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The FanDuel Racing Fall Turf Festival concludes its penultimate day with an 11-race card highlighted by three graded stakes races. Today’s card features the Grade I Hollywood Derby, the Grade II Seabiscuit Handicap, and the Grade III Jimmy Durante Stakes, making this one of the premier betting days of the fall season. First post is scheduled for 11:30 AM PT.
Race Day Overview
Del Mar presents a competitive 11-race program with six turf events and five on the main track. The card includes a compelling mix of stakes action and claiming races, providing handicappers with numerous opportunities to find value. The late scratches include Channel Place (Race 3, veterinarian) and Majestic Palisades (Race 2, stewards). Notable also-eligible horses include Lilo Lil (Race 3), Duchess Cat (Race 6), and Hiding in Honduras (Race 11), who may draw in pending scratches.
The Fall Turf Festival has attracted high-profile shippers from top barns across the country. Trainer Graham Motion brought Test Score and several others from Maryland for the closing weekend, while Chad Brown sends runners including Salamis in the Hollywood Derby and Just Aloof in the Jimmy Durante.
Weather and Track Conditions
Weather conditions are ideal for racing today. Temperatures will range from 54°F at first post to a high of 66°F during the afternoon, with partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies and light winds from the north at 3-6 mph. There is zero percent chance of precipitation, and humidity levels will decrease from morning highs near 90% to afternoon readings around 64%.
The main track is listed as Fast, while the turf course is rated Firm with the rail set at 12 feet for turf races in Races 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, and 24 feet for the 5-furlong turf sprint on Sunday. After unseasonably wet weather earlier in the month that forced race cancellations on November 15 and November 21, the track surfaces have dried out nicely and should provide consistent footing throughout the afternoon.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Del Mar’s fall meet has produced some notable post position trends through November 24, 2025. On the one-mile turf course, inside posts have demonstrated a significant advantage, with posts 1 and 2 combining for 11 wins from 48 starters (23% win rate), while posts 5 and 6 have produced zero winners from 47 starters. This pattern aligns with the track’s tight turns and short stretch, which favor horses that can save ground.
For dirt routes at Del Mar, the bias has favored speed and mid-pack stalkers, with 68% of two-turn race winners having the lead or being within half a length of it turning for home during the past four fall meets. The inside posts have shown an edge in sprint races, particularly at 5 1/2 furlongs where posts 1-2 have combined for a 20% win rate.
On the turf, tactical speed and the ability to secure a good position early remain crucial given the short stretch run of just over one furlong. Horses drawn wide in large fields face a significant disadvantage, as they must use considerable energy to establish position before the first turn.
Race 1 – Starter Optional Claiming, 1 Mile Turf, $34,000
Post Time: 11:30 AM PT
A competitive field of ten fillies and mares contest this one-mile turf event for horses that have started for a claiming price of $50,000 or less and have never won two races.
Pace Analysis
The pace scenario appears moderate with several early movers in the field. Sakura Flavor has shown tactical speed from the rail, while Miyako and Garden Party could both press from their mid-to-outside draws. The stretch-out to one mile may allow late runners to improve, but the inside bias on the turf course will be a factor.
Key Contenders
Aleramo (3) represents the consensus top choice among handicappers. The Michael McCarthy trainee can upset this field after a compromised trip versus similar competition at Santa Anita. An impressive Del Mar maiden winner two back, she did not receive a fair chance last time against winners, trailing the field while being blocked without a clean path into and through the stretch, but finished okay and galloped out well. With clear sailing from post 3, Aleramo can close strongly under Ricardo Gonzalez.
Cat The Confidante (2) ships in from the John Sadler barn with Hector Berrios aboard. The Irish-bred has shown promise in tougher company and draws favorably inside. The 3-year-old filly has solid credentials and could take advantage of any pace meltdown.
Garden Party (10) drops in class and could bounce back after a solid third last time out. The Leonard Powell trainee has an outside draw that works against the inside bias, but Diego Herrera will need to establish position early.
Secondary Choices
Sakura Flavor (1) benefits from the rail draw and has experience at Del Mar. The 5-year-old mare has been a Los Alamitos nighttime specialist whose recent races give her a shot in this field, though stepping up to daylight racing.
Rehearsal (9) enters off back-to-back starts for Phil D’Amato with Juan Hernandez picking up the mount. The 4-year-old filly has tactical versatility but needs to overcome a wide post.
Longshots
Church Lady (7) and Infinity Dream (8) are two D’Amato and Baltas runners respectively that could offer value at double-digit odds. Both have shown glimpses of ability and could benefit if the pace collapses.
Selections
Win: Aleramo
Place: Cat The Confidante
Show: Garden Party
Race 2 – Claiming $10,000, 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt, $18,000
Post Time: 12:00 PM PT
A six-horse claiming sprint for horses that have never won two races. Note that Majestic Palisades has been scratched by stewards.
Pace Analysis
Whats the Buzz has demonstrated the fastest early pace figures in this field and should take the lead from post 3. The question becomes whether any of these sprinters can pressure him or if he wires the field.
Key Contenders
Whats the Buzz (3) stands out as the class of this field. The Jose Valdez trainee has shown the fastest early speed and should control the pace from an advantageous inside draw. With Tiago Pereira aboard (29% win rate at the meet), this 4-year-old colt looks formidable at short odds.
Pat Can’t Count (2) has been consistent with 50% in-the-money finishes from 30 career starts. While winless in a while, the Jerry Wallace trainee typically runs his race and could grab a piece at a price.
Secondary Choices
Lucky’s Loaded (4) showed promise earlier in the year and has Kyle Frey in the saddle. The Isidro Tamayo trainee could improve second off the layoff.
One Big Smile (5) and Formidable Threat (1) are both Bill McLean trainees that will try to pick up the pieces late.
Selections
Win: Whats the Buzz
Place: Pat Can’t Count
Show: Lucky’s Loaded
Race 3 – Maiden Special Weight, 1 Mile Turf, $60,000
Post Time: 12:30 PM PT
A dozen 2-year-old fillies go to the post in this one-mile turf maiden, an excellent preview for future stakes runners. Channel Place has been scratched by the veterinarian.
Pace Analysis
Multiple fillies have shown early speed, suggesting a contested pace scenario. Surfin’ U. S. A. adds blinkers and may be aggressive early. Cherry Cider flashed speed in her debut and tries turf. Ramayana has shown the ability to stalk and pounce.
Key Contenders
Surfin’ U. S. A. (5) is ready to stretch out and win after a pair of sprint preps. The Powell trainee broke slowly and raced greenly in her fourth-place debut but improved to run second while showing more professionalism. The addition of first-time blinkers should sharpen her focus. Juan Hernandez picks up the mount, and the daughter of Omaha Beach should relish the two-turn distance.
Ramayana (9) has shown promise with three consecutive in-the-money finishes, including back-to-back seconds. The Richard Mandella trainee chased throughout and finished more than two lengths clear of third last time. With Umberto Rispoli (leading rider at the meet with 14 wins) aboard, she won’t be a maiden for long.
Cherry Cider (8) flashed good speed and just missed in a game runner-up effort on debut for Bob Baffert back in July and now tries turf in start number two. This 2-year-old filly has a turf pedigree on both sides, suggesting she’ll successfully handle the surface switch for the top barn. Hector Berrios rides.
Secondary Choices
Hawaiian Moon (3) stretches out from a creditable fourth-place debut at six and a half furlongs. The Michael McCarthy trainee is bred to run long, and John Velazquez provides elite guidance.
Springline (7) has seen her Beyers improve in each subsequent start to date and exits a career-best turf figure. Mike Smith picks up the mount for trainer Ryan Hanson.
Lilo Lil (4) ran well in her second career start, finishing third in a turf mile at Keeneland. The McCarthy trainee could draw in if there are scratches.
Longshots
Chair’s Coin (12) is another McCarthy runner making her U.S. debut. The Irish-bred could offer value at double-digit odds.
Selections
Win: Surfin’ U. S. A.
Place: Ramayana
Show: Cherry Cider
Race 4 – Maiden Claiming $20,000, 6 Furlongs Dirt, $20,000
Post Time: 1:02 PM PT
Eight maidens contest this six-furlong dirt sprint at the $20,000 claiming level.
Pace Analysis
Seattle Surf and Dirty Words both have early speed and should contest the lead. The question is whether either can carry their speed six furlongs, as Seattle Surf has been distance-challenged throughout his 24-start career.
Key Contenders
Grinnell (6) is the morning line favorite at 5-2 for trainer Carla Gaines. The Ricardo Gonzalez mount has been knocking on the door with five in-the-money finishes from 12 starts, including a third at Del Mar in his last effort. He should stalk the pace and pounce late.
Dirty Words (3) steps down in class and can build on a good second last time out. The Doug O’Neill trainee has shown early speed and could control the pace under Antonio Fresu, who is hitting at 19% at the meet.
Uncle Evco (1) draws the rail and has been consistent with four in-the-money finishes from his last six starts. The 18-start maiden knows how to run and should be in the hunt late with Tiago Pereira aboard.
Secondary Choices
Seattle Surf (4) has the speed of the field making his first start since being claimed for $12,500. The 24-start veteran will lead as far as he can, though six furlongs may prove too far for the distance-challenged front-runner. Mirco Demuro rides.
Longshots
Citizen Barrett (5) drops from Cal-bred maiden-50 and could offer value if the pace falls apart.
Selections
Win: Grinnell
Place: Dirty Words
Show: Uncle Evco
Race 5 – Seabiscuit Handicap (G2), 1 1/16 Miles Turf, $200,000
Post Time: 1:32 PM PT (approximately)
The Grade II Seabiscuit Handicap brings together nine older males in one of the premier turf route stakes of the fall meet. This race features an intriguing pace scenario with several runners capable of setting the tempo.
Pace Analysis
El Potente has demonstrated the fastest early speed figures in this field and should contest the lead from post 5. Cabo Spirit could press from post 8, and Astronomer may also factor early. Stay Hot prefers to stalk and should get a good trip from the outside. The pace should be honest given the multiple speed horses, setting up a potential advantage for closers like Almendares.
Key Contenders
Stay Hot (9) is the morning line favorite at 5-2 coming off back-to-back close finishes in graded stakes company for trainer Peter Eurton. The 4-year-old colt finished just a neck behind Gold Phoenix in the Del Mar Handicap and has proven his class at this level. With Juan Hernandez in the saddle (16% win rate at the meet), he should get a stalking trip and unleash his closing kick in the stretch. Eurton is hitting at 15% wins but 85% in-the-money at the meet.
Almendares (3) gets the nod as the value play in this race. The Phil D’Amato trainee was well beaten in this event last year but had a tough outside draw that afternoon. Now he gets a favorable inside post for the 2025 edition. The 5-year-old gelding is still looking to notch his first graded stakes victory but exits back-to-back in-the-money finishes in the G2 Del Mar Stakes and City of Hope Mile. The ultra-consistent runner has won five races and hit the board in 18 of 25 starts. John Velazquez provides the guidance.
El Potente (5) is looking for his third consecutive victory this year coming back off a nine-month layoff. The Dan Blacker trainee earned his first stakes win in dominant fashion in the Grade III Thunder Road Stakes at Santa Anita in February, receiving a 104 Beyer Speed Figure. He has hit the board in his last 10 starts and will be ridden by Hector Berrios. The concern is fitness off the extended layoff.
Cabo Spirit (8) will be making his third appearance in the Seabiscuit Handicap. His most recent start was the Grade II City of Hope Mile where he came in second, one and a quarter lengths behind highly regarded Johannes. The ultra-consistent runner has hit the board in his last six grass graded stakes tries and reunites with Umberto Rispoli.
Secondary Choices
Sumter (2) led for much of the running of this race one year ago but faded badly to last. He exits a win in the Lure Stakes and has Mike Smith aboard for Richard Mandella. A different pace scenario could help.
Astronomer (6) exits a second-place finish at Del Mar and could be a factor early with Antonio Fresu.
Longshots
Old Pal (7) has tactical speed and could sneak into the exotics at 12-1 if the pace falls apart.
Selections
Win: Stay Hot
Place: Almendares
Show: El Potente
Race 6 – Maiden Special Weight, 6 Furlongs Dirt, $60,000 (Cal-Bred)
Post Time: 2:02 PM PT
Eight California-bred or California-sired 2-year-old fillies contest this six-furlong maiden sprint on the main track.
Pace Analysis
Violets Song and A Great Shaking should contest the early lead, with Tate Batz potentially pressing from the outside.
Key Contenders
Violets Song (3) is the morning line favorite for trainer Peter Miller. The Ricardo Gonzalez mount has shown promise in workouts and should be forwardly placed from the inside draw.
A Great Shaking (5) enters for trainer Ryan Hanson with Kazushi Kimura aboard. The filly has been well-supported in the betting and should factor.
Tate Batz (8) represents Doug O’Neill and Antonio Fresu. The barn has been hitting at 17% at the meet, and this filly could rally late.
Secondary Choices
Dottie Hinson (1) draws the rail for trainer Andy Mathis and could save ground throughout.
Scotlynn Rae (4) adds some interest from the Steve Knapp barn, which is hitting at 21% wins at the meet.
Longshots
Atina Liz (6) is re-entered after a prior scratch and could offer value.
Selections
Win: Violets Song
Place: A Great Shaking
Show: Tate Batz
Race 7 – Jimmy Durante Stakes (G3), 1 Mile Turf, $100,000
Post Time: 2:32 PM PT
Eleven 2-year-old fillies stretch out to a mile on turf in this Grade III stakes. The race features several runners with stakes experience and could serve as a preview for future classic performers.
Pace Analysis
Hypergamy has shown a front-running style and should contest the lead. Latte Luv also has tactical speed and could press. The presence of multiple early movers sets up a potential advantage for closers like Yours Sincerely and Just Aloof.
Key Contenders
Hypergamy (9) leads this field off a dominant maiden victory in gate-to-wire fashion. The Doug O’Neill trainee returns to stakes racing after finishing third by just over a length and a half in the Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf. The American Pharoah filly navigated wide to take the lead in the stretch in that race but was unable to hold on in the final moments. With Antonio Fresu back aboard, she’ll try to dictate terms. Her record of 4-1-1-1 with earnings of $64,500 shows consistency.
Yours Sincerely (8) gets another try after running fourth on this surface and distance in the GIII Surfer Girl Stakes. The Phil D’Amato trainee was blocked through the far turn last out and had to wait for room. A contested pace would benefit this closer, and Umberto Rispoli provides the guidance. The Cable Bay filly has shown she can handle traffic trouble and should be closing late.
Just Aloof (4) ships in for Chad Brown off a narrow debut victory at Aqueduct. The Justify filly won by the narrowest of margins but showed professionalism for a first-time starter. Hector Berrios picks up the mount, and Brown has won two of the last three editions of major Del Mar turf stakes. This is a serious contender making her second career start.
La Ville Lumiere (5) moves back to the grass for trainer Michael McCarthy off a third in the Oak Leaf (G2) and seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. The City of Light filly has proven she can handle turf and worked well on November 20 in preparation for this. Kazushi Kimura rides, and she was ranked Prime Power number one by several handicappers.
Secondary Choices
Latte Luv (1) broke her maiden on the grass in her last start in gate-to-wire fashion. Seven of the 11 winners of this stakes were last-out maiden winners. The Constitution filly set a legitimate pace under pressure, then kicked late with a respectable final quarter-mile in :24.10. Doug O’Neill saddles her with Mirco Demuro riding.
Special Wood (2) makes her U.S. debut for trainer Thomas Proctor. The French-bred arrives with two victories from France in July and August. John Velazquez takes the mount as she seeks a strong American debut.
Longshots
Sweet Little Lila (6) ran third in the Selima Stakes two back at Laurel for Brittany Russell and makes her West Coast debut.
Wild Like the West (10) could rally late for Richard Baltas with Juan Hernandez aboard.
Selections
Win: Hypergamy
Place: Yours Sincerely
Show: Just Aloof
Race 8 – Maiden Special Weight, 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt, $60,000 (Cal-Bred)
Post Time: 3:02 PM PT
Eight California-bred or California-sired 2-year-olds contest this 5 1/2-furlong maiden sprint.
Pace Analysis
Multiple runners have shown early speed, suggesting a contested pace scenario.
Key Contenders
Moonshiner (8) is the morning line favorite at 3-1 for trainer Vann Belvoir. The Kazushi Kimura mount has been working well and should be forwardly placed. Note that he’s on the veterinarian watch list and should be monitored.
Joker Went Wild (7) represents trainer Brian Koriner, who is hitting at 18% wins at the meet. Diego Herrera rides.
Monsieur Big (4) enters for trainer Tim Yakteen with John Velazquez picking up the mount. The Yakteen barn is at 18% wins at the meet.
Secondary Choices
Off the Bench (5) has shown some promise for trainer Angelo Tekos Jr.
Parnelli Jones (6) represents Mark Glatt and Abel Lezcano.
Selections
Win: Moonshiner
Place: Joker Went Wild
Show: Monsieur Big
Race 9 – Hollywood Derby (G1), 1 1/8 Miles Turf, $300,000
Post Time: 3:32 PM PT
The Grade I Hollywood Derby features eight 3-year-olds (after the scratch of Noble Confessor) going 1 1/8 miles on turf. This is the centerpiece of Saturday’s card and has attracted several of the top sophomore turf runners in training.
Pace Analysis
Maaz has shown the ability to set pace-pressing fractions and should be forwardly placed from the rail. Friendly Confines has tactical speed and could press. Test Score prefers to stalk and will be positioned mid-pack. The pace should be moderate to honest, potentially setting up a finish for horses with strong late kicks.
Key Contenders
Test Score (3) is the only Grade I winner in the field and deserves to be the favorite. The Graham Motion trainee has strung together an enviable career with only two off-the-board finishes in 11 races and earnings north of $1.4 million. He exits a solid win in last month’s GII Twilight Derby at Santa Anita over this same 1 1/8-mile distance. His final time ratings in his last six races have been 138, 150, 144, 152, 149, and 149, demonstrating remarkable consistency. Juan Hernandez rides.
Salamis (4) is the top alternative for trainer Chad Brown, who has won two of the last three editions of this race. The progressive Juddmonte homebred captured the Gio Ponti Stakes at Aqueduct in September and has shown improvement with each start. Up in distance this weekend, and that could be the key to potential improvement. Umberto Rispoli has the mount.
Maaz (1) is the value play at 5-1 for trainer Michael McCarthy. The French-bred was only narrowly denied on his previous start in the Twilight Derby, finishing second to Test Score. He likely needed that effort to get up to speed after moving from the United Kingdom. Should come on for that effort and could reverse the form from the rail, where he can save ground under Ricardo Gonzalez.
Tom’s Magic (8) rebounded last time out to take the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown in a narrow win going 1 1/2 miles. The Justify colt has been freshened since for trainer Michael Stidham but will need to sharpen considerably. Antonio Fresu rides.
Secondary Choices
Tempus Volat (7) is a recent Let It Ride Stakes victor for trainer Leonard Powell. The Not This Time colt favors the seaside turf course and has shown improvement. Mirco Demuro rides.
Friendly Confines (2) exits a solid third in stakes company and has tactical speed. The Baltas trainee could factor if he gets a good trip with Hector Berrios.
Longshots
Copp (6) represents Michael McCarthy at big odds. Some handicappers have identified him as a potential bomb, suggesting he could hit the board at 20-1.
Kokosan (5) makes his stakes debut for John Sadler and could surprise.
Selections
Win: Test Score
Place: Salamis
Show: Maaz
Race 10 – Allowance Optional Claiming, 7 Furlongs Dirt, $61,000
Post Time: 4:02 PM PT
A competitive allowance field goes seven furlongs on the main track in this penultimate race.
Pace Analysis
Madaket Road has shown the ability to set honest fractions and should be forwardly placed. Lawless World has early speed and could press. Comedy Town may also vie for the early lead.
Key Contenders
Madaket Road (7) is the class of the field for trainer Bob Baffert. Already proven at graded level, the Quality Road colt finished second in the Bob Hope Stakes in his debut and has hit the board in stakes company multiple times, including a second in the Rebel Stakes and third in the Florida Derby. He chased home top-class rivals in the Woody Stephens and Pat Day Mile. Juan Hernandez has the mount, and this is a significant class drop that should suit.
Mescalero (8) broke his maiden impressively for Richard Mandella and stretches out here. Umberto Rispoli picks up the mount, and the Mandella barn has been patient developing this 3-year-old. He worked well on November 26.
Tessuto (5) has Mike Smith aboard for trainer George Papaprodromou, who is hitting at 32% wins at the meet.
Secondary Choices
Comedy Town (10) has proven he can compete at this level with six career wins and $813,078 in earnings. The 7-year-old veteran could be a factor late with Hector Berrios.
Wayne the Brain (6) represents Mark Glatt with Antonio Fresu. The barn has been consistent throughout the meet.
Longshots
Speedy Wilson (1) and Lawless World (9) could offer value at longer odds.
Selections
Win: Madaket Road
Place: Mescalero
Show: Tessuto
Race 11 – Allowance Optional Claiming, 1 Mile Turf, $61,000
Post Time: 4:32 PM PT
A challenging one-mile turf allowance closes the card with a full field of 12 runners.
Pace Analysis
One of These Days has shown tactical speed and should be forwardly placed. Tariff and Lyle the Crocodile both prefer to stalk, while Hiding in Honduras (if he draws in) could rally late.
Key Contenders
Lyle The Crocodile (3) gets a favorable inside post for trainer Phil D’Amato. The Irish import has shown ability on this turf course and should be closing late. Kazushi Kimura rides.
Tariff (4) improved last out to finish fourth in a NW1X versus 3-year-olds. That race already produced two next-out winners. Now facing older, the Jeff Mullins trainee is getting better. Hector Berrios rides.
One of These Days (6) rallied strongly in his last two starts, winning twice at Santa Anita. The Victor Garcia trainee has tactical speed and could get a good trip under Juan Hernandez. When he fires, he is fast enough to win a NW1X.
Hiding in Honduras (10) is on the also-eligible list and could draw in pending scratches. The Jonathan Thomas trainee is a quick study and could offer value if he runs.
Secondary Choices
Final Edition (5) exits a maiden win and could improve second time out versus winners. The Vladimir Cerin trainee finished third twice at Santa Anita at longer distances.
Hotrocket (11) represents Michael McCarthy and Umberto Rispoli. The Irish-bred could rally late if he finds his best form.
Longshots
Dakota Country (12) has won three straight for Steve Sherman and could continue that streak.
Selections
Win: Lyle The Crocodile
Place: Tariff
Show: One of These Days
Jockey Notes and Insights
Umberto Rispoli leads the Del Mar fall meet jockey standings with 14 wins through Thursday (22% win rate, 51% in-the-money) and is locked in a tight battle with fellow Italians Antonio Fresu (13 wins, 19%) and Mirco Demuro (11 wins, 28%) for the riding title. With 29 races remaining to close out the meet, Rispoli will depart after Sunday for the Hong Kong International Jockeys’ Championship before returning.
Juan Hernandez, the four-time defending summer meet champion, has eight wins at the fall meet (16%) but is hitting 50% in-the-money. He has key mounts today including Stay Hot in the Seabiscuit, Test Score in the Hollywood Derby, and Madaket Road in Race 10.
Antonio Fresu (13 wins, 19%) has the mount on Hypergamy in the Jimmy Durante and continues to ride at a high level. His partnership with Italian riders has created a competitive dynamic at the meet.
Hector Berrios (9 wins, 18%, 54% ITM) has been consistent throughout and has key mounts today including El Potente in the Seabiscuit and Just Aloof in the Jimmy Durante. His 54% in-the-money rate leads all riders with significant starts.
John Velazquez (1 win, 39% ITM) has struggled to find the winner’s circle but has been hitting the board at a high rate. He picks up quality mounts today including Almendares in the Seabiscuit and Special Wood in the Jimmy Durante.
Trainer Notes and Insights
John Sadler leads all trainers with nine wins (33%) at the meet, followed by George Papaprodromou (9 wins, 32%) and Doug O’Neill (7 wins, 17%). Bob Baffert (6 wins, 24%, 60% ITM) remains dangerous with his stakes-quality runners.
Phil D’Amato (5 wins, 12%, 27% ITM) has been somewhat below his normal standards but has won this meet before and sends out several live runners today including Almendares in the Seabiscuit, Yours Sincerely in the Jimmy Durante, and Lyle The Crocodile in Race 11.
Graham Motion (0 wins, 20% ITM) sends out Test Score in the Hollywood Derby as his main chance for a graded stakes victory this weekend. The Maryland-based trainer brought a string for the Breeders’ Cup and kept several back for the Fall Turf Festival.
Peter Eurton (2 wins, 15%, 85% ITM) has been incredibly consistent with his horses hitting the board at a phenomenal rate. Stay Hot is his major runner today in the Seabiscuit.
Michael McCarthy (1 win, 32% ITM) has several chances today including Maaz and Copp in the Hollywood Derby, Hawaiian Moon and Lilo Lil in Race 3, and La Ville Lumiere in the Jimmy Durante.
Chad Brown (0 wins, 29% ITM) ships in Just Aloof for the Jimmy Durante and Salamis for the Hollywood Derby. Brown has won two of the last three editions of the Hollywood Derby.
Richard Mandella (2 wins, 37% ITM) saddles Ramayana in Race 3, Total Val in Race 3, Sumter in the Seabiscuit, and Mescalero in Race 10.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The day’s best opportunities center around several key races:
Race 3 presents a high-quality maiden field where multiple runners have legitimate chances. A horizontal wager using Surfin’ U. S. A., Ramayana, and Cherry Cider as key horses makes sense. Consider a $1 trifecta box with these three for $6 total.
Race 5 (Seabiscuit Handicap) offers value on Almendares at 5-1 morning line odds. His inside draw should allow him to save ground throughout, and he’s shown he can compete at this level. Consider a $10 win and place wager on Almendares with exacta boxes using Stay Hot and El Potente.
Race 7 (Jimmy Durante Stakes) features an interesting pace scenario. Latte Luv at 8-1 offers value as seven of the last 11 winners were last-out maiden winners. Consider a $20 win/place wager at 8-1 or better.
Race 9 (Hollywood Derby) provides a strong single in Test Score, but at short odds, he’s better used in vertical wagers. Key Test Score on top to Salamis and Maaz in exactas ($2 exacta Test Score over Salamis and Maaz = $4).
Race 10 features Madaket Road as a strong single at short odds given his significant class drop from graded stakes company.
Multi-Race Wager Suggestion: Consider a 50-cent Pick 4 (Races 8-11) using single plays in Races 9 and 10 (Test Score and Madaket Road) while spreading in Races 8 and 11 to manage cost.
Best Bet of the Day: Test Score in the Hollywood Derby. The Grade I winner is the class of the field and has proven his ability at this level consistently.
Value Play of the Day: Almendares in the Seabiscuit Handicap at 5-1 morning line. The inside draw and consistent form make him a strong overlay against the favorites.
