Del Mar Racetrack – July 31, 2025: Track Overview & Headlines
Live racing returns to Del Mar Racetrack today with an 8-race card commencing at 2:00 PM. The summer meet continues to draw strong fields and prominent connections in the Southern California circuit. Fans are expected in large numbers as the racing action moves into the second week of the meet.
Weather & Track Conditions
Track officials report typical summer weather for Del Mar: partly sunny skies, light ocean breezes, and temperatures in the mid-70s are anticipated through the card. Track maintenance staff note the main dirt track and turf course are rated fast and firm, respectively, providing an excellent surface for competitive racing and fair results.
Trainer & Jockey Notes
Several leading trainers continue to make their presence felt at the meet. Richard Mandella and Bob Baffert each have strong entries sprinkled throughout the Thursday card, while John Sadler will saddle a pair of promising newcomers in maiden and allowance company. On the riding side, Del Mar stalwarts Juan Hernandez and Umberto Rispoli are named on multiple live mounts, with up-and-comers such as Antonio Fresu seeking to build on a fast start to the meet.
Race-by-Race Analysis & Picks
Race 1: Maiden Special Weight, 2-Year-Old Fillies, 5 Furlongs (Dirt)
The opener features a full gate of juveniles, several making their career debut for well-regarded barns. Richard Mandella’s filly, a daughter of Practical Joke, has posted notable morning workouts and should offer early speed. Bob Baffert sends out a $700,000 purchase who drew the rail and is expected to show intent out of the gate. Local tipsters lean towards the Mandella filly based on recent drills and pedigree.
- Top Pick: Mandella first-timer
- Contenders: Baffert debutante, Sadler’s Into Mischief filly
Race 2: Claiming $32,000, Fillies & Mares, 6 1/2 Furlongs (Dirt)
This sprint shapes up with plenty of early pace. A Peter Miller runner, switching back to dirt, will attract wagering support, but a Mark Glatt trainee coming off two sharp Santa Anita efforts may be the one to beat late. Note a recent dropper from the Robertino Diodoro barn; connections are looking for a confidence-boosting win at this lower level.
- Top Pick: Glatt’s late closer
- Value Play: Diodoro dropper
Race 3: Maiden Claiming $50,000, State-bred 3-Year-Olds & Up, 1 Mile (Turf)
The turf mile often produces upsets at Del Mar, and this field is no exception. A Phil D’Amato runner, dropping in from much tougher maiden special company, looks ready for an improved try at this level. The pace scenario appears tepid, possibly favoring a stalker from the Doug O’Neill stable.
- Top Pick: D’Amato first-time claimer
- Contenders: O’Neill stalker, Mike Puype’s well-drawn closer
Race 4: Allowance Optional Claiming $80,000, 3-Year-Old Fillies, 6 Furlongs (Dirt)
This tough sprint has drawn several multiple-time winners, with Baffert’s runner coming back off a layoff as the likely favorite. The main challenger appears to be a John Sadler filly stepping up off a blowout trial win. Rider changes and recent works suggest both are fit and ready.
- Top Pick: Baffert’s talented filly
- Contenders: Sadler’s improving sophomore
Race 5: Maiden Special Weight, 3-Year-Olds & Up, 1 Mile (Turf)
Often targeted by first-time grass runners from big barns, this race includes a Chad Brown shipper who debuts on the West Coast. A recent bullet workout hints at readiness. The Richard Baltas-trained runner, second off the layoff, has competitive Beyer Speed Figures and offers an alternative for longer odds bettors.
- Top Pick: Brown’s turf debutante
- Contenders: Baltas-Fresu combo, Mandella second-timer
Race 6: Claiming $25,000, 3-Year-Olds & Up, 5 1/2 Furlongs (Dirt)
A competitive claiming sprint with a well-matched group. Peter Miller’s gelding drops from allowance competition and has the early zip needed at Del Mar. Prat rides an off-the-pace type who may benefit if the leaders overdo it early. Local experts note the rail post’s solid win rate in these short dashes through the meet so far.
- Top Pick: Miller’s class dropper
- Contenders: Prat’s closer, high-percentage rail horse
Race 7: Feature – Allowance Optional Claiming $100,000, 4-Year-Olds & Up, 1 1/16 Miles (Turf)
The feature brings together accomplished older runners. Umberto Rispoli pilots a horse coming off a strong fourth in a graded stakes and should be well-placed from his inside draw. Mandella’s multiple stakes winner returns to the course where he is unbeaten in two prior starts. Mike Smith teams up with an East Coast invader who could offer value if there is a pace meltdown.
- Top Pick: Mandella’s course specialist
- Contenders: Rispoli’s stakes performer, Smith’s closer
Race 8: Maiden Claiming $40,000, Fillies & Mares, 6 Furlongs (Dirt)
Closing the card is an evenly-matched group of winless fillies. The outside post is drawn by a filly making her first start for the Glatt barn (off a sharp worktab), which usually means business. Two others with prior runner-up finishes over the surface are logical threats, but the Glatt newcomer gets a slight edge for top honors.
- Top Pick: Glatt’s first-time starter
- Contenders: Consistent runner-up, O’Neill filly
Today’s Betting Focus & Notable Track Buzz
Special attention is on the 5th race, with multiple public handicappers and analysts making it their ‘Play of the Day’ selection, centering on the Chad Brown West Coast shipper making a highly-anticipated turf debut. The stakes-level allowance in Race 7 projects strong handle and is expected to become a key summer meet form reference moving forward. Overall, full fields and competitive matchups suggest value opportunities throughout the Thursday card.
