Horse Racing, Del Mar, July 18
Today at Del Mar
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