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, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up
Abbey Cat - There is a lot of early speed in this turf route; she has the rail to save ground and plenty of late pace.
Gold On Gossamer - You can count the number of Greely wins this year on one hand; she will sit last and circle the field.
Long Shot - Tight Circle
Race 2 - 6 furlongs, Purse $53,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, 2-year-olds
Topper Shopper - Favorite is part of an uncoupled entry from O'Neill barn, so beware; his last race is fast enough to win.
Warrens Flyin High - Second choice partly because I can only guess which FTS will get bet; like that Nakatani takes the call.
Long Shot - Joe's Hot
Race 3 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $59,000, Allowance, 3-year-olds and up
Blowout - Has skirmished with some tough foes, he finds a softer spot today; Nakatani is riding with renewed vigor.
Rabbi - If you've been watching the Saratoga races, you know to respect Churchill shippers; like the turn back in distance.
Long Shot - Maxey Boy
Race 4 - 1 1/8th miles (turf, rail at 7 feet), Purse $56,000, Maiden special weights, 3-year-olds and up
Berkeley Castle - Had an impossible trip last time when bottled up inside; if Flores finds a seam this Frankel can explode.
Monte Bajo - Did everything but win last time in a very tough beat; he'll be favored, maybe overbet, in a wide open race.
Long Shot - Legate
Race 5 - 1 mile, Purse $68,000, Optional claiming $62,500, 3-year-olds and up
El Manuel - May have bounced last time after a giant win two races ago in his U.S. debut; we'll see if the's the real deal.
Freesgood - Grinder is thought of enough by Currin to run in a handful of stakes; 3-YO wil be facing his elders today.
Long Shot - Oceanus
Race 6 - 6 furlongs, Purse $53,000, Maiden special weights, Fillies, 2-year-olds
Aidan - I hope you read above about the Churchill shippers, they are tough; Romans won't be sending her out for a test drive.
Thankfully - She's my second choice because I'm not sure which of the FTS will take a lot of betting; has good tactical speed.
Long Shot - Masterful Miss
Race 7 - 1 mile (turf, rail at 7 feet), Purse $68,000, Optional claiming $62,500, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Charming Legacy - Here's a horse that could spice up your pick 4 or pick 6; I think she still has an upside for McAnally.
Illuminise - Part of an uncoupled entry for Drysdale; we've been seeing the longer priced horse win more than their share.
Long Shot - Honnete
Race 8 - 6 furlongs, $300,000 Bing Crosby Handicap, 3-year-olds and up
Greg's Gold - The pace scenario has the look of a possible speed meltdown; has the ability to rate and take charge late.
In Summation - Eastern shipper from one of the hottest barns in racing; Clement is a top shelf, under the radar type trainer.
Long Shot - Battle Won
Race 9 - 6 furlongs, Purse $33,000, Claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds and up
Conclave - Hess claim has plenty of back class in his resume; tactical speed to lead or follow, better to follow tonight.
Hot Flame - Speedball from Baffert barn will try to clear early; his race two back, if repeated, is fast enough to upset.
Long Shot - Golden Royal
Best Bet - Berkeley Castle (race 4)
Del Mar Saturday - Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 20/6/$43.00; Long Shots, 9/2/$24.40; Best Bet, 1/0/$0
Del Mar Totals - 161/44/$298.00; Long Shots, 80/10/$105.20; Best Bets, 10/5/$23.60
