Labor Day Monday brings a special holiday card to Del Mar as its closing week looms on the horizon. The Tranquility Lake Stakes (Race 8) and Generous Portion (Race 10) are co-featured and both part of my Monday keys.
Del Mar - Race 8
#3 Ooty: She stretches out for this second run off the break, and I'm hoping the added ground and having the tightener under her belt will help her turn the tables on what looks like a formidable favorite on the fence.
#1 Splendora: She has knocked heads with some pretty serious fillies over the last year, and her better stuff should handle these at what I'm guessing will be a short price. Only the top choice has any appeal to me beyond this one.
#8 Sugar Fish: Suppose her better stuff keeps her in the mix, but the top pair are both going to get a decent jump on her turning for home. Not impossible, but not for me today.
Race Summary: Ooty ran OK behind Splendora last time out, but that was her first start in nearly a year and may set her up for something better while going second off the break today.
Del Mar - Race 10
#2 Mohaven: Not sure the price is going to be much, but she was impressive scoring last time out, and the sharp finisher who closed for second behind her that day was back to win in a flashy score here the other day. Tough.
#8 Liberation: She's probably capable of something just a touch better than that last one, and the price might be more appealing this time around after that run at 50 cents on the dollar. Talent is there.
#7 Cara Rose: Her dirt form has been fine, so the graduation run on the turf last out isn't a huge deal for me, and I think she can outrun her price while rising here today.
Race Summary: Mohaven didn't have much trouble dispatching that group last time out, and the one she beat that day was back for a fun score on the Saturday card. Guessing that race will keep getting flattered today.
Del Mar - Race #11
#8 Phoenix Flying: Not sure the price is going to be all that appealing, but he comes into this for the new team off a competitive run with similar last time out. Forward player can rate a bit if needed -- should be tough.
#5 Empire's Classic: Think he's one of the obvious alternatives -- he has already had a lot of chances, but he's got pretty reliable finishing form, and that will eventually get him over the top on the right day.
#7 Brother Brother: Only a mild move last out in an otherwise even effort, but that could have him ready for something a bit better today while going two turns for the second time. A better-sustained move puts him in for a share.
Race Summary: Phoenix Flying should be a handful here, but I'd want to be have Empire's Classic on a couple backup plays with that honest finishing form to his name.
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