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Del Mar hosts an eight-race card today with first post at 12:30 PM PST. Weather conditions are expected to be partly sunny with temperatures reaching 70 degrees Fahrenheit, creating ideal racing conditions. The turf course rail is positioned at 30 feet for all grass races, which typically plays fair for all running styles. Track surfaces should be firm on turf and fast on dirt given the favorable weather pattern.
The leading riders at the current meet include Umberto Rispoli with a 20 percent win rate from 25 starts and Flavien Prat showing 13 percent from 24 mounts. Peter Miller continues his dominance as a leading trainer at Del Mar with consistent success across multiple meet titles.
Race 1: Maiden Special Weight Turf
California-bred fillies and mares travel five furlongs on turf in this maiden special weight opener. Della Terra draws the rail for trainer Mark Glatt and jockey Umberto Rispoli, giving this four-year-old filly the tactical advantage from the inside post. The combination of a leading jockey and favorable post position makes Della Terra the morning line favorite at 9-5.
Pavel’s Etoile represents trainer Antonio Garcia and draws post six. This three-year-old filly shows promise but faces outside draw complications in a sprint configuration. Tiger of the Sea makes her debut with equipment changes indicated on the card and ships from Brian Koriner’s barn. Apple Pie comes from the Neil Drysdale stable, a Hall of Fame trainer known for patient development of horses.
The pace scenario projects moderate with Della Terra likely showing early speed from the rail. Pavel’s Etoile could press from outside while Apple Pie rates off the tempo. Pure Chaos and Sally’s Wish round out the field as longshot possibilities in this competitive maiden heat.
Race 1 Selection: Della Terra to win, Pavel’s Etoile for second consideration.
Race 2: Starter Optional Claiming
The second race features older horses traveling one mile on dirt in a starter optional claiming configuration at the $50,000 level. Gun Runner Charlie cuts back in distance after recent races for trainer Peter Miller and draws the advantageous rail position with Antonio Fresu aboard.
Our Consigliere ships from Leonard Powell’s barn and shows tactical speed for the early positions. Keithing Thunder represents Brendan Galvin with Tyler Baze riding and brings questionable consistency into this spot. Toppers At Seaside stretches out in distance for Robert Hess Jr. and could find this one mile trip beyond optimal range.
Scatify and Spun Not Stirred complete the field with both showing marginal recent form. The pace should develop honestly with multiple horses capable of contesting early positions. Gun Runner Charlie’s class edge combined with the Miller barn and rail draw provides significant advantages.
Race 2 Selection: Gun Runner Charlie on top, Our Consigliere as backup selection.
Race 3: Two-Year-Old Filly Maiden
California-bred two-year-old fillies contest five furlongs on turf in this $60,000 maiden special weight event with a scheduled post time of 1:30 PM PT. The rail is positioned at 30 feet, which typically provides fair racing conditions for all running styles at Del Mar. This race attracted a field of 12 entrants with two also-eligible horses listed, making it the largest field on the card.
The opening odds board shows Marla Hooch as the 4-1 morning line favorite, followed by Vicky Lyn at 5-1, with Pronounce It and Stars Hollow both listed at 6-1. The Del Mar official handicapper selected Vicky Lyn on top, Danzing Daisy second, and Marla Hooch third, creating an interesting contrast with the betting public’s expectations.
Marla Hooch makes her career debut for trainer Philip D’Amato and jockey Antonio Fresu. The daughter of Om comes from Sadie Clare and draws post position two, providing tactical flexibility from an inside position. D’Amato has enjoyed abundant summer success in grass races at Del Mar, going 63-for-378 (17%) since 2018, establishing him as one of the track’s most successful turf trainers. However, his record with grass sprint first-time starters at Del Mar over the past five years stands at just 2-for-28 (7%), though expert analysis suggests Marla Hooch looks live at first asking despite these modest statistics.
The D’Amato barn started the 2025 Del Mar summer meet with authority, sweeping both stakes races on opening Saturday and demonstrating the stable’s current sharp form. D’Amato captured the 2023 summer training title at Del Mar with 21 victories from 134 starters (16%), edging Bob Baffert by a single winner. The trainer has been particularly effective with well-bred first-time starters throughout his career, having worked as a longtime assistant to Baffert before establishing his own successful operation.
Danzing Daisy represents trainer Patrick Maciariello and appears as an also-eligible entry with zero weight listed on the official race card. Irish handicapping services note that Danzing Daisy has shown promise with two placed efforts and could break through here in her third career start. The filly by Clubhouse Ride from Point Hope finished first in a field of eight runners on August 21, 2025 at Del Mar over this exact five furlong turf distance, defeating Adia by a margin. This previous course and distance victory provides significant form advantages over most rivals in the field.
Adia brings relevant recent experience having finished second over course and distance in her most recent start. The daughter of City of Light represents trainer Ryan Hanson and draws post position nine with Tyler Baze handling riding duties. Hanson shows a 0% win rate but 33% in-the-money percentage from three starters at the current Del Mar meet, indicating moderate form. Adia’s race on August 21, 2025 at Del Mar saw her finish second in a field of eight over this five furlong turf configuration, losing to a rival who returns in today’s field. The filly has recorded a recent workout of four furlongs in 49.80 seconds at Santa Anita on October 29, 2025, suggesting readiness for this return engagement. The outside post position presents tactical challenges in this large field but Baze’s experience should help navigate early positioning issues.
Vicky Lyn draws post position eight for trainer Brendan Galvin and jockey Kazushi Kimura. The official Del Mar handicapper installed Vicky Lyn as the top selection despite morning line odds of 5-1, suggesting hidden value based on works or breeding that may not be reflected in public betting patterns. Galvin shows limited statistics at the current meet, making Vicky Lyn’s chances dependent more on individual talent than trainer patterns.
Stars Hollow represents trainer Dan Blacker and jockey Armando Ayuso from post position three. The daughter of Clubhouse Ride comes from Point Hope and carries morning line odds of 6-1. Blacker shows a 0% win rate but 50% in-the-money percentage from four starters at the current meet, placing one runner for $62,820 in earnings. A recent handicapping analysis noted a Blacker trainee exiting a third-place finish over the Del Mar turf after reaching the front and tiring late, suggesting his juveniles show early speed but need development. The post position provides good tactical positioning for a stalking trip.
Pronounce It comes from the Simon Callaghan barn with Serafin Carmona riding from post four. The daughter of Listing represents quality connections with Callaghan maintaining consistent success at Del Mar throughout his career. Morning line odds of 6-1 suggest respect from oddsmakers despite her maiden status. The breeding by Listing from Frege indicates potential for turf aptitude given the sire’s grass success.
Libel Proof draws post five for trainer Jeff Bonde and jockey Armando Aguilar with morning line odds of 8-1. The daughter of Dialed In from Cynthiana brings breeding that could translate to turf effectiveness. Willow in the Wind opens from the rail for trainer Ruben Gomez and jockey Ricardo Jaime. The daughter of Graydar from Willow Switch represents a less prominent training operation but benefits from the advantageous rail position in sprint racing.
Mia Forza represents trainer Lorenzo Campuzano from post six with Ricardo Gonzalez aboard at morning line odds of 14-1. Up for the Hunt draws post seven for trainer Marcia Stortz with Cristobal Herrera riding. Atina Liz rounds out the main body of the field from post ten for trainer Edwin Alvarez with David Cohen handling riding duties.
The pace scenario projects moderate to honest with several horses showing potential early speed from their breeding and connections. Marla Hooch should show tactical speed from her inside post while maintaining enough reserve for the stretch run. Stars Hollow could press from post three while Pronounce It rates from the middle of the pack. Adia must overcome the outside post but brings proven tactical speed from her previous course and distance effort.
The turf course configuration with the rail at 30 feet typically plays fair to all running styles, though horses with tactical speed often hold advantages in five furlong sprints. The large field creates the possibility of traffic issues in the stretch, making post position and jockey skill critical factors. Tyler Baze on Adia brings veteran experience while Antonio Fresu on Marla Hooch provides tactical expertise from the D’Amato barn.
Key angles favor first-time starters from quality barns like D’Amato despite modest statistics, as individual talent often trumps statistical trends in maiden races. Horses with previous course and distance experience hold significant advantages, making Adia and Danzing Daisy particularly interesting despite longer odds. The contrast between the official handicapper’s selection of Vicky Lyn and the morning line favorite Marla Hooch creates betting value opportunities in exacta and trifecta combinations.
Wagering strategies should include vertical exotic play using Marla Hooch as a single in first position while spreading underneath with Adia, Vicky Lyn, Stars Hollow, and Pronounce It. The large field justifies trifecta and superfecta investments given potential for double-digit payouts. Win betting on Marla Hooch at projected odds around 4-1 or better provides fair value given the D’Amato barn’s current sharp form. Place and show betting on Adia offers safety plays given her proven course and distance credentials.
Alternative strategies include keying Vicky Lyn on top in exactas with multiple combinations underneath, respecting the official handicapper’s opinion against public sentiment. Boxing the top four choices in exactas provides coverage of multiple scenarios while maintaining reasonable ticket costs. Saver bets on Danzing Daisy if she draws into the main field offer significant value given her proven winning form over today’s configuration.
Race 3 Selection: Marla Hooch to win, Adia and Vicky Lyn for second and third in any order. Alternative selections include Stars Hollow and Pronounce It for deeper exotic play.
Race 4: Claiming Race
Eight older horses compete at the $10,000 claiming level traveling one mile on dirt. Petesoldfashioned brings consistent form for trainer Steve Knapp with Antonio Fresu aboard. The four-year-old gelding shows tactical speed and should secure good position early.
Resemblance represents the same Knapp barn and provides stable depth in this claiming heat. Mongolian Max and Prince Prancealot bring limited upside but fit the class level appropriately. Supermax ships from Jerry Hollendorfer with veteran handling and lifetime earnings suggesting capability at this reduced level.
Mala adds intrigue as a three-year-old facing older but shows equipment changes suggesting connections seek improvement. Crypto Ride and Bluegrass Go Go complete the field with both facing significant class questions. The pace projects moderate with several horses capable of stalking positions.
Race 4 Selection: Petesoldfashioned wins, Resemblance second choice, Supermax for third.
Race 5: Maiden Claiming Turf
Nine California-bred males travel one mile on turf in a maiden claiming event at the $50,000 level. P Town Prancer returns for Doug O’Neill following an eight-month layoff and makes his first start as a gelding. O’Neill won two maiden turf races last week at Del Mar and shows strong recent form with sprint-to-route turf runners.
Island Paradise comes from Leonard Powell’s barn with Diego Herrera riding and shows developing form patterns. Shapoval represents Jeff Mullins, a trainer showing 25 percent strike rate at the current meet. Water Tiger brings tactical speed for Dan Blacker and could control early fractions from favorable post position.
Crime Lord ships from the Peter Miller barn and provides significant class advantages given the trainer’s exceptional Del Mar statistics. Fight Back shows equipment changes and returns from Simon Callaghan seeking maiden breakthrough. Highplainsdrifter adds veteran presence as a five-year-old facing younger competition.
Race 5 Selection: P Town Prancer on top, Crime Lord strong second choice.
Race 6: Two-Year-Old Maiden Claiming
Nine juvenile males compete at the $32,000 maiden claiming level traveling one mile on dirt. Lee’s Baby Boy represents Doug O’Neill with Antonio Fresu handling riding duties. The O’Neill barn shows strong current form and this gelding draws favorable post position.
Union Secrets comes from Philip D’Amato with Diego Herrera aboard and brings solid breeding credentials. One Happy Dude represents Steve Knapp and shows developing speed figures from recent workouts. Closing Time adds intrigue with William Antongeorgi III riding for Steve Sherman.
Flashy Fritz ships from Steven Miyadi but shows scratched status on multiple recent entries. Trail Blaze provides backup option with developing form for George Lopez. The pace scenario suggests moderate tempo with several horses showing similar running styles.
Race 6 Selection: Lee’s Baby Boy to win, Union Secrets place consideration.
Race 7: Allowance Optional Claiming
Ten California-bred horses travel five furlongs on turf in an allowance optional claiming configuration. Andthehomeofthebrave finished in the exacta during three consecutive Del Mar turf sprints and drops in distance. The four-year-old gelding shows strong course and distance credentials.
Check’s On the Way brings tactical speed for Simon Callaghan with Umberto Rispoli riding. Titanic Thompson needs his speed to catch up to his size according to recent analysis and cuts back appropriately. Belly Up adds veteran presence with tactical versatility.
Grazed represents Peter Miller’s powerful barn with Rispoli handling riding duties despite also being named on another horse. Gold Council flew late in recent races and benefits from the shorter distance configuration. The pace projects honest with multiple speed horses engaged early.
Jaguar Jon and Midnite Musket provide depth with both showing tactical running styles. Please Focus shows re-entry status suggesting connections remain confident. The turf rail at 30 feet should accommodate multiple running styles in the stretch.
Race 7 Selection: Andthehomeofthebrave wins, Check’s On the Way and Gold Council underneath.
Race 8: Two-Year-Old Filly Maiden Claiming
Twelve California-bred juvenile fillies conclude the card traveling five and one-half furlongs on dirt at the $20,000 claiming level. The large field creates pace complications with multiple horses showing early speed. Starship Pacific represents Robert Hess Jr. with developing form patterns.
Imnotvanillasky comes from Mark Glatt’s barn and shows solid breeding credentials. E Z Reward ships from Edwin Alvarez seeking maiden breakthrough. Southern Anton adds intrigue with tactical speed for Tim McCanna.
Victoria’s Jewel shows equipment changes indicating connections seek improvement. Smokin Hot Chick and Lady K Westfall provide additional depth in a wide-open maiden heat. The pace scenario suggests honest tempo with several horses competing for early positions.
Race 8 Selection: Starship Pacific on top, Imnotvanillasky and E Z Reward underneath.
Jockey Notes and Insights
Umberto Rispoli leads the current Del Mar meet with five victories from 25 starts representing a 20 percent strike rate. The Italian rider excels on turf surfaces and shows strong partnership with multiple leading trainers. Rispoli has mounts in races one, seven, and eight today providing solid opportunities across the card.
Antonio Fresu brings solid credentials with multiple mounts for top trainers including Peter Miller and Doug O’Neill. Diego Herrera shows consistent placement percentages and handles difficult post positions effectively. Tyler Baze provides veteran presence with tactical versatility across multiple surface types.
Tiago Josue Pereira recently won aboard trained by Steve Knapp at Del Mar and shows improving form patterns. Armando Ayuso rides multiple races today including horses with tactical speed advantages. The jockey colony remains competitive with multiple riders capable of winning races throughout the card.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Peter Miller continues dominance at Del Mar with training titles during 2018, 2020, and 2021 summer meets. Miller shows 15 percent career win rate with particularly strong statistics on turf surfaces. The barn has multiple entries today including Gun Runner Charlie and Crime Lord providing solid betting opportunities.
Doug O’Neill shares Santa Anita training title with Miller and shows excellent recent form with turf runners. O’Neill won two maiden turf races last week at Del Mar demonstrating strong current form. The barn shows $3.20 return on investment with sprint-to-route turf horses over the past year.
Philip D’Amato brings solid Del Mar credentials with Marla Hooch and Union Secrets entered today. Simon Callaghan shows consistent placement with multiple entries across the card. Mark Glatt trains Della Terra in the opener and Imnotvanillasky later representing solid opportunities. Steve Knapp shows recent success with Tiago Pereira combination and trains multiple horses today.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The early Pick 4 spanning races one through four offers solid value opportunities with Della Terra anchoring the sequence. Gun Runner Charlie provides strong second leg confidence while race three remains wide open creating potential for significant payoffs. Petesoldfashioned closes the sequence with reliable form at the $10,000 claiming level.
Single race wagering should focus on Della Terra in race one with Pavel’s Etoile for exacta coverage. Gun Runner Charlie deserves win consideration in race two with Our Consigliere providing backup value. The late Pick 4 starting with race five offers intriguing possibilities with P Town Prancer and Doug O’Neill’s strong recent turf form.
Exacta and trifecta wagering in race seven provides opportunities with multiple legitimate contenders. Andthehomeofthebrave anchors exotic wagers while Check’s On the Way and Gold Council provide depth underneath. The final race remains wide open suggesting exacta box strategies with Starship Pacific, Imnotvanillasky, and E Z Reward.
Value plays include Crime Lord in race five given Peter Miller’s exceptional Del Mar statistics and the $50,000 maiden claiming level. P Town Prancer offers intriguing value returning from layoff for Doug O’Neill’s red-hot barn. Gold Council provides late race value in race seven given recent closing kick and distance reduction.
