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Del Mar 2nd Race – Post: 2:30 PT. Degree of confidence: B+
Top Selection: 4-J B Strikes Back
Other Contenders: none
Forecast: J B Strikes Back takes a logical class drop to the bottom rung maiden claiming ranks after a pair of non-threatening turf sprints and this stretch out in trip and switch to the main track could propel him to a diploma-earning performance. The son of Goldencents has trained quite well of late (check out his drills at xbtv.com) and seems likely to produce a significant forward move against this modest gang. Additionally, he’s a first time gelding with speed that could separate him from the pack, and in a race lacking in early zip the D. O’Neill-trained sophomore could very well inherit the roll and the controlling speed. At 5/2 on the morning like we’ll make him a strong play in the win pool and a major push in the various exotics.
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Del Mar 3rd Race – Post: 3:04 PT. Degree of confidence: B+
Top Selection: 4-Nesso’s Lastharrrah.
Other Contenders: 12-Anmer Hall.
Forecast: Nesso’s Lastharrah moves into the first level allowance ranks after a pair of impressive starter allowance turf sprint wins, most recently with a career top 90 Beyer figure at Santa Anita in mid-June. The rapidly developing sophomore colt can be effective on the lead or from a pace stalking position, so jockey E. Maldonado can play the break and choose his strategy. Though tackling tougher today, the son of Sharp Azteca doesn’t really need another forward move to extend his winning streak to three, but we’ll be surprised if he doesn’t produce one, nonetheless. At 5/2 on the morning line he’s a win play and rolling exotic single.
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Del Mar 10th Race – Post: 6:44 ET. Degree of confidence: B+
Top Selection: 3-Thorne House
Other Contenders: 1-Yellow Brick; 6-Money Run.
Forecast: Thorne House is tough on any surface but probably prefers dirt, and he’s a perfect (2-for-2) over the Del Mar main track. He ran a winning race in defeat after breaking against the bit and losing early position in his recent comeback over the Santa Anita lawn and after a series of sharp works in the interim the son of Clubhouse Ride should be primed for a career top performance in this extended sprint for first level allowance runners. With much in his favor, he’s a win wager and strong play in the various rolling exotics. If you’d prefer to have backups, consider Yellow Brick and Money Run. The former has been routing most of his career, but his best race (and highest number) came sprinting and that’s what we think he prefers to do. The latter is a first-off-the-claim play for P. Miller and is seeking valuable ship-and-win money after trouncing a field of $40,000 sellers at Churchill Downs with a number that makes him a fit on this circuit.
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