Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Del Mar Racetrack – Racing News and Analysis for September 5, 2026


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Pick Pony Condensed Handicapper Report — Del Mar | September 5, 2026

Fast main track and firm turf expected throughout. Modest speed bias on dirt sprints; stalkers and mid-pack runners favored in turf routes. Baffert juveniles and D'Amato/Mandella turf horses are the dominant stable influences across the card.

Race 1 — 6f Dirt | Maiden Special Weight

Smashing Machine (3) is the pace-controlling favorite with the profile to dominate from the front. Strike A Match (5) and On The Burner (2) are the main threats, with the Glatt pair likely pressing and Rosario timing a late run. Cheever (4) and Practical Jack (6) are longshots worth including deep in trifectas.

Race 2 — 1½m Turf | Optional Claiming

None Above The Law (6) combines tactical speed and proven route ability for the top pick. Balnikhov (5) and Path To Power (7) are serious closers from a powerful turf barn. Balladeer (3) is a longshot front-runner who could steal it on a soft pace.

Race 3 — 6f Dirt | Maiden Special Weight

First Or Last (4) shows the best speed profile and barn form for this state-bred sprint. Cherry Cider (3) commands respect as the Baffert entry, with High Society U (2) close behind as a tactical threat. Convo (7) is a patient longshot worth including underneath.

Race 4 — 1 1/16m Turf | Optional Claiming

On The Whim (7) gets the top spot based on forward tactical style and trainer form. Lyle The Crocodile (2) and Shamrock Glitter (1) are strong closers from quality turf barns. Sir Percival (6) is a deep longshot that profits if the pace becomes demanding.

Race 5 — 6f Dirt | Maiden Optional Claiming

Character (7) and Another Warrior (11) form a potent stable duo that projects to dominate the pace and outcome. Cigar And Espresso (5) is the main outside threat if the barn pair soften each other. High Ambition (10) and Liberty N Justice (8) are longshot alternatives underneath.

Race 6 — 7f Dirt | Maiden Special Weight

Zakiel (8) is the top pick as a well-placed stalker from a live barn at this distance. Mickey (1) with inside position and Cornealeusthegreat (7) from a premier turf-and-route barn are the primary threats. Hemet Gold (4) is a longshot to consider if early speed holds.

Race 7 — 1m Turf | Grade 3 Del Mar Juvenile Turf

Shadow Nation (5) is the consensus top pick off a sharp debut win and fits the distance well. Hoaxer (6) and Golden Sentry (4) are the main challengers, with Observed (3) close behind as a fourth viable option. Itinerary (2) and Cosmic Charlie (1) are the best longshot alternatives for trifecta depth.

Race 8 — 1m Dirt | Tranquility Lake Stakes

Howin (6) is the likely pace controller and key contender in a race where tactical speed matters. Magnificat (2) and Amorita (8) give a top barn a potent one-two stalking punch. Lavender Love (10) is a useful longshot for closers if pace gets contested.

Race 9 — 1m Turf | Maiden Special Weight

Graduation Day (6) tops the field as a well-suited D'Amato turf maiden at the right distance. Forewarn (9) and Dash (8) are strong threats from patient, turf-savvy barns. Vendetta (11) and Candy Cole (1) are longshots worth including in wider exotic tickets.

Race 10 — 7f Dirt | Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante

Miss Monica (9) is the clear top choice and card centerpiece, combining speed, talent, and barn dominance in this race historically. Panda Listen (1) and Dear Diary (2) are the main threats, offering stalking styles that could benefit if pace becomes contested. Holmby (8) and Free Closer (5) are live longshots capable of crashing the exotics.

Race 11 — 5½f Turf | Optional Claiming Sprint

Jetovator (10) gets the top spot as a pace-controlling turf sprinter from a sharp barn. Owl (6) and Ballyvaughan Gig (8) are dangerous stalkers with patient riders who can time late runs perfectly. King's Ride (5) and Jack Fish (1) round out the best longshot options underneath.

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