Today’s Del Mar Betting Guide: Friday, August 16th, 2024 Races

Welcome to another exciting day of racing at Del Mar! As we dive into today's card, we have a variety of races to analyze, from maiden special weights to high-stakes events. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just getting started, this guide will help you make informed wagers with the help of today's Raymond Track Report. Let’s break down the top picks and betting strategies for each race.

Race 1: Maiden Special Weight ($75,000)

• Distance: 1 1/16 Miles on the Turf
• Top Picks:
• Win: (5) Last Elizabethan (4-1) – With jockey A. Fresu, who has a 32% win rate, this horse is a strong contender.
• Place: (3) Nothing Is Forever (5-1) – K. Frey’s mount offers a solid place bet.
• Show: (1) Hollywood Penny (6-1) – J. Laprida aboard, this horse could surprise with a top-three finish.
• Exacta Box: 5/3, 3/1, 1/2
• Trifecta Box: 5/3/1, 2/3/1

Insights: Last Elizabethan is the top pick for this maiden special weight, with a good chance of winning. Pairing it with Nothing Is Forever in an exacta could yield a nice return.

Race 2: Claiming ($22,500)

• Distance: 1 Mile on the Dirt
• Top Picks:
• Win: (2) Cupid's Crusader (10-1) – A strong contender with jockey U. Rispoli, boasting a 43% win rate.
• Place: (7) Pass the Baton (3-1) – A solid place bet with A. Fresu aboard.
• Show: (6) Frost Alert (2-1) – A consistent performer expected to show.
• Exacta Box: 2/7, 7/6, 6/4
• Trifecta Box: 2/7/6, 4/7/6

Insights: Cupid's Crusader offers value at 10-1, and combining it with the more favored Pass the Baton in an exacta could be a smart move.

Race 3: Maiden Claiming ($50,000)

• Distance: 5 1/2 Furlongs on the Dirt
• Top Picks:
• Win: (7) Recycleyourheart (2-1) – With R. Gutierrez in the saddle, this horse is favored to win.
• Place: (8) Buds N Suds (8-1) – A good place bet at longer odds.
• Show: (1) Apple Valley Girl (3-1) – A safe bet for a top-three finish.
• Exacta Box: 7/8, 8/1, 1/5
• Trifecta Box: 7/8/1, 5/8/1

Insights: Recycleyourheart is the top pick in this race, with Apple Valley Girl as a strong contender for the show. The exacta and trifecta boxes could provide good payouts.

Race 7: Stakes Race ($100,000)

• Distance: 1 3/8 Miles on the Turf
• Top Picks:
• Win: (4) Duvet Day (4-1) – J.J. Hernandez is on a hot streak, making Duvet Day the top pick.
• Place: (1) Sunset Glory (5-1) – With U. Rispoli aboard, this horse has a strong chance of placing.
• Show: (5) Federalist Papers (15-1) – A long shot that could offer a high return if it shows.
• Exacta Box: 4/1, 1/5, 5/8
• Trifecta Box: 4/1/5, 8/1/5

Insights: Duvet Day is the horse to beat, with Sunset Glory offering value for a place bet. Federalist Papers is a risky but potentially rewarding pick for a show.

Race 8: Claiming ($14,000)

• Distance: 6 1/2 Furlongs on the Dirt
• Top Picks:
• Win: (7) Shashashakemeup (6-1) – A. Fresu’s mount could take the win in this competitive claiming race.
• Place: (9) Piper's Causeway (8-1) – A good value bet for a place finish.
• Show: (3) Sunrise Journey (7-2) – A consistent performer, expected to finish in the top three.
• Exacta Box: 7/9, 9/3, 3/6
• Trifecta Box: 7/9/3, 6/9/3

Insights: Shashashakemeup offers solid value, and pairing it with Piper's Causeway in an exacta could be a smart play. Sunrise Journey is a safe show bet to round out your trifecta.

Final Thoughts

Today’s card at Del Mar offers a mix of potential upsets and strong favorites. Whether you’re looking for a safe bet or hoping to hit it big with a long shot, there’s something for every bettor. Remember to wager responsibly and enjoy the excitement of the races. Good luck, and may your bets bring you big wins!