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Del Mar presents an eight-race card on Friday, November 14, 2025, with first post moved up to 12:00 PM due to incoming weather concerns. This marks a critical racing day as Saturday’s card has been cancelled entirely due to forecast heavy rain, making this only the third weather-related cancellation in Del Mar’s 88-year history. The card features a mix of claiming races and maiden events, with purses ranging from $16,000 to $60,000. The quality of today’s fields has been noted as somewhat diminished, which may present value opportunities for sharp handicappers.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for November 14 calls for patchy rain possible with temperatures ranging from 60-68°F. The track is expected to remain fast for the dirt surface through most of the card, though conditions could deteriorate if rain arrives earlier than expected. Gates open at 11:00 AM with racing beginning at noon, moved up by 30 minutes to stay ahead of the approaching storm system. The turf course will be set at 24 feet for races 2, 5, and 7.
Del Mar’s dirt track has shown a significant bias favoring speed and stalking horses throughout the 2025 meet. In 2024, speed horses won 42% of dirt sprints while stalkers accounted for 35%. Closers face considerable difficulty, winning only 9-13% of dirt sprints. On turf routes, the bias is less pronounced, with stalkers winning 35% and speed horses taking 31%, making closing moves more viable on grass. Post position bias has been minimal since the turf course renovation in 2016, except for nine-furlong turf routes where lower draws show advantage.
Race 1
Post Time
12:30 PM
$16,000 claiming race at five furlongs on dirt for three-year-olds and up.
Pace Analysis
This competitive claiming sprint figures to feature contested early fractions with multiple speed types. Halo Uncle and Too Much Info project as the primary early pace factors based on running styles. The pace should be honest but not suicidal, setting up for a horse that can press or stalk effectively.
Key Contenders
Halo Uncle draws considerable support from handicappers as the morning line favorite at 2-1. The four-year-old gelding for trainer Jesus Uranga gets the services of Diego Herrera, who has been strong at the meet. Halo Uncle shows the tactical speed to position well in the sprint distance and drops into the $5,000 claiming level, suggesting connections are aggressive.
Too Much Info represents trainer Jesus Nunez and rider Adrian Escobedo in this competitive field. The five-year-old has shown consistency at this level and should be forwardly placed early.
Secondary Choices
Mother’s Prayer brings Tyler Baze into the irons for Steve Knapp. The five-year-old gelding has tactical speed and the weight allowance could prove beneficial. My Dominator for Francisco Ramirez represents another live contender with early speed.
Longshots
Evenerevenworse at 117 pounds gets significant weight relief and could surprise at a price under Alfredo Bautista for Jorge Farias.
Selections
Win: Halo Uncle
Place: Too Much Info
Show: Mother’s Prayer
Race 2
Post Time
1:02 PM
$60,000 maiden special weight for California-bred two-year-old fillies at one mile on turf.
Pace Analysis
This maiden turf route should develop with moderate early fractions as inexperienced juveniles navigate the distance. The rail placement at 24 feet creates a fair racing surface. Several fillies show breeding to handle the distance, making pace projections difficult.
Key Contenders
Druliner enters as the consensus choice among handicappers at 7-5 morning line odds. The Craig Lewis trainee gets Juan Hernandez, the meet’s leading rider with 45 wins during the summer session. Hernandez has demonstrated exceptional ability at Del Mar with a 26% win rate nationally.
Cecilia Street for Leonard Powell draws Mirco Demuro, forming a strong trainer-jockey combination. This filly shows mid-pack running style with the ability to lead late.
Secondary Choices
Coyote Cafe trained by Mark Glatt with Antonio Fresu represents solid connections. Glatt has been productive at the meet and Fresu ranks among the top riders with 34 wins. However, the scratch watch notes veterinarian scratches in recent attempts.
Royally Unstable brings Doug O’Neill training with Edgar Payeras riding. O’Neill’s presence always merits respect in maiden events.
Longshots
Humidity for Patrick Gallagher with Kazushi Kimura could surprise if the pace collapses.
Selections
Win: Druliner
Place: Cecilia Street
Show: Royally Unstable
Race 3
Post Time
1:33 PM
$21,000 claiming race at 5.5 furlongs on dirt for fillies and mares three years old and up.
Pace Analysis
This claiming sprint for fillies should feature contested early pace with several speed types entered. The distance slightly favors horses with tactical speed who can position near the leaders without excessive energy expenditure. Given Del Mar’s speed bias on dirt, early positioning will be critical.
Key Contenders
Shop Till You Drop draws strong support from handicappers at 5-2 morning line odds. The Richard Baltas trainee gets Diego Herrera, forming a potent combination. Baltas maintains a 60% in-the-money percentage at the meet despite modest win totals. This four-year-old filly has tactical speed to position favorably.
Danzing Cat for Peter Miller represents one of Del Mar’s most successful trainers. Miller’s operation consistently produces competitive runners at all levels.
Secondary Choices
Vegas Love trained by Adan Farias with Armando Ayuso gets weight considerations. The four-year-old should be forwardly placed.
Fondest Dream (GB) drops from maiden special weight company with Tyler Baze riding for Rolando Quinonez. The breeding suggests ability and the class drop could trigger improvement.
Longshots
She’s Splendid under Ricardo Gonzalez could surprise if pace favors closers.
Selections
Win: Shop Till You Drop
Place: Danzing Cat
Show: Fondest Dream (GB)
Race 4
Post Time
2:04 PM
$60,000 maiden special weight at 6.5 furlongs on dirt for three-year-olds and up.
Pace Analysis
This competitive maiden sprint features several well-bred types from powerful barns. The presence of multiple Sadler and Baffert trainees suggests this could develop into a fast-paced affair. With Del Mar’s pronounced speed bias on dirt sprints, early position will be paramount.
Key Contenders
Mutaz represents Bob Baffert with Juan Hernandez aboard, immediately making this colt a formidable contender. Baffert dominated at the Breeders Cup with multiple winners and place finishers, demonstrating his string is firing. The Baffert-Hernandez combination has been lethal at Del Mar.
Latitude brings the John Sadler-Mike Smith duo into action. Sadler won a Breeders Cup race with Super Corredora and his stable is in excellent form. Smith’s Hall of Fame credentials speak for themselves.
Secondary Choices
Cheever gives Mark Glatt another opportunity with Antonio Fresu riding. Glatt has shown consistency throughout the meet. Fresu leads the meet in second-place finishes, suggesting he consistently has his mounts in position to win.
Simple Song represents the Glatt-Kimura combination as a secondary option.
Longshots
Silent Way for John Shirreffs with Hector Berrios offers value if the speed collapses. Berrios has 29 wins at the meet.
Selections
Win: Mutaz
Place: Latitude
Show: Cheever
Race 5
Post Time
2:34 PM
$34,000 claiming race at one mile on turf for fillies and mares three years old and up.
Pace Analysis
This turf mile should develop with moderate early fractions allowing stalkers and closers to be effective. The rail placement at 24 feet creates a fair racing surface without inside bias. Del Mar’s turf course has shown more balanced results with stalkers winning 35% and speed types taking 31%.
Key Contenders
Starry Night for Jonathan Thomas gets Umberto Rispoli, the meet’s second-leading rider with 39 wins. Rispoli has demonstrated a 22% win rate nationally with 53% in-the-money percentage. This three-year-old filly shows the right running style for the turf mile.
Cameron Slough for Neil Drysdale with Armando Ayuso represents solid connections at this level. Drysdale’s attention to detail makes any runner from his barn dangerous.
Secondary Choices
Giggle Giggle trained by Peter Eurton with Antonio Fresu could benefit from the pace scenario. The three-year-old gets significant weight relief.
Shin Jidai (GB) brings European breeding to the table with Ricardo Gonzalez riding for Leonard Powell. The pedigree suggests turf ability.
Longshots
Port Ellen (IRE) for Blaine Wright with Juan Hernandez offers value with the leading rider aboard.
Selections
Win: Starry Night
Place: Cameron Slough
Show: Giggle Giggle
Race 6
Post Time
3:04 PM
$60,000 maiden special weight at one mile on dirt for two-year-old fillies.
Pace Analysis
This maiden dirt mile for juveniles features several highly regarded fillies from top barns. The distance will test their stamina and maturity. With multiple Baffert and O’Neill entries, the pace could be contested early.
Key Contenders
Consequent represents Bob Baffert with Juan Hernandez at 3.5-1 morning line odds. The Baffert-Hernandez combination has been dominant at Del Mar and the trainer’s juveniles typically show high ability.
Conquistadora for Michael McCarthy gets Kazushi Kimura and shows re-entry after a recent race. McCarthy is among Del Mar’s leading trainers and knows how to win maiden races.
Secondary Choices
Luckiest gives Baffert a second starter with Hector Berrios riding. Having two legitimate contenders from the same barn creates strategic opportunities.
Total Val brings Richard Mandella training with Mirco Demuro riding. Mandella’s patience with young horses often produces results.
Longshots
Shane’s the Brains for Doug O’Neill with Antonio Fresu could surprise if early pace is contested.
Selections
Win: Consequent
Place: Conquistadora
Show: Luckiest
Race 7
Post Time
3:34 PM
$33,000 maiden claiming at one mile on turf for California-bred fillies and mares three years old and up.
Pace Analysis
This large field of 12 California-bred maidens will create a competitive pace scenario. The turf mile configuration should allow multiple running styles to be effective. Several horses show tactical speed while others prefer closing kicks.
Key Contenders
Dialing Destiny for Peter Miller with Umberto Rispoli forms an excellent combination. Miller excels with turf runners and Rispoli’s hot hand makes this filly formidable.
Jennys Wine Girl represents Richard Baltas with Edwin Maldonado riding. Baltas has shown strong in-the-money percentages at the meet.
Secondary Choices
Sasafran brings Richard Mandella training with Mirco Demuro aboard. The European rider’s turf expertise could prove valuable.
Royal Dusty for Mike Puype with Tyler Baze offers value at 12-1 morning line odds.
Longshots
Vronaway and Silver Flirt both show longshot odds but could benefit if pace collapses.
Selections
Win: Dialing Destiny
Place: Jennys Wine Girl
Show: Sasafran
Race 8
Post Time
4:04 PM
$20,000 claiming race at six furlongs on dirt for three-year-olds and up.
Pace Analysis
This claiming sprint will close the card with competitive early fractions expected. The six-furlong distance on Del Mar’s dirt track strongly favors speed and pressing types. Closers face significant obstacles given the track’s pronounced speed bias.
Key Contenders
Seager Man for Blaine Wright with Geovanni Franco shows early speed to position well. The four-year-old gelding draws the rail, which provides saving ground opportunities.
Major Tom gets Armando Aguilar for George Lopez and is identified as the fastest closer in the field. Despite Del Mar’s speed bias, the gelding’s closing kick could prove effective if pace is contested.
Secondary Choices
Atomic Drop brings Steve Knapp training with Edwin Maldonado riding. The seven-year-old veteran knows his business at this level.
Carol’s Comic for Val Brinkerhoff with Tyler Baze represents solid claiming connections.
Longshots
Geezer appears on scratch watch due to veterinarian issues but could surprise if cleared to run.
Selections
Win: Seager Man
Place: Major Tom
Show: Atomic Drop
Jockey Notes and Insights
Juan Hernandez leads all riders at Del Mar with exceptional form, having won 45 races during the summer meet. His 26% national win rate and partnership with Bob Baffert make him especially dangerous. Hernandez rides Druliner in Race 2, Mutaz in Race 4, and Consequent in Race 6, giving him three legitimate win chances.
Umberto Rispoli ranks second among Del Mar riders with 39 wins and maintains a 22% win rate nationally with 53% in-the-money. His consistency makes him reliable in competitive spots, particularly with Starry Night in Race 5 and Dialing Destiny in Race 7.
Antonio Fresu leads the jockey colony with 34 wins but also tops the standings in second-place finishes with 24, demonstrating his ability to position horses competitively. Fresu rides Cheever in Race 4 and multiple other mounts throughout the card.
Hector Isaac Berrios has compiled 29 wins at the meet and shows particular effectiveness with closers and stalkers. His mount Silent Way in Race 4 and Luckiest in Race 6 offer value opportunities.
Diego Herrera connects with Richard Baltas multiple times on the card, including Shop Till You Drop in Race 3. This combination has shown profitability throughout the meet.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Bob Baffert enters the card in peak form following a dominant Breeders Cup performance with two winners and multiple place finishers. His stable has demonstrated exceptional quality with entries in Races 4 and 6. Baffert’s record at Del Mar, particularly in maiden races and with two-year-olds, makes his runners automatic considerations.
Mark Glatt maintains consistent form with a 6% win rate but 38% in-the-money percentage at the meet. His runners show value in exotic wagers, particularly in Races 2 and 4 where he has multiple starters.
Richard Baltas operates with a 10% win rate but outstanding 60% in-the-money percentage, making his horses ideal for place and show wagering. His entries Shop Till You Drop in Race 3 and Jennys Wine Girl in Race 7 merit strong consideration.
Peter Miller consistently produces competitive runners at Del Mar across all race types. His connections with top jockeys and ability to spot races make his trainees dangerous regardless of odds.
John Sadler brings quality following his Breeders Cup success with Super Corredora. His two entries in Race 4, Midway Lane and Latitude, both show strong credentials.
Leonard Powell trains both Cecilia Street in Race 2 and Shin Jidai (GB) in Race 5, demonstrating versatility with turf runners.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Focus vertical exotic plays around Juan Hernandez in Races 2, 4, and 6 where his mount combinations with Baffert and quality trainers create strong win probability. A Pick 3 connecting these races could produce solid returns.
Race 4 presents the strongest single-race betting opportunity with Mutaz and the Baffert-Hernandez combination facing competitive but beatable maiden competition. Consider win and exacta wagers keying this colt on top.
The late Pick 4 covering Races 5-8 offers value given the mixed quality of claiming and maiden fields. Spread tickets using multiple horses in Race 7, the wide-open maiden claiming turf event, could produce outsized returns.
Race 1 and Race 8, both low-level claiming sprints bookending the card, create daily double opportunities for bettors willing to accept risk. Halo Uncle to Seager Man provides reasonable odds with solid logical support.
Weather conditions merit attention throughout the afternoon as deteriorating track conditions could impact late-card races. If rain arrives earlier than forecast, dirt races will favor inside posts and speed horses even more dramatically.
Exacta box combinations using top trainer-jockey partnerships provide consistent returns at Del Mar. Target races where Hernandez, Rispoli, or Fresu ride for Baffert, Miller, Baltas, or Glatt.
Given the cancelled Saturday card, horseplayers should consider aggressive approaches to the Friday program as the next racing opportunity at Del Mar may not occur until Sunday pending weather clearing. This compressed schedule creates motivation for trainers to win today rather than waiting for uncertain future race dates.
