Del Mar Thoroughbred Club opens its racing week with an eight-race program on Thursday, August 21, 2025, featuring first post time at 2:00 PM. The card alternates between dirt and turf races throughout the day, providing diverse wagering opportunities as the summer meet continues toward its marquee events. The racing action builds anticipation for Saturday’s Grade 2 Pat O’Brien Stakes, which has attracted a competitive field of Breeders’ Cup Sprint and Dirt Mile hopefuls.
Weather Conditions and Track Surface
Current weather conditions at Del Mar show comfortable temperatures with the latest report indicating 66°F under mostly cloudy skies. Wind conditions remain calm at 0 mph, creating favorable racing conditions. The track surface conditions are expected to be good for both dirt and turf courses, with no precipitation reported in recent observations. August weather in Del Mar typically features daily high temperatures around 77°F with minimal chance of rain, making for ideal racing conditions at the seaside oval.
Race-by-Race Analysis and Selections
Race 1: Maiden Special Weight
Race 1 at Del Mar is a Maiden Special Weight contest featuring three-year-old fillies competing at six furlongs on the dirt track with a purse of $100,000. This opening race presents an intriguing field of six fillies, each seeking their first victory in what promises to be a competitive affair.
Contender Analysis
Margarita Girl (Post 2)
The Mark Glatt-trained filly emerges as the morning line favorite at 3-2 odds and appears to be the horse to beat. Bred by Paul Eggert and Karen Eggert, this three-year-old bay daughter of Twirling Candy out of My Day has demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout her career, finishing in-the-money in all seven lifetime starts. Her recent form shows a second-place finish in a 6.5-furlong dirt race at Del Mar, followed by another runner-up effort going one mile at Churchill Downs.
Antonio Fresu takes the mount, bringing his 20% win percentage and 55% in-the-money rate to the assignment. Fresu’s partnership with the Glatt stable has proven successful, and his current position as the second-leading rider at the Del Mar meet adds confidence to this selection. The filly’s tactical speed and ability to stalk the early pace should serve her well in this field composition.
Neko (Post 6)
Bob Baffert sends out this first-time starter with Juan Hernandez aboard, creating an intriguing combination despite the lack of racing experience. Hernandez leads all jockeys at the current Del Mar meet with a commanding advantage, posting a 37% win rate and 68% in-the-money percentage. The Hall of Fame trainer’s 42% win rate with first-time starters speaks to his ability to have horses ready for debut victories.
The morning line odds of 2-1 suggest significant betting support, likely based on the strength of connections and morning workouts. Baffert’s recent success with debut runners, including multiple stakes winners, indicates this filly could possess the class to compete immediately at this level.
Philippa (Post 5)
Bob Baffert’s second entry brings substantial experience with six lifetime starts and $104,280 in earnings. This bay filly has shown versatility in her campaign, competing at distances ranging from six furlongs to 1 1/16 miles. Her recent form includes a third-place finish in a 1 1/16-mile race at Santa Anita, suggesting she may prefer longer distances but could possess enough tactical speed for this six-furlong assignment.
Van Dyke takes the riding assignment, and the combination of Baffert’s training expertise with a proven closer’s running style creates an interesting dynamic. At morning line odds of 6-1, she offers potential value if she can adapt her late-running style to the shorter distance.
Into The Hall (Post 1)
John Shirreffs trains this consistent performer who has earned $49,200 through six career starts. Her recent form shows a fifth-place finish in a 6.5-furlong turf race at Santa Anita, marking a surface switch that may not have suited her style. Previous dirt form includes a third-place finish at Santa Anita over six furlongs, suggesting comfort with today’s conditions.
Hector Berrios rides for the Shirreffs stable, and while his statistics show an 11% win rate, the combination has shown competence in previous starts. The filly’s early speed rating suggests she can be involved from the start, potentially pressing or setting the early fractions.
Naples Gal (Post 4)
Richard Mandella’s trainee brings limited experience with just two career starts but shows promise under the guidance of the Hall of Fame trainer. Her recent fourth-place finish in a 6.5-furlong dirt race at Del Mar demonstrates familiarity with the track surface and distance. A previous fifth-place finish on turf suggests she may prefer the dirt surface.
Mike Smith’s presence in the saddle adds significant value to this assignment. Smith’s 13% win rate and 70% in-the-money percentage at the current meet, combined with his legendary status, makes this filly dangerous despite longer morning line odds of 12-1.
Curtsy (Post 3)
Richard Mandella’s first-time starter represents an unknown quantity but brings the credentials of one of racing’s most successful trainers. Her recent fourth-place finish in a five-furlong turf race at Del Mar in her debut suggests some ability, though the surface switch to dirt creates questions about her versatility.
Kazushi Kimura takes the mount with an 18% win rate and 43% in-the-money percentage. The combination of Mandella’s patient training methods with a debut runner creates intrigue, particularly at morning line odds of 8-1.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario appears moderate with several fillies showing tactical speed capabilities. Margarita Girl and Into The Hall both possess early speed that could create pressure through the opening quarter-mile. Naples Gal has shown the ability to press the pace, while Philippa’s closing style suggests she will benefit from a contested early pace.
The six-furlong distance on Del Mar’s speed-favoring dirt track typically rewards horses with tactical speed who can position themselves within striking distance through the opening half-mile. The track’s configuration and surface characteristics favor horses that can secure good position early while maintaining enough stamina for the final furlong drive.
Selection and Wagering Strategy
Margarita Girl stands out as the logical choice based on her consistent form, proven ability at the distance and surface, and the strength of her connections. The combination of Mark Glatt’s patient training approach and Antonio Fresu’s current hot streak creates significant confidence in this selection.
Neko presents the primary threat based purely on connections, as the Baffert-Hernandez combination has proven lethal throughout the meet. The first-time starter angle with this stable demands respect, particularly given the favorable morning line odds.
For exotic wagering, using Margarita Girl on top with Neko, Philippa, and Into The Hall underneath provides coverage of the most likely scenarios. The depth of this field suggests competitive pricing in exacta and trifecta pools.
Conservative bettors should focus on win wagering on Margarita Girl, while value seekers might consider Neko’s debut potential or the longer-priced Naples Gal with Hall of Fame connections.
Final Recommendation
Margarita Girl represents the safest investment in this competitive maiden field, combining proven form with strong connections and favorable positioning. Her consistency and tactical speed make her the horse to beat in the opening race of Del Mar’s Thursday card.
Race 2: Maiden Claiming ($40,000)
This five-furlong turf sprint features seven runners with Video Review standing out as the probable favorite. The John Sadler trainee has shown consistent form and appears ready to graduate. Dirty Words offers value as an alternative, having finished a competitive fourth in recent Del Mar action. The Tyler Baze mount has tactical speed that could prove effective in this field.
Race 3: Claiming Race ($34,000)
Thirsty Trickster represents solid value in this claiming event. The gelding has shown versatility and appears well-placed in this company. The pace scenario should favor horses with tactical speed who can press the early leaders.
Race 4: Maiden Special Weight (Turf)
Cara Rose appears to be the horse to beat in this competitive turf maiden. Her previous turf experience gives her an advantage over first-time turf runners. Avocado Lake merits consideration as a fresh face with appealing breeding for the surface. Final Table Lady could offer value from the rail with early speed that may prove effective.
Race 5: Allowance Optional Claiming ($81,000)
Race 5 at Del Mar presents an Allowance Optional Claiming contest for fillies and mares three years old and up, contested at one mile on the dirt track with a purse of $81,000. This competitive field of six runners features horses dropping in class from stakes company and others seeking to take advantage of favorable conditions on Del Mar’s speed-favoring main track.
Field Analysis and Morning Line
The morning line establishes Miso Phansy as the 2-1 favorite, followed by Issa Court at 3-1, Jessebear at 4-1, and co-features I Had That One Too and Lady Mendelssohn both at 5-1, with Broadway Venus rounding out the field at 6-1.
Contender Analysis
Miso Phansy (Post 6) – 2-1 Morning Line Favorite
Leonard Powell’s charge represents the most intriguing runner in this field, taking a significant class drop from consecutive graded stakes attempts on turf. The daughter of Karakontie finished seventh in her most recent start, a one-mile handicap on good turf at Del Mar in July, showing little rally after tracking in mid-pack through the early fractions.
This surface switch from turf to dirt creates the primary question mark, as she has never competed on the main track throughout her career. However, her sire Karakontie demonstrates strong statistical success with main track route runners, posting a 20% win rate that suggests genetic compatibility with dirt surfaces. The class relief from graded stakes competition to allowance company represents a significant drop that could unlock improved performance.
Her pace style typically sees her settle in mid-pack before making late moves, which should suit the likely pace scenario in this field. The question remains whether she can translate her turf form to the dirt surface while benefiting from the substantial class relief.
Issa Court (Post 1) – 3-1 Second Choice
The seven-year-old mare enters off a disappointing fourth-place finish as the 9-5 favorite in a similar one-mile dirt contest at Del Mar in July. Despite leading through most of the race, she weakened in the final furlong after dueling for the early lead. The addition of blinkers for this assignment suggests trainer connections believe equipment changes can improve her focus and finishing ability.
Her five career victories demonstrate class and ability at this level, and early speed has proven particularly effective at the current Del Mar meet over the one-mile distance. An alert break could position her perfectly to control the pace from the rail, potentially stealing away if she can maintain her stamina better than in her last effort.
The recent claim by the Sweezey operation adds another variable, as new connections often provide fresh perspectives and training methods that can rejuvenate veteran horses. Her tactical speed and rail draw create a potentially winning combination if she can maintain her focus through the stretch drive.
Lady Mendelssohn (Post 2) – 6-1 Value Selection
Carla Gaines trains this three-year-old filly who finished third in the Fleet Treat Stakes at Del Mar on July 25, demonstrating competitive ability at the stakes level. She earned $19,260 for that effort, finishing 5 3/4 lengths behind Om N Joy while gaining position throughout the stretch drive.
Umberto Rispoli takes the mount for this assignment, bringing his tactical awareness and strong rapport with West Coast-based trainers. The jockey change from her previous efforts could provide the tactical improvement needed to capitalize on this class relief opportunity.
Her recent stakes form suggests she possesses the class to compete effectively against this allowance field. Going second off the bench for trainer Gaines indicates proper conditioning and fitness for a peak effort. The filly has shown steady improvement throughout her 2025 campaign, earning over $77,000 while demonstrating versatility in various racing conditions.
The key factor lies in her ability to rate kindly behind early speed before making her move in the stretch. Her tactical style should benefit from the likely pace scenario, particularly if the early leaders engage in speed duels that set up closing kicks.
Jessebear (Post 4) – 4-1 Contender
This runner brings different form dynamics, having finished second by five lengths behind Arctic Breeze in a stakes race at Golden State Racing over 1 1/16 miles in October. The distance cutback to one mile could benefit her tactical speed, while the surface and class conditions appear suitable for competitive efforts.
Her patient running style typically sees her settle off the pace before making steady gains through the stretch. This approach has proven effective in her career, though questions exist about her ability to quicken sufficiently over Del Mar’s potentially demanding surface conditions.
I Had That One Too (Post 5) – 5-1 Alternative
Recent form shows a rallying second-place finish behind Nanci Griffith at Del Mar in July, demonstrating her comfort with track conditions and distance requirements. Despite stumbling at the start of that race, she showed determination by rallying from the back of the pack to finish just 2 1/2 lengths behind the winner.
Her late-running style requires proper pace development to be effective, making the early fractions crucial to her chances. If the early pace develops contentiously, she could benefit from a strong closing kick that has proven effective in recent starts.
Broadway Venus (Post 3) – 6-1 Outsider
The longest shot on the morning line brings a recent victory at Santa Anita in June, where she won by 3 3/4 lengths over one mile on a fast track. This form suggests competitive ability at the distance and surface, though questions exist about her consistency and ability to repeat that performance.
Her tactical style allows for flexible positioning, which could prove valuable depending on how the early pace develops. However, she faces the stiffest competition of her recent campaign and must demonstrate improved form to compete with this field’s class levels.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario appears moderately contested with Issa Court likely to show early speed from the rail, while Lady Mendelssohn and Broadway Venus possess enough tactical speed to press or track the early leader. Miso Phansy and I Had That One Too figure to settle farther back, relying on closing kicks to be effective.
Del Mar’s one-mile configuration typically favors horses with tactical speed who can secure good position through the first half-mile before making sustained moves through the stretch. The track’s recent bias toward early speed adds importance to securing favorable position through the opening fractions.
Selection and Wagering Strategy
Lady Mendelssohn emerges as the value selection based on her recent stakes form, class relief, and tactical advantages. Her third-place finish in the Fleet Treat Stakes demonstrates competitive ability at a higher level than today’s assignment, while the class drop provides significant relief that could unlock improved performance.
Miso Phansy represents the logical favorite despite surface concerns, as her class relief from graded stakes competition creates substantial value if she handles the dirt surface switch successfully. Her breeding suggests compatibility with dirt routes, making her a logical choice despite the surface question.
Issa Court offers win potential if the equipment change proves effective and she can secure uncontested early fractions. Her tactical speed and rail draw create tactical advantages that could prove decisive if she maintains her stamina better than in recent efforts.
Final Recommendation
Lady Mendelssohn presents the best combination of value and ability in this competitive allowance field. Her recent stakes form provides class advantages over most rivals, while the significant class relief creates opportunities for improved performance. The tactical style and jockey upgrade with Umberto Rispoli add confidence to this selection at attractive morning line odds of 6-1.
For exotic wagering, using Lady Mendelssohn on top with Miso Phansy, Issa Court, and I Had That One Too underneath provides coverage of the most likely finishing scenarios while maximizing potential payouts in exacta and trifecta pools.
Race 6: Turf Sprint
Mirinda stands out in this competitive turf sprint. The Richard Mandella trainee has shown consistent form on the grass and should be competitive with regular rider Juan Hernandez aboard. Darlin Tami offers potential value after a disappointing last effort but has shown ability on short turf courses previously.
Race 7: Starter Allowance
Havoc appears well-positioned in this starter allowance event. The gelding has tactical speed and draws favorably for trainer George Papaprodromou. Impossible Task and Sea Dog represent the main competition based on recent form lines.
Race 8: Starter Allowance (Turf)
Trusty Rusty emerges as the logical favorite despite returning on short rest. The gelding has shown strong finishing ability and benefits from Juan Hernandez in the saddle. Sunset Storm presents an interesting alternative with early speed that could prove effective if he handles the turf surface switch.
Jockey Insights and Notes
Juan Hernandez continues to dominate the Del Mar jockey standings, holding a commanding eight-win lead over Antonio Fresu. Hernandez recently achieved a remarkable six-win performance on Saturday, August 10th, tying him with racing legends Bill Shoemaker, Laffit Pincay Jr., Rudy Rosales, and Flavien Prat as the only jockeys to win six races on a single Del Mar card. His hot streak positions him for another riding title, having won four consecutive championships and six of the last seven dating back to fall 2021.
Antonio Fresu remains the primary challenger in the standings with 16 wins. Despite finishing second in seven races during Hernandez’s six-win Saturday, Fresu continues to secure quality mounts and maintains strong relationships with leading trainers. Tyler Baze shows consistent form with multiple mounts on the card, particularly effective on turf surfaces. Umberto Rispoli brings experience and tactical awareness to his assignments.
Trainer Analysis and Connections
Bob Baffert’s stable continues to perform at a high level, with multiple stakes winners recently including Desert Gate’s victory in the Grade 3 Best Pal Stakes. The Hall of Fame trainer has indicated several horses are being pointed toward major fall objectives, including potential Pacific Classic contender Nysos.
Steven Miyadi maintains an active presence with multiple runners throughout the card. His horses often show improvement in subsequent starts, making them attractive from a value perspective. John Sadler’s Video Review represents one of the more reliable training operations at the meet.
Richard Mandella’s Mirinda brings the Hall of Fame trainer’s expertise to the turf sprint division. Mandella’s horses typically arrive fit and ready for peak efforts. The partnership with Juan Hernandez adds confidence to the selection.
Wagering Strategies and Value Opportunities
The early Pick 4 covering races 1-4 presents solid value opportunities with several logical favorites offering reasonable prices. Video Review in Race 2 appears particularly solid as a single in multi-race wagers. The late Pick 4 sequence from races 5-8 offers more challenging handicapping but potentially higher payouts.
For exacta and trifecta play, Race 4 presents the best opportunity with Cara Rose as a key horse over several competitive maidens. The turf surface adds unpredictability that could produce higher payouts with the right combinations.
Daily double opportunities exist connecting the early races, particularly using Video Review in Race 2 with multiple horses in Race 3. The late double connecting races 7 and 8 offers value with Trusty Rusty as an anchor in the finale.
Place and show betting may provide steady returns on shorter-priced favorites, particularly in the maiden races where class separations become apparent. The allowance races offer more challenging handicapping but potentially higher returns for accurate analysis.
Wagering Recommendations
Conservative players should focus on win betting on the most confident selections: Video Review (Race 2), Cara Rose (Race 4), and Trusty Rusty (Race 8). These horses offer the best combination of ability and value for straightforward wagering.
Aggressive players can construct Pick 4 tickets using multiple horses in the more competitive races while singling the strongest selections. The 50-cent minimum allows for broader coverage without excessive investment.
Value seekers should examine the claiming races and starter allowances where form cycles and class drops create opportunities. Horses dropping in class or returning from layoffs often provide enhanced odds while maintaining competitive chances.
