Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Del Mar Racetrack – Racing News and Analysis for August 13, 2026


Get the full Handicapper Report, AI picks, expert analysis, and more with a Pick Pony subscription!

 

Del Mar Handicapper Selections — August 13, 2026

Mild temperatures, fast main track, firm-to-good turf. Inside posts favor turf races; speed holds in dirt sprints.

Race 1

Mr. A. P. (5) is a class dropper from stakes company into a soft optional claiming spot and is the clear top choice. Iriseach (1) gets the prime inside post on turf and is the main danger. Vitruvian Man (3) and Zeus's Echo (4) round out the exotic coverage from favorable draws.

Race 2

Ghostwritten (1) combines a powerful trainer-jockey pairing with the inside post in a manageable six-horse field. Yautown (3) is the logical second choice at a fair price. After Dawn (4) at 15-1 is worth a small exotic flier given the Hall of Fame trainer angle.

Race 3

Less Please (6) is the public choice in a wide-open ten-filly turf sprint. Tiger Luck (3) at 5-1 offers strong value from a favorable draw with a top pairing. Kathy's House (4) at 6-1 and First Time Listing (9) at 4-1 are legitimate threats despite the outer draw concern on the latter.

Race 4

Mega Moon (3) is the primary Ellis barn entry and gets the stable's stronger rider booking. Lure Him In (1) at 3-1 with the inside post is a serious rival. Pioneer Prince (4) completes the trifecta coverage for a reliable claiming operation.

Race 5

Magical Miss (7) is the morning line favorite for a respected turf-specialist trainer. Butterfly Beach (3) pairs a historic turf conditioner with the card's top jockey from an ideal post. Cloudy Women (1) at 8-1 from the rail is worth including in deeper exotics.

Race 6 — Best Bet

Dazzle Comm (9) is the consensus Best Bet of the day at 4-1 and the anchor of all win wagering. My Man Joe Roldan (12) carries the card's top jockey in a $12,500 maiden claimer, making it the most compelling exotic partner. Duke Of Orleans (13) is the morning line favorite but faces a difficult outside draw in a 13-horse field.

Race 7

A. Z. Wildcat (1) combines the inside post, the card's top jockey, and a premier turf trainer in the richest race of the day. Miss Mandalay (3) is the clear primary rival from another excellent draw. Kuwaitya (4) and Rethink (5) must both appear in trifecta constructions as a two-horse trainer entry.

Race 8

Gabriel's Gift (9) is the morning line favorite for a consistent maiden special weight trainer. Mickey (5) draws a clean mid-field post and carries the top jockey booking. Van Gogh Style (1) at 4-1 from the inside with a legendary Del Mar rider is a serious win threat and excellent exacta partner.

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


Unlock the full Handicapper Report and enjoy all Pick Pony membership perks!

Comments

No comments yet. Why don’t you start the discussion?

Talkback