HORSE RACING

TODAY AT DEL MAR

By Richard Eng

Post Time 2 p.m.

Race 1 - 6 furlongs, Purse $51,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, 2-year-olds

Bench the Judge - Could have won both his starts except for trouble trips; clearly the one to beat in here.

Rapid Heat - FTS from that sire, Unusal Heat; must respect from Doug O'Neill barn watch the tote for clues.

Long Shot - Overhead

Race 2 - 6 furlongs, Purse $67,000, Optional claiming $100,000, 3-year-olds and up

Usurp - Chance to turn the tables on Paul's Hope; the most dangerous play in racing, lone early speed.

Paul's Hope - One less furlong will hurt his chances; when Hollendorfer gets them good, they stay good.

Long Shot - Big Bad Leroybrown

Race 3 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $20,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds and up

Jacob's Little Bro - Sliding down the claiming ladder to this new low level; should be grinding fast late.

Concerning Sutton - Even effort in last, chance to keep improving; John Sadler doesn't waste many live bullets.

Long Shot - Action in May

Race 4 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $16,000, Claiming $10,000, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up

Snow On Christmas - Dead late closer faces his easiest task in a while; Joe Talamo needs to move a hair sooner.

Kentucky Waltz - This race is devoid of runners; has back class in returning from a 13-month sabbatical.

Long Shot - Topper's Smiling

Race 5 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $20,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds and up

Journeyman - Speed is always dangerous, especially lone speed; David Flores plays catch me if you can.

Sovereign Fund - Neil Drysdale reject either wins today or its on to the fairs; need not be much to compete.

Long Shot - Domestic Brew

Race 6 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $30,000, Starter allowance $40,000, Fillies, 2-year-olds

Punctual - Powerful entry when one fast horse runs early, the other late; no shock if they run 1-2.

Sam's Special - Best chance to upset comes from the parking lot; Jeff Mullins takes the blinkers off today.

Long Shot - Hayley's Halo

Race 7 - 5 furlongs (turf), Purse $57,000, Optional claiming $25,000, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

Teamwork - Dead late closer is always at the mercy of pace; he clearly has the best closing kick in the field.

Trail Mix - Showed a new dimension in last when patient early and quick late; makes him that much more dangerous.

Long Shot - Going Forward

Race 8 - 6 furlongs, Purse $22,000, Maiden claiming $32,000, Fillies, 2-year-olds

Deputy Judy R N - Kathy Walsh has a tough uncoupled entry to beat; if Punctual wins race 6, look out here.

Meetyouatgrouion's - Would not be shocked to see Kathy Walsh run 1-2; slow starter debuts for new barn.

Long Shot - Chatty Lula

Best Bet - Journeyman (race 5)

Del Mar Wednesday - Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 17/5/$41.80; Long Shots, 9/2/$20.40; Best Bet, 1/0/$0

Del Mar Totals - 359/87/$622.00; Long Shots, 189/21/$243.00; Best Bets, 19/7/$29.20

SIMULCAST PICK OF THE DAY - #8 Tiny Woods (8/1) in race 9 at Saratoga. For scoring purposes, we'll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Wednesday, Unions Waters ran out at Saratoga. Stats - 124/96/$714.30