HORSE RACING

TODAY AT DEL MAR

By Richard Eng

Post Time 2 p.m.

Race 1 - 6 furlongs, Purse $54,000, Optional claiming $80,000, Fillies, 2-year-olds

Cathy's Crunches - She is 2-for-2 wins and has a high ceiling; private purchase from Calder takes the next step up.

Swiss Wild Cat - Beat 2 of these in the CTBA stakes in a weak field; she appears the best of the rest in here.

Long Shot - Gone Rebel

Race 2 - 6 furlongs, Purse $24,000, Maiden claiming $40,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Miss Picaboo - Set a fast pace in last before tiring late; she drops in class for a price tag and is capable of better.

Primed - Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; like that Rafael Bejarano is back.

Long Shot - Lutess

Race 3 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $18,000, Claiming $10,000, 4-year-olds and up

Cajun Gent - Was overmatched in last when run for $32K after being claimed for $16K; this is a much easier spot.

Conga Rock - The team of Cash Asmussen and Tony McNeil won a nice race last week; will be closing fast late.

Long Shot - De Car Guy

Race 4 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $32,000, Maiden claiming $62,500, 2-year-olds

American Wildcat - Ran a better than looked race in last; that was a tough field, a fast race, this is much easier.

Real Heart - Another taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; chance with logical improvement.

Long Shot - Winning Desire

Race 5 - 1 mile, Purse $57,000, Optional claiming $25,000, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

North Fork - Like the fact he's won 4-times facing NW1X condition; he's also outstanding at the one mile distance.

Cee's Pryme - Taking the biggest class rise in racing facing winners for the first time; showed a lot of potential.

Long Shot - Sammy's a Runnin'

Race 6 - 5 furlongs (turf), $75,000 Green Flash Handicap, 3-year-olds and up

California Flag - Won this stakes last year off a long layoff; if he's ready to go, he's clearly the one to beat.

My Summer Slew - Has now won 3-of-4 on turf, all in sprints; can benefit from a sizzling speed duel.

Long Shot - Cost of Freedom

Race 7 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $59,000, Optional claiming $62,500, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Fund Raiser - Bob Baffert has an uncoupled entry so caveat emptor; logical chalk in a very difficult heat.

Royal Taat - Dead late closer runs for a price tag tonight; like that Corey Nakatani is starting to heat up.

Long Shot - Precious Union

Race 8 - 1 mile (turf), Purse $52,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

Sammartino - Like the rider switch to P Val; sprinter stretching out figures to be forwardly placed throughout.

Minister d'Oro - Just missed in last in a gutty effort; like the turn back in distance, Rafael Bejarano remains loyal.

Long Shot - Mediterrano

Best Bet - Cathy's Crunches (race 1)

Del Mar Sunday - Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 17/8/$58.60; Long Shots, 8/1/$8.60; Best Bet, 1/1/$3.00

Del Mar Totals - 335/83/$563.20; Long Shots, 165/21/$230.40; Best Bets, 20/8/$38.40

SIMULCAST PICK OF THE DAY - #12 Zaffer (5/2) in race 10 at Calder. For scoring purposes, we'll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Sunday, West Ocean ran second at Monmouth Park paying $2.20 to place and $2.10 to show. Stats - 149/105/$800.50