Del Mar opens its racing week with an 8-race program that alternates dirt and turf races throughout the day. It all builds toward Saturday's Grade 2 Pat O'Brien, which has attracted a dynamite field of Breeders' Cup Sprint and Dirt Mile hopefuls. Let's get off to a hot start.
Del Mar Race 4
#4 Avocado Lake: Take a look at her on the tote and track ahead of this one, but she has some appeal on paper with a few forward works and a pedigree that suits the trip. Enough to like to start my work here.
#2 Cara Rose: Her baseline makes her tough, and she already handled the turf just fine in the two-back run. Worried that the price won't accurately reflect how competitive this race feels to me, but she is the clear one to beat.
#1 Final Table Lady: She has a couple lengths to turn on Cara Rose from their common meeting last out, but this one presumably has a little upside while trying the new footing today. Wouldn't be a shock to see her speed pop these from the fence.
Race Notes: Avocado Lake goes first out in what feels like a pretty fun race: Cara Rose could drill these, but I don't think she has to, and the fresh face has enough appeal on paper to give her a look. Also think you could do worse than looking for inside pace from Final Table Lady.
Del Mar Race 6
#4 Darlin Tami: Think she has some price appeal after a bit of a flat try last time out. She has otherwise been a pretty reliable type and has handled these short turf trips in the past. Perfect press?
#2 Petit Filet: Her last two have been pretty honest, and she may still offer another somewhat playable price against this crew. Similar trip waiting for her.
#9 Magical Miss: She was very sharp in the debut run, and she fits right back if you take that at face value. She draws well to find another good spying spot from the outside.
Race Notes: Another fun race -- haven't even listed #3 Freya, who returns fresh off a graduation score here in November in which she beat the minor stakes-caliber Miso Phansy.
Del Mar Race 8
#5 Sunset Storm: He has some questions to answer around the new footing and how he classes up with this bunch, but I like that he has the kind of early speed that puts him right up top early, but he can tap the brakes just a touch if the guy drawn just inside wants to go.
#6 Trusty Rusty: He's slated to return on less than a week's rest for the new team, and he has pretty compelling finishing form. Bit worried he'll be along too late with these.
#3 Druidic: He just beat some of these last time out and figures in line for another decent tracking trip with these. Wouldn't argue too hard with anyone landing here, especially if he's in the range of that 7/2 ML offering.
Race Notes: Sunset Storm should be right up on the splits, and he can get a jump and try to hold late on the deeper threats if he handles the new footing. Price should be OK to find out.
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