HORSE RACING

TODAY AT DEL MAR

By Richard Eng

Post Time 2 p.m.

Race 1 - 1 1/16th miles (turf, rail at 7 feet), Purse $51,000, Claiming $50,000, 4-year-olds and up

Mananan McLir - When Mitchell gets them good, they usually stay good for a while; deep closer should see a fast pace to chase.

Seeking Answers - Nakatani has been riding as hard as he ever has in a long time; he's one jockey not afraid to save ground.

Long Shot - Ring of Friendship

Race 2 - 1 mile, Purse $75,000, Optional claiming $100,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Fleetheart - Tough spot to make her turf debut in a stakes last out; returns to familiar surroundings, should rebound nicely.

Dona Amelia - May be handcuffed somewhat in a short 5-horse field; she is always at the mercy of pace, so she'll need a duel.

Long Shot - Great Opinions

Race 3 - 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $39,000, Maiden claiming $80,000, Fillies, 2-year-olds

Holiday Cruise - Pick 6 carryover bettors catch a break with this race as the opener; you'll see the odds and know who's hot.

Judged - Another FTS, this one from the Yakteen barn; I picked Cody Autrey above, but any one of the FTS could come up hot.

Long Shot - African Treasure

Race 4 - 1 1/16th miles (turf, rail at 7 feet), Purse $56,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up

Jupiter's Stone - McAnally charge looks strong in this very weak Cal-bred turf route; his race two back would likely win today.

Jaywalking - Had the trip from hades last time, sneaky value especially with Talamo up; every Knight horse has run well so far.

Long Shot - Fantastic Meeting

Race 5 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $20,000, Claiming $12,500, Fillies, 3-year-olds

Mysweetdistraction - Spawr has pointed some horses off the claim for this meet, and they've run well; beaten favorite in last.

Go Malabar Gold - Logical chalk is taking a serious class drop and has lots of early speed; West barn has been struggling too.

Long Shot - Hotitude

Race 6 - 6 furlongs, Purse $33,000, Claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds and up

High Command - Claimed by Mullins and spotted nicely for a quick ROI; his maiden win two back is fast enough to crush these.

Five Star Charm - Showed improvement speed last time; Talamo is apt to harness the speed and save something for the stretch.

Long Shot - Ironstar

Race 7 - 5 furlongs (turf, rail at 7 feet), Purse $63,000, Optional claiming $40,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Dixie Crisp - Hollendorfer filly is very well bred to handle turf; she has a ton of speed and figures to be a handful.

Lady Matilda - Dead late closer from the enigmatic Stein barn; you have to believe he's trying, albeit a heavy chalk today.

Long Shot - Queen of Green

Race 8 - 6 furlongs, Purse $20,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up

Mommy Jean - Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to claiming; Mullins puts horses where they can win, like this.

Turkus Quercus - Ran first time for a price tag and responded last time with a sharp try; will save all the ground for Flores.

Long Shot - San Lameer

Best Bet - Jupiter's Stone (race 4)

Del Mar Wednesday - Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 15/1/$4.20; Long Shots, 8/3/$28.60; Best Bet, 1/0/$0

Del Mar Totals - 207/52/$354.20; Long Shots, 105/15/$162.40; Best Bets, 13/6/$28.20