RACE 1: 5-6
Gotta go with the probable favorite here and the horse I think will probably be on the early lead in 5-BRILLIANT RICHIE, who returned to conventional dirt 6 weeks ago in a big way, winning by 8 lengths at Pleasanton in gate to wire fashion. Yes ordinarily the class drop would be a red flag, however it’s Del Nar and I’m sure connections would love to get a win here, especially both Jonathan Wong and Jockey Abel Cedillo who have both struggled at the meet so far even though both are having very good years otherwise. There’s really not much in this race in the way of tough competition either. 6-Mason Dixon was my pick two weeks ago and disappointed as 5th Of 7 at 7-2 odds. No real excuse there but switches to Martin Garcia for first time. Using just BRILLIANT RICHIE in early Pick 5.
RACE 2: 7-1
7-SUPER BUNNY set the pace two back at today’s distance before faltering but gets Blinkers off today for Peter Miller, who is 26% last 81 starters. Miller having a very good Del Mar meet, 7 winners from 18 starters. 1-Y Not Sizzle has been third in all 4 career races. From the rail for 3rd time in career, should seek out a similar trip to her previous race almost two months ago. Going 3 deep in Pick 5 here with 1,2,7.
RACE 3: 7-1-4
While these first three races aren’t easy from a handicapping standpoint, they also don’t include many quality runners. 7-MESO was disappointing last out at Los Al but two bacon broke maiden in first and only dirt try around two turns, and did it easily. Sadler is 20% sprint to route and expecting jock Jorge Velez to set a similar trip to that maiden win. 1-Cash for Cass hasn’t been on conventional dirt since breaking maiden last December, was moved to Northern California and ran over Tapeta before coming back to Southern California and pilot on turf. 4-Chasing Moments broke maiden at Los Al last out and could be the pacesetter here. Her early speed makes her a strong contender alone, but I’m always hesitant about horses facing winners first time. Nonetheless she’s a must use in Pick 5 where I’m going 5 deep with 1,3,4,6,7.
RACE 4: 7-4-8
7-SNAPPISH has a pair of 4th’s to start career but adds Blinkers today for Leonard Powell and switches to Tiago Pereira. Was the beaten 5/2 favorite in last race but thinking he may get slightly overloooked today in the betting. 4-Chewing Gum is a FTS by Candy Ride for Richard Mandella, who is having a good meet so far and has Flavien Prat riding who is having a phenomenal meet so far. 8-Charlito was an almost 3/4 million dollar purchase last year as a two year old and is also trained by Mandella. With these 3 in Pick 5.
RACE 5: 4-6-7
4-MAGICALLY HONORED makes 2nd career start for Doug O’Neill, Who Wednesday had a stellar day with 5 winners on the 7 race card, 4 of them $15+ horses. Unfortunately ‘Magic’ won’t be that high, but should improve today with a race under her belt. Gets 7lb apprentice Jorge Velez today. 6-Clear To Close has a pair of 3rds in two career races and should be stalking the pace again today for the Cedillo/Wong combo, who have not hit together yet at Del Mar this Meet. Second time lasix but be wary of another small price today. That being said, the chalk has dominated the meet. 7-Fluent In Sarcasm is a FTS by Kantharos(17%) But seems like a bit of a red flag that was purchased for $65K In April, in for $32K today. Using these 3 for Pick 5.
RACE 6: 4-8-6
4-MS. PEINTOUR is making just her 2nd start in 2019, finishing 2nd last out at today’s level, which was a welcome class relief after ending 2018 with 3 unsuccessful tries at the graded stakes level. Trainer Brian Koriner has had a pretty good Del Mar meet so far, as well as jockey Joe Talamo. 8-Mirth has been second her last two races, including two back at today’s level. Just not trusting her here and also think she will be favored here off those runner up finishes. 6-Foxtail will try to take them gate to wire here and there’s a jock switch from Rosario to Bejarano. Ran 3rd behind Mirth her last start.
RACE 7: 6-3-10
6-FAST ENOUGH won by 3 1/4 lengths in debut and only race May 31, almost 9 lengths ahead of the 3rd place horse, who came back to win next out. Steady workout pattern since debut. 3-Big Returns won debut here 2 weeks ago by over 7 lengths as the 2-1 choice. 10-Pas Di Panique has ran well in both career start, breaking maiden last out at the end of the Santa Anita meet.
RACE 8: 1-3-7