HORSE RACING

TODAY AT DEL MAR

By Richard Eng

Post Time 2 p.m.

Race 1 - 1 mile, Purse $18,000, Claiming $10,000, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

Zee Topper - Dead late closer should adopt well to the Polytrack; note that his two Cushion track races at Hollywood are good.

Neon Princess - Third start off a 1-year hiatus; speedball is stretching out around 2-turns, figures to cut the early pace.

Long Shot - Andover the Cash

Race 2 - 1 mile, Purse $26,000, Maiden claiming $40,000, 3-year-olds and up

Scottish Diamond - Arlington shipper has improved since racing over that Polytrack; going 2-turns, will be forwardly placed.

James The Third - Dead late closer has had 15 chances, which dampens my enthusiasm; still, the class drop will help a lot.

Long Shot - Blake's Passion

Race 3 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $18,000, Claiming $10,000, 4-year-olds and up

Fly Forrest Fly - Huge drop down from Knapp is his MO for winning a lot of races; tactical speed to be forwardly placed.

Hit It Skip - Dead late closer will be far behind early on; Rosario is a good looking rider, so don't let him concern you.

Long Shot - Storm Ultra

Race 4 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $44,000, Maiden claiming $100,000, Fillies, 2-year-olds

Hi Lily Hi Lo - Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to claiming; Harrington adding blinkers on and keeps Talamo.

Princess Susan M - Another dropping from MSW to claiming; she is exiting a very strong MSW field, which should flatter her.

Long Shot - Queen Holly

Race 5 - 6 furlongs, Purse $23,000, Claiming $16,000, Fillies, 3-year-olds

Swiss Blend - O'Neill looking to get off to a fast start with this drop down giveaway; third start off a 2-month sabbatical.

Company Secret - New bugboy Quinonez gets a live mount here from the Carava barn; her race two back is fast enough to upset.

Long Shot - Runaway Winner

Race 6 - 5 furlongs (turf), Purse $59,000, Optional claiming $25,000, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

Spoils of Excess - Failed as the chalk last time, he could rebound at a square price; expect Solis to sit back and make one run.

Acquire the Fire - Third start off a 6-month hiatus; gets class relief off a minor NoCal stakes to face these, be wary of.

Long Shot - Dr. Sinatra

Race 7 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $75,000, Optional claiming $100,000, 3-year-olds and up

Cimyla - Was way overmatched in the Mervyn LeRoy, he's not overmatched today; should have had enough time to acclimate.

To Sender - Frankel charge has been away 7-months; they have always though highly of him, though he hasn't quite delivered.

Long Shot - Wanna Runner

Race 8 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $23,000, Maiden claiming $32,000, 2-year-olds

Mix - Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to claiming; Miller taking the blinkers off, parking lot post is OK.

Transvaal Scottish - Tepid chalk although most of the FTS are of questionable quality; was favored the last time he raced.

Long Shot - Tough Contender

Best Bet - Hi Lily Hi Lo (race 4)

Del Mar Wednesday - Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 17/4/$27.40; Long Shots, 9/1/$7.00; Best Bet, 1/1/$5.60

Del Mar Totals - 17/4/$27.40; Long Shots, 9/1/$7.00; Best Bets, 1/1/$5.60