The 3-year-olds headline Sunday's stakes action at Del Mar with the Race 2 Shared Belief on dirt and the Race 9 Del Mar Derby on turf. Last year's Champion 2-Year-Old Citizen Bull is part of the former, while I'll focus on the latter as it kicks off an interesting pick 3 in Races 9-11.
Del Mar - Race 9
#5 The Padre: Loved his last, and I'm not sure we've seen his best yet after just three starts. Dangerous with anything like the last one, and would certainly handle these with anything better.
#4 Iron Man Cal: Feels like a top-heavy race between these two, as this guy is Grade I-placed and has some room to come forward while still lightly raced this year. The one to beat.
#2 Freedom's Not Free: Forward player has been pretty honest and wasn't too far off the top choice when they met last time out. Wouldn't be a total shock, just think the top two have ceilings that are a touch higher. Could land it if a few things go his way.
Race Summary The Padre and Iron Man Cal seem like a tough pair to get past in here, but the former might be a slightly better price as the likely second choice and probably has more upside still today.
Del Mar - Race 10
#6 Western Freedom: Honestly thought he was going to bring something much more competitive than he did in that stakes try last out, but this easier spot gives him some chance to hit a bit harder with this friendlier group.
#7 Good With People: Winner of his last was back to score again here last week, and there were some pretty tough names in his company lines along the way before that, too. Wouldn't argue with you.
#1 Grubauer: He's coming out of that same common race as Good With People, but he turned in a flat run that day -- forward player can get in the mix here from the fence.
Race Summary: Western Freedom looks competitive in here while dropping out of a better spot, and he's a much better fit at this level and trip after a couple of tough stakes tries.
Del Mar - Race 11
#9 Nothing Is Forever: Love her in the finale -- the risk/reward offering should be there on the tote board, and she seemed to be on her way to running a big one last out before getting stuck. Loved the way she was winding up that day when getting back on the turf. I'm all in today in hopes for a clean trip with similar enthusiasm from her.
#6 Kikuride: Reliable finisher will take some cash again, but she's an honest type who has been close to getting past this level in recent tries and should be in the frame late again today.
#3 Princesa Del Tigre: She has a little bit of potential pace to show here that might leave her in a better spot than she was in last time out, and it wouldn't be a shock to see her stick around for a share if she can get in the mix early.
Race Summary: Nothing Is Forever looked like she was on her way to something good last time out before getting stuck. She still finished up with some energy. Trip handicappers may be on board, but the price should be solid for what feels like one of my favorite potential plays anywhere in weeks.
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