Jeff Siegel: What You Need to Know - Del Mar | Saturday, November 16, 2024

RACE 1: Post:  12:30 PT Grade: B+
Top Selection/Prime Play: 6-Big Gain
Back-ups
: 1-Andtheomofthebrave

Forecast: Big Gain didn’t break well, fell back early and simply spun his wheels thereafter when unplaced as the odds-on favorite in a maiden claiming dirt dash last month at Santa Anita.  But today we’re expecting a significant amount of improvement with his switch to grass for the first time.  The son of Mr. Big certainly is bred for the lawn on both sides of his pedigree, so perhaps this surface will bring out his best ability.  Also, he’s protected today in a sign of confidence, so in what appears to be a below standard maiden special weight affair the P. Miller-trained sophomore must be given a big chance at 3-1 on the morning line to make amends for his recent failure as the chalk.


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RACE 3:  Post: 1:30 PT Grade: B+
Top Selection/Prime Play: 2-Hey Jessie
Backups
: 4-Renatus

Forecast: Hey Jessie was given an easy run in her debut in a similar mile turf affair for state-bred juvenile fillies at Santa Anita and actually did quite well to wind up a willing fourth despite a wide trip, beaten less than three lengths.  She should move up a ton today with that bit of experience behind her, and really won’t have to improve much to handle this group.  Two nice breezes since her debut last month tells us she’s doing well, so this S. McCarthy-trained daughter of Grazen will offer an excellent gamble on the tote and in the various exotics at anything close to her 3-1 morning line.  


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