wagering angle: Spread somewhat in this leg of multi-race bets given the inexperience and rail setting. Emphasize Lying Zero (5), Missed Fortune (9), and Believer (6) as primary keys, with Enjoy The Ride (10) and Instinctively (1) as backups. In verticals, consider exacta boxes among the top three with a saver exacta including Enjoy The Ride (10).

RACE 4 — Post 6:30/5:30/4:30/(3:30) — 1210f | D | C | Clm 8000 | BUN | Purse $25,000

Field: King Apollo (1), Tapalo (2), Come Out Fighting (3), Windribbon (4), Magic Connection (5), Spiritist (6), Des Doigts (7), Morello (8), Mandela Effect (9), Devil Moon (10), Next Trick (11), Sunset Storm (12)

Pace Analysis

This low-level claiming sprint at roughly six furlongs on dirt should feature a fast and contested pace. Cheap sprinters with any early foot are usually ridden aggressively, and several mid-to-outside runners figure to vie for position into the first bend.

On Del Mar's fast dirt, these 8,000 claimers often reward pace-pressers and stalkers sitting just off the duel rather than the horses embroiled in it. The field size and class level suggest that the final three-sixteenths will see substantial deceleration, giving a strong advantage to those who can sit just behind the speed and sustain their run through the lane.

Key Contenders

Tapalo (2) Tapalo (2) has been singled out by at least one prominent handicapper as the best bet on today's Del Mar card, marking him as a major focus for bettors. From post 2, Tapalo (2) should be able to secure a forward, rail-adjacent position without having to duel hard three or four wide. His placement at the 8,000 level, combined with the confidence shown by making him a key selection on the card, strongly suggests he fits this group very well. With Kazushi Kimura up, Tapalo (2) should be in the garden spot turning for home.

Des Doigts (7) A national spot-play service made Des Doigts (7) a highlighted play in this very race at a 7-2 value line, confirming his status as one of the key win candidates. From post 7, Des Doigts (7) has enough tactical speed to track the leaders and avoid traffic, and he comes from connections who have had success in mid-level Del Mar claimers. Des Doigts (7) appears the primary threat to Tapalo (2) and a natural “co-A” for multi-race purposes.

King Apollo (1) King Apollo (1) for R. B. Hess Jr. from the rail is another strong contender. The rail can be somewhat tricky if the inside part of the track is not ideal, but there is no compelling evidence of a dead rail in recent meet data. King Apollo (1) should either go forward and attend the pace or sit just behind Tapalo (2) in a perfect stalking position. He is a logical win candidate and a must-use in exotics.

Secondary Choices

Come Out Fighting (3) Come Out Fighting (3) figures as an early pace factor from a good post. If he can clear or sit outside a pace rival, he could prove dangerous at a fair price. However, given the overall likely pace pressure, he is slightly more attractive underneath than as a top-pick candidate unless the track is playing strongly to speed by this race.

Windribbon (4) Windribbon (4) draws well and could be a midprice pace-presser who benefits if the very inside and outside speed horses hook up early. His inclusion in trifectas makes sense, particularly if you view Tapalo (2) and Des Doigts (7) as likely top-two finishers.

Next Trick (11) Next Trick (11) is hampered by the wide draw but could be the “outside flow” beneficiary if the inside gets congested. As a Jesus Uranga trainee with Emisael Jaramillo up, Next Trick (11) has some sneaky appeal as a wide late-charging type in a race where the leaders may tire.

Longshots

Magic Connection (5), Spiritist (6), Morello (8), Mandela Effect (9), Devil Moon (10), Sunset Storm (12) These runners sit on the longer end of the odds spectrum and will require improvement or a race collapse to win. As a group, they are more suitably deployed as deep superfecta fodder. If looking for a single true bomb, Morello (8) could be mildly interesting underneath as an outer-post runner who might avoid the worst of the early traffic.

Selections

Win: Tapalo (2) Place: Des Doigts (7) Show: King Apollo (1)

Suggested wagering angle: Tapalo (2) is a legitimate single in early Pick 4s and Pick 5s. Pair Tapalo (2) and Des Doigts (7) in exactas, and consider a small saver using King Apollo (1) over the top three. Trifectas can key Tapalo (2) in the first and second positions with Des Doigts (7), King Apollo (1), and a rotating cast of mid-price types like Come Out Fighting (3), Windribbon (4), and Next Trick (11).

RACE 5 — Post 7:00/6:00/5:00/(4:00) — 1320f | D | M | Md 12500 | BUN | Purse $23,000

Field: Duke Of Orleans (1), Proof He's Fast (2), Readytoboard (3), Rand Good (4), He's Got Fire (5), Hungover (6), Smokem And Love (7), Cardboard Tommy (8), Victoria's Rocket (9), Naudesnoodle (10), Wicked Spud (11), Foregoneconclusion (12), I B Salty (13), Four Amigos (14)

Pace Analysis

This is another big-field maiden 12,500 claimer, this time for males going approximately six and a half furlongs on dirt. Expect a contentious and possibly chaotic pace: low-level maidens often lack rateability and tend to be ridden more aggressively when stretched out slightly in distance.

The field size and class level make this a trip race. Tactical speed is an advantage, but it is equally important to avoid getting trapped behind tiring rivals. Horses breaking from posts 1 through 6 have better opportunities to save ground, while the far outside pair, I B Salty (13) and Four Amigos (14), will need alert rides to avoid being parked wide.

Key Contenders

Duke Of Orleans (1) Duke Of Orleans (1) opens as the 3-1 favorite from the rail and figures to attract considerable support. With Kazushi Kimura up, Duke Of Orleans (1) should be able to secure an inside stalking or pace-attending trip. The main concern is avoiding a speed duel and the possibility of getting shuffled if he does not break sharply. Still, as the perceived “most likely winner” on paper, Duke Of Orleans (1) deserves top billing in this spot.

He's Got Fire (5) He's Got Fire (5) for George Papaprodromou and Antonio Fresu is a strong alternative. From post 5, He's Got Fire (5) should have options: sit close to the speed or track just behind the leaders. The connections have enjoyed past success with similar maiden claimers at Del Mar, and this spot looks well-chosen. Compared to Duke Of Orleans (1), He's Got Fire (5) may offer slightly better value if the public overcommits to the rail horse.

Victoria's Rocket (9) Victoria's Rocket (9) at 5-1 with Armando Ayuso for Hess is another key contender. The outside-mid gate gives Victoria's Rocket (9) a chance to avoid the fiercest part of the pace scramble while still being close enough to strike. If he can break well and tuck in behind the leaders, Victoria's Rocket (9) has the profile of a horse who could be improving at the right time.

Secondary Choices

Cardboard Tommy (8) Cardboard Tommy (8), with Kyle Frey aboard, sits in a decent draw for a stalking trip just off the outside of the main speed. At 8-1, Cardboard Tommy (8) is interesting as a mid-priced win candidate and a strong inclusion in trifectas and superfectas.

Hungover (6) Hungover (6) from the Hanson barn is in a sweet tactical post. If he has shown any early foot, Hungover (6) could sit an ideal pressing trip and capitalise if the main choices falter. He is a solid secondary win option.

Proof He's Fast (2) With his name and post, Proof He's Fast (2) suggests early speed. Andy Mathis often has these types fit and dangerous in maiden claimers. Proof He's Fast (2) is a viable pace player and exotics contender, though he may prove vulnerable late if forced into a hot duel.

Longshots

Readytoboard (3), Rand Good (4), Smokem And Love (7), Naudesnoodle (10), Wicked Spud (11), Foregoneconclusion (12), I B Salty (13), Four Amigos (14) This group forms the longshot tier. Of these, Four Amigos (14) has some slight intrigue as a wide-drawn closer who could pick up the pieces if the inside gets congested, and Smokem And Love (7) might sit a midpack stalking trip at a big price. I B Salty (13) has enough outside speed intrigue to be included on the very bottom of deeper tickets.

Selections

Win: He's Got Fire (5) Place: Duke Of Orleans (1) Show: Victoria's Rocket (9)

Suggested wagering angle: This is a race to spread in multi-race tickets. Use He's Got Fire (5), Duke Of Orleans (1), and Victoria's Rocket (9) as primary plays, with Cardboard Tommy (8) and Hungover (6) as backups. For verticals, key He's Got Fire (5) in exactas and trifectas over Duke Of Orleans (1), Victoria's Rocket (9), Cardboard Tommy (8), and Hungover (6), and sprinkle one or two longshots like Smokem And Love (7) underneath.

RACE 6 — Post 7:30/6:30/5:30/(4:30) — 1210f | D | M | Md 50000 | AOF | Purse $40,000

Field: East Witton (1), Vegas Del Oro (2), Zayda At The Spa (3), Dont Short Ur Self (4), Rabbit Tail (5), Tam's Swiss Miss (6), Shemakesmemad (7), Thirsty Eterna (8), Smokem Jeannine (9), Palo Alto Baby (10), Chachacha Ching (11)

Pace Analysis

This is a maiden 50,000 sprint for fillies and mares, and the class level is notably higher than the earlier maiden claimers. Expect a strong but more controlled pace, as many in here are likely improving types with more professional behaviors out of the gate.

From an inside-to-outside perspective, East Witton (1), Vegas Del Oro (2), and Dont Short Ur Self (4) have the best chance to secure forward, ground-saving positions. Palo Alto Baby (10) and Chachacha Ching (11) must work harder from their wider posts but can benefit if the inside pace types clash.

Key Contenders

Vegas Del Oro (2) Vegas Del Oro (2) is tabbed by a national spot-play service as a key bet in this race at a 7-2 value line, signaling strong confidence in her prospects. Trained by George Papaprodromou and ridden by Antonio Fresu, Vegas Del Oro (2) possesses a powerful combination of barn and rider for Del Mar dirt sprints. From post 2, she should be able to secure a prominent position just off the rail speed and get first run on tiring leaders. She is an obvious and deserving top choice.

Dont Short Ur Self (4) Dont Short Ur Self (4), trained by Mike Puype and ridden by Kazushi Kimura, is another major player. The mid-inside draw provides options, and Puype is adept at placing maidens where they can win. Dont Short Ur Self (4) may be a touch more pace-versatile than Vegas Del Oro (2), making her a strong candidate to capitalize if the latter is compromised at any point.

Palo Alto Baby (10) Palo Alto Baby (10) for Peter Miller and Joel Rosario is dangerous despite the outside post. The Miller-Rosario tandem is lethal in Del Mar sprints, and Palo Alto Baby (10) likely has enough tactical speed to avoid being left too far out of it early. If a wide stalking trip is achievable, her late run can carry her into the top tier.

Secondary Choices

Shemakesmemad (7) Shemakesmemad (7) from Steven Miyadi with Julien Leparoux aboard looks like a possible late-running threat. While outside-mid posts are not ideal, they are not crippling if the filly can slot in behind the main pace. Shemakesmemad (7) would benefit from a stronger-than-expected pace.

Thirsty Eterna (8) Thirsty Eterna (8) sits in a tactical post and has the look of a filly who can either attend the pace or track in the second flight. She is a solid exotics inclusion and could jump forward with the right trip.

East Witton (1) East Witton (1), from the rail, is a bit of a wild card. If she breaks sharply, East Witton (1) could hold a strong inside position and potentially upset the apple cart if she proves faster than expected. However, the rail also creates the risk of getting buried if she hesitates at the break.

Longshots

Zayda At The Spa (3), Rabbit Tail (5), Tam's Swiss Miss (6), Smokem Jeannine (9), Chachacha Ching (11) These runners appear to be outsiders in the win picture but can be considered for deeper vertical exotics. Tam's Swiss Miss (6) and Smokem Jeannine (9) might be the best candidates to sneak into the lower rungs of trifectas or superfectas if the race collapses a bit late.

Selections

Win: Vegas Del Oro (2) Place: Dont Short Ur Self (4) Show: Palo Alto Baby (10)

Suggested wagering angle: Vegas Del Oro (2) is a strong single or “A” horse in middle-sequence multi-race bets. Back her in exactas over Dont Short Ur Self (4), Palo Alto Baby (10), Shemakesmemad (7), and Thirsty Eterna (8). Consider a small saver win bet on Dont Short Ur Self (4) if her price drifts above 4-1.

RACE 7 — Post 8:00/7:00/6:00/(5:00) — 1760f | D | AO | OClm 20000n1x | BUN | Purse $81,000

Field: Fight Back (1), Winning Patriot (2), Rodrigoknows (3), Cagey Burglar (4), Majestic Palisades (5), Silver I Am (6), Prince Dolce (7), Practical Blame (8), Fumano's Magic (9)

Pace Analysis

This is a competitive allowance/optional claimer at a mile and a sixteenth on dirt. The composition of the field suggests an honest but not insanely fast pace. One or two runners, notably from posts 3 through 5, may look to establish forward positions, while Fight Back (1) from the rail and Winning Patriot (2) from post 2 should not be far behind.

Given the fast dirt and lack of a strong rail bias, the ideal spot remains a stalking or pressing trip within a couple lengths of the lead, with enough tactical speed to avoid traffic and enough stamina to finish strongly.

Key Contenders

Winning Patriot (2) Winning Patriot (2), trained by Jeff Mullins and ridden by Ricardo Gonzalez, shapes up as the most reliable combination of tactical speed, class, and finishing ability. From post 2, Winning Patriot (2) should secure an excellent trip just off the early leaders, saving ground on both turns. Mullins' runners often show improved consistency in these allowance conditions, and Winning Patriot (2) looks like a prime candidate to sit and pounce.

Fight Back (1) A recent feature piece titled “Fight Back offers value from the rail” singled out Fight Back (1) as a value-oriented contender from this inside post in today's race. The writeup points to his ability to work out inside trips and suggests that his recent efforts are better than they might appear at first glance. Given the rail draw and a likely ground-saving trip, Fight Back (1) is a strong “value” win candidate and a must-use in all bets.

Majestic Palisades (5) Majestic Palisades (5) with Joel Rosario up introduces a dangerous closing/stalking presence. The mid-gate draw allows Rosario to read the pace and choose whether to sit closer or further back, and his late-race timing is a major asset in routes like this. Majestic Palisades (5) could very easily be the one rolling best late if the leaders soften each other up even slightly.

Secondary Choices

Silver I Am (6) Silver I Am (6) for D'Amato and Antonio Fresu is a logical contender. D'Amato's dirt routers at this level are consistent, and Fresu has proven adept on the Del Mar main track. Silver I Am (6) should be in the second flight early and can grind into the frame.

Prince Dolce (7) Prince Dolce (7) from Steve Knapp with Emisael Jaramillo could be a pace-adjacent factor. The outside post is not ideal, but his tactical speed may allow him to slide over and sit in a pressing position. He is more of a “B” type for multi-race tickets and a useful exotic inclusion.

Fumano's Magic (9) Fumano's Magic (9) has the far outside gate, which is a clear negative at this distance, but he may get a clean, unobstructed trip tracking wide. If traffic becomes an issue for the inside contenders, Fumano's Magic (9) could be poised to grab a piece late.

Longshots

Rodrigoknows (3), Cagey Burglar (4), Practical Blame (8) This trio makes up the more speculative portion of the field. Practical Blame (8) may be the most intriguing of the three as a late-running type who could pick up pieces if the race gets hotter than expected. Rodrigoknows (3) and Cagey Burglar (4) need clear jumps in form or trip to claim a major share.

Selections

Win: Winning Patriot (2) Place: Fight Back (1) Show: Majestic Palisades (5)

Suggested wagering angle: This is an excellent race for value-oriented win betting. If Winning Patriot (2) holds in the 3-1 to 7-2 range and Fight Back (1) floats above his morning line, both are legitimate win plays, with a slightly larger stake on Winning Patriot (2) and a “value” overlay on Fight Back (1). Consider exacta boxes around Winning Patriot (2), Fight Back (1), and Majestic Palisades (5), with Silver I Am (6) as an underneath key.

RACE 8 — Post 8:30/7:30/6:30/(5:30) — 1870f | T | C | Clm 25000n2l | BUM | Purse $31,000

Field: Eighties (1), Saariselka (2), Tavolara (3), Green Zone (4), Suntory Time (5), Zarafa (6), Ziggity Zag (7), Sugar Reign (8), Birkin Girl (9), Lil's Coffee (10)

Pace Analysis

This is a two-turn turf route at about nine furlongs for second-level claimers, with the turf rails at 30 feet. The 30-foot rail setting significantly tightens the turns and has historically made it harder for deep closers to circle wide successfully, instead rewarding ground-saving stalkers and pressers positioned within a few lengths of the lead.

On paper, there appears to be a mix of pace types. Eighties (1) and Saariselka (2) from inside posts may look for forward position. Green Zone (4) and Suntory Time (5) are likely tactical types, while Ziggity Zag (7) and Birkin Girl (9) may do their best work from slightly off the pace. The overall expectation is for a moderate, controlled tempo, with the race decided by late acceleration and trip efficiency.

Key Contenders

Green Zone (4) Green Zone (4) at 4-1 for Genaro Vallejo and Hector Berrios is a quintessential fit for this spot. The mid-inside draw is ideal for securing a stalking trip, and Vallejo's turf runners often show good tactical speed. Green Zone (4) figures to sit in the first tier behind the leaders and, with a clean trip, has every chance to get first jump on the deeper closers.

Suntory Time (5) Suntory Time (5) for Richard Balt

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