Today at Del Mar, we’ve got a series of intense races ranging from Maiden Claiming to high-stakes Allowance and Stakes. Here’s the breakdown of each race and the top picks, offering an inside edge for bettors and enthusiasts alike.
Race 1: Maiden Claiming – 1 Mile (Dirt) – $35,000
Post Time: 3:30 PM
Top Pick: (4) Navajo Warrior at 7-2 with S. Carmona leading. This horse has shown potential in recent races and looks ready for a breakthrough.
Other Contenders: (2) Daddy Justify at 3-1 and (3) Mongolian Max at 4-1 round out the trifecta selections.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 4/2/3
- Trifecta Box: 4/2/3/6
Race 2: Allowance Optional Claiming – 5 Furlongs (Turf) – $55,000
Post Time: 4:01 PM
Top Pick: (2) News At Ten at 7-2 with jockey J.J. Hernandez, known for his consistency in short turf sprints.
Other Contenders: (6) Oscar Joy at 5-1 and (5) Seismic Spirit at 8-1 offer value in exacta plays.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 2/6/5
- Trifecta Box: 2/6/5/4
Race 3: Maiden Special Weight – 6 Furlongs (Dirt) – $54,000
Post Time: 4:32 PM
Top Pick: (2) Zoe’s Candy at 3-1, with an impressive record and strong recent performances by jockey E. Payeras.
Other Contenders: (1) Going Deep at 4-5 is a top competitor, with (4) Daddygaveittome at 12-1 potentially adding an upset element.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 2/1/4
- Trifecta Box: 2/1/4/3
Race 4: Maiden Special Weight – 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) – $54,000
Post Time: 5:04 PM
Top Pick: (1) Holly Goquickly at 8-1 with J.J. Hernandez, showing potential on turf.
Other Contenders: (2) Sophisticate at 5-2 and (4) Cailin Dana at 8-1 have proven consistency in this distance.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 1/2/4
- Trifecta Box: 1/2/4/3
Race 5: Allowance Optional Claiming – 1 Mile (Dirt) – $55,000
Post Time: 5:35 PM
Top Pick: (5) Druidic at 8-1 could surprise, led by jockey E. Garcia.
Other Contenders: (2) Speed Grazy at 9-5 and (6) Spiritual Advisor at 5-2 provide balance in exacta bets.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 5/2/6
- Trifecta Box: 5/2/6/1
Race 6: Maiden Special Weight – 1 Mile (Turf) – $54,000
Post Time: 6:05 PM
Top Pick: (4) Broski at 4-1 with jockey F. Prat, showing improvement in each start.
Other Contenders: (9) Comininalittlehot at 15-1 adds value, while (7) Curvino at 3-1 rounds out the trifecta.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 4/9/7
- Trifecta Box: 4/9/7/5
Race 7: Starter Optional Claiming – 6 1/2 Furlongs (Dirt) – $31,000
Post Time: 6:35 PM
Top Pick: (6) Mischelof at 12-1 offers potential for an upset with S. Carmona aboard.
Other Contenders: (4) Fifth Street at 6-1 and (2) Hondo Crouch at 5-1 are solid place bets.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 6/4/2
- Trifecta Box: 6/4/2/3
Race 8: Stakes – 1 Mile (Turf) – $100,000
Post Time: 7:05 PM
Top Pick: (10) King of Gosford at 5-2 stands out, with F. Prat on board for this stakes challenge.
Other Contenders: (9) British Isles at 12-1 and (7) Take Me To Church at 3-1 are strong place options.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 10/9/7
- Trifecta Box: 10/9/7/3
Race 9: Claiming – 6 1/2 Furlongs (Dirt) – $20,000
Post Time: 7:35 PM
Top Pick: (7) Bonus Tornado at 20-1 with E. Payeras, offering value to close out the day.
Other Contenders: (6) Letshaveonemore at 15-1 and (4) Rogue Son at 2-1 add depth to exacta and trifecta bets.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 7/6/4
- Trifecta Box: 7/6/4/3
Final Thoughts
Today’s card at Del Mar presents several promising contenders and a few under-the-radar opportunities. With some favorites mixed in and valuable long shots, there's potential for strong returns.
