Horse Racing, Del Mar, July 22

Today at Del Mar

Post Time 2:05 p.m.

Race 1 – 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $25,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds and up

3 Valen – Sliding down the maiden claiming ladder to this career low class; been away 10-months, but returns facing a moribund group.

7 Idontrollonshabbos – Another returning from a long layoff, this one is 8-months; showed good early speed last time out.

Long Shot – 2 Hey Paulie

Race 2 – 6 furlongs, Purse $40,000, Starter allowance $40,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

5 Brilliant Melody – Clever claim by Doug O’Neill off of her maiden win; like the fact that he protects her today.

2 Always a Chance – Just missed last time in a gritty effort; has enough speed to protect her inside post position.

Long Shot – 6 Granny Calling

Race 3 – 1 1/16th miles (turf), $100,000 California Dreamin’ Handicap, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

2 Holladay Road – Julio Canani always points his barn to the Del Mar meet; this one’s been rested since late April for this spot.

3 Norvsky – Logical chalk off his good races in open company; this is easier, but far from a slam dunk.

Long Shot – 4 Liberian Freighter

Race 4 – 6 furlongs, Purse $50,000, Claiming $40,000, 3-year-olds and up

5 Stacy’s Hope – Claimed by John Sadler last time; he has plenty of back class to win today in a very contentious heat.

10 Luckarack – Big run last time at this same class; he has much back class too, parking lot post to clock the early speed.

Long Shot – 8 Drift King

Race 5 – 1 mile (turf), Purse $50,000, Claiming $40,000, 4-year-olds and up

4 Smokey Lonesome – Solid turf resume and the subtle class drop can only help; tactical speed to sit wherever Joe Talamo wants.

5 Quail Hill – Claimed last out by Robertino Diodoro; has early speed and that has been doing very well in turf routes.

Long Shot – 10 Gatheratthealter

Race 6 – 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $70,000, Maiden special weights, Fillies, 2-year-olds

2 Wild One – Bob Baffert has a bunch in today so see how many times he walks to the winner’s circle; a $625K FTS by War Front.

9 Beholder – Was left in the wake of Executiveprivilege in debut; Richard Mandella babies really improve with experience.

Long Shot – 11 Rhodium

Race 7 – 1 1/16th miles, Purse $71,000, Optional claiming $40,000, 3-year-olds and up

2 Brigand – Bob Baffert colt figures to show high cheese from the start; sprinter stretching out will open a clear lead.

9 Shaun Washington – Lost last time to a Bob Baffert layoff horse; the key was Take Control had been away more than 2 1/2 years.

Long Shot – 8 Jaycito

Race 8 – 1 mile (turf), $150,000 Ssn Clemente Handicap, Fillies, 3-year-olds

4 Eden’s Moon – Bob Baffert puts her on turf for the first time; she has early speed and that has done very well in turf routes.

5 Byrama – Is a perfect 8-for-8 in the money on turf; explosive rally in sprints, more of a grinder in turf routes.

Long Shot -8 Indigo River

Race 9 – 6 furlongs, Purse $70,000, Maiden special weights, 3-year-olds and up

1 Bernster – The return of Martin Garcia to the Bob Baffert barn; give them a break, even married couples have arguments sometimes.

9 The Brain – Bob Baffert has an uncoupled entry so caveat emptor; don’t expect them to duel, this colt will likely take back.

Long Shot – 8 Tiznow Or Then

Best Bet – 1 Bernster (race 9)

Del Mar Saturday – Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 19/6/$26.20; Long Shots, 9/1/$8.80; Best Bet, 1/1/$4.40

Del Mar Totals – 69/15/$91.40; Long Shots, 35/4/$32.00; Best Bets, 4/2/$8.60

SIMULCAST PLAY OF THE DAY – #1 Paper Plane (5/2) in race 1 at Saratoga. For scoring purposes, we’ll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Saturday, Shrewd One won at Belmont Park paying $8.50 to win, $4.30 to place and $3.40 to show. Stats – 111/77/$656.10; Follow him on Twitter: @richeng4propick