Horse Racing, Del Mar, July 18

By Richard Eng

Post Time 2 p.m.

Race 1 – 1 1/16th miles, Purse $25,000, Maiden claiming $20,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

6 It’s Candy Time – Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; her back races are fast enough to crush these.

4 Wildakceleraton – Has a 9-race resume but finished second 6-times; clearlly runs fast enough to be a part of the number.

Long Shot – 2 Freckles Galore

Race 2 – 5 furlongs (turf), Purse $71,000, Optional claiming $40,000, 3-year-olds and up

7 Lakerville – Just missed in last or he would be a perfect 3-for-3 in turf sprints; logical chalk and the one to beat.

2 Got Even – Scratched into the rail in this turf sprint; simple tactics of go as fast and as far as he can.

Long Shot – 6 Kingpin Ryno

Race 3 – 1 1/16th miles, Purse $28,000, Claiming $12,500, 3-year-olds and up

5 Celestic Night – Has a 2-for-4 win record at Del Mar; horses for courses is a profitable angle down here at Del Mar.

8 Fire Break – Tepid chalk is sliding down the claiming ladder to this career low class; may wake up in this very soft spot.

Long Shot – 7 Big Wags

Race 4 – 1 1/16th miles (turf), Purse $40,000, Claiming $32,000, 3-year-olds and up

9 Saratoga Yankee – Taking a big class drop to the lowest class of his life; owners want to win races at Del Mar, and will drop to do it.

6 Let’s Do It – Draw a line thru the miserable marathon race in last; was claimed for this spot and he definitely fits.

Long Shot – 1 Lamm

Race 5 – 5 furlongs, Purse $70,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, 2-year-olds

11 Winninrulz – Was well bet in debut then didn’t run a step for Joel Rosario; suspect he could improve a lot in second career start.

3 Money Makin Sam – Second best in a well bet debut; like that Rafael Bejarano remains loyal to the cause for Doug O’Neill.

Long Shot – 7 Fighting Hussar

Race 6 – 1 mile (turf), $100,000 Oceanside (1st division), 3-year-olds

8 Blingo – Was overmatched in the Affirmed in last; he’s won both his grass starts and that appears to be where his future lies.

1 Koast – Good speed from the rail on the stretch out in distance; Julien Leparoux likes to take back so tactics will matter.

Long Shot – 6 Boat Trip

Race 7 – 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $28,000, Claiming $12,500, 3-year-olds and up

8 Valkyrie Missile – Has won 3 in a row and has a good resume at Del Mar; was claimed by Michael Pender clearly to run well down here.

Maximus Ruler – He is one of the first day ship and win horses; expect this category to be live as were the horses last summer.

Long Shot – 11 Private Bounty

Race 8 – 1 mile, Purse $71,000, Optional claiming $25,000, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

5 Killer Bear – Claimed by Jeff Mullins who figures to try and have a big Del Mar meet; he has been quiet on the circuit for too long.

12 Gatheratthealter – Even the Bob Baffert culls are running well; this one has been productive for the Live Your Dream Stable.

Long Shot – 2 Low Gear Power

Race 9 – 1 mile (turf), $100,000 Oceanside (2nd division), 3-year-olds

9 Holy Candy – Tries turf for the first time; John Sadler still believes in this colt, it’s time now for this Candy Ride to start producing.

4 Old Time Hockey – Has worked his way thru the conditions where he’s ready for a first level stakes; Julien Leparoux out for the ride.

Long Shot – 7 Stoney Fleece

Race 10 – 6 furlongs, Purse $32,000, Maiden claiming $40,000, Cal-breds, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

13 Not Kidding Around – Would not be shocked if the pick 6 carries over to Thursday; big class drop from MSW to maiden claiming.

6 Fly to Freedom – Ran very well in debut, then stumbled facing tougher MSW in last; big rider switch to Alonso Quinonez for the money shot.

Long Shot – 11 War Excess

Best Bet – 6 It’s Candy Time (race 1)

Betfair Hollywood Park Sunday – Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 19/6/$23.00; Long Shots, 10/3/$27.00; Best Bet, 1/1/$3.80

Betfair Hollywood Park Final Totals – 840/228/$1,378.40; Long Shots, 419/61/$623.00; Best Bets, 43/18/$67.60

SIMULCAST PLAY OF THE DAY – #3 Lucky Lady Lawyer (3/1) in race 7 at Delaware Park. For scoring purposes, we’ll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Sunday, Sylvestris ran third at Belmont Park paying 42.80 to show. Stats – 108/75/$624.70; Follow him on Twitter: @richeng4propick