Horse Racing: Today at Del Mar, August 14

Post Time 4 p.m.

Race 1 – 1 1/16th miles, Purse $22,000, Claiming $16,000, 3-year-olds and up

2 Pefiolo – Claimed two races ago by trainer Richard Baltas; was a beaten favorite in last, strictly second best.

4 Doyouknowsomething – Chance to contest the early pace coming out of a sprint in last; has plenty of 2-turn route experience at Santa Anita Park.

Long Shot – 5 Warren’s Wesley

Race 2 – 1 mile, Purse $40,000, Starter allowance $40,000, 3-year-olds and up

1 Derby Glass – I like the rail post in a 2-turn mile on dirt or turf; the first turn comes up so quick it’s an advantage to save all of that ground.

6 Hot Lightning – Victor Espinoza has been making so many appearances, it must be hard to stay grounded; he’ll have a big test in two weeks in the Travers.

Long Shot – 2 Brimstoned

Race 3 – 1 mile (turf, rail at 12 feet), $80,000 Sandy Blue Handicap, Fillies, 3-year-olds

6 Spirit of Xian – Chance to be lone early speed with the turf rail out 12 feet; Joe Talamo should send and sit and not think twice about it.

4 Curlin’s Fox – Her only losses have come in stakes so she has kept good company; Mike Smith should have a chip on his shoulder after the Liam’s Map Whitney loss.

Long Shot – 2 Princess Charm

Race 4 – 6 furlongs, Purse $70,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, 2-year-olds

2 Carlos Dangerous – There really isn’t much difference between a $50K price tag and Cal-bred MSW; will have controlling speed to lead or sit a cozy stalking trip.

12 Captain Akers – Most overcome a parking lot post as the morning line chalk; has run four consistent races but hasn’t shown much forward movement yet.

Long Shot – 9 Scatastic

Race 5 – 1 mile (turf, rail at 12 feet), Purse $70,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

5 Lily Kai – Tiny edge in what be the hardest race on the card; big rider switch to Rafael Bejarano for the money shot.

10 Ticaboo – Difference like night and day switching from dirt to grass; her speed figures have moved way up and she has run two very good seconds.

Long Shot – 2 Peggy Sue’s Loose

Race 6 – 6 furlongs, Purse $40,000, Claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds

5 Pat the Bear – Sliding down the claiming ladder to this career low level; has shown in and out tendency but this is a time where he needs to be in.

8 Bandido Too – Taking a huge class drop for trainer Tim Yakteen; you know he’s serious as he retains Rafael Bejarano who wants to win the riding title.

Long Shot – 2 Ain’t Misbehavin

Race 7 – 1 3/8th miles (turf, rail at 12 feet0, Purse $75,000, Optional claiming $62,500, 3-year-olds and up

6 Texas Ryano – This colt has a lot of talent but it hasn’t quite bubbled up to the surface yet; Carla Gaines tries blinkers on to try and boost his confidence.

5 Awesome Return – This Cal-bred has earned $411K the hard way with a lot of good races; Mike Smith suits him well to sit chilly and make one big brush.

Long Shot – 1 Wanstead Gardens

Race 8 – 6 furlongs, Purse $26,000, Maiden claiming $30,000, 3-year-olds and up

4 Papa’s Playboy – Is bumped up in class after two improving seconds in a row; this is far from a difficult group so a repeat race can beat these.

3 Southern Loyalty – Draw a line thru the turf sprint last time out; ship and win candidate has some good back class speed figures to run back to.

Long Shot – 11 I’ll Play My Hand

Best Bet - 6 Spirit of Xian (race 3)

Del Mar Thursday - Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 15/4/$24.60; Long Shots, 8/0/$0; Best Bet, 1/1/$5.60

Del Mar Totals - 355/80/$546.20; Long Shots, 174/24/$297.60; Best Bets, 20/8/$33.20

SIMULCAST PLAY OF THE DAY - #1 Consumer Credit (7/2) in race 9 at Saratoga. For scoring purposes, we'll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Thursday, Elroi ran out at Saratoga. Stats - 117/81/$624.60; Follow him on Twitter: @richeng4propick