Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Del Mar Racetrack – Racing News and Analysis for August 16, 2026


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Del Mar Picks — Sunday, August 16, 2026 | Fast Main Track | Firm Turf

Race 1 — 1870f | Turf | MSW

Royal Rumor (1) offers the best value at 3-1 against an odds-on favorite in a maiden turf route where the morning line price is too short to back. Bull Shoals (4) is the safety underneath, with Big Vengeance (3) rounding out the exotics.

Race 2 — 1210f | Dirt | Claiming $16,000

Jasmina (7) is the preferred Garcia barn runner at 3-1, with Pretty Cecy (4) the pace-pressing stablemate to box in the exacta. Chasing Kat (5) and Running Super (6) are the best exotic fills underneath.

Race 3 — 1320f | Dirt | MSW

Repo (7) is the standout on trainer class and rider quality in the deepest maiden field of the card. Angel's Ember (1) is the main price threat from the rail, with Empire Of Ash (2) the preferred secondary exotic inclusion.

Race 4 — 1100f | Turf | Opt. Claiming $20,000

Disko Tribute (3) is the confident top selection in a race that suits his connections perfectly, with Scene By Me (5) the most dangerous rival. Hacking It Up (8) is a legitimate overlay at 4-1 given barn record, and a $1 trifecta box of all three is the recommended play.

Race 5 — 1430f | Dirt | Grade 3 Rancho Bernardo Handicap

Thermal (1) gets the narrow edge over co-favorite Sweet Azteca (5) on post position and tactical advantages at 1 3/8 miles. Sweet Gal Of Mine (6) at 12-1 is the value play of the card — include her underneath both co-favorites in all trifecta tickets.

Race 6 — 1870f | Dirt | Maiden Claiming $16,000

My Man Joe Roldan (4) is the best win bet in this chaotic eleven-horse field purely on the rider angle. Whynotanotherone (6) is the public choice underneath, with Rapid Ascent (10) the third exotic leg.

Race 7 — 1760f | Turf | Opt. Claiming $50,000

Midnight Horizon (7) is the morning line favorite backed by one of the best turf rider-trainer combinations on the circuit. Goodies (1) is the primary challenger from a premier turf barn, with Cipriani (4) the logical third in any trifecta structure.

Race 8 — 1760f | Dirt | Claiming $8,000

Leyas Candy (9) tops this modest field on current form, with Mongolian Max (1) the rail-drawn favorite to box underneath. Cowboy Mike (8) carries the Rosario angle and is the key secondary play — invest modestly and save for Race 9.

Race 9 — 1100f | Turf | Opt. Claiming $50,000

Private Gem (2) at 6-1 is the best odds-to-quality ratio on the entire card, with Sir Rocket (10) at 6-1 the angle play of the day. Gettinby (8) is the public co-favorite and a reliable anchor, with Nasty Habit (1) the live Miller turf sprinter to add in larger tickets — a $1 trifecta box of the top three costs $6 and is the primary recommended wager.

Race 10 — 1210f | Dirt | Maiden Claiming $12,500

Let It Begin (13) is the clear top choice on rider and connections despite the wide post in a full thirteen-horse gate. Stylishly Big (9) is the preferred exacta partner, with Melba Montgomery (2) filling the trifecta underneath.

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


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