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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: 3:03 ET. Degree of confidence: A-
Top Selection: 3-Gypsy Woman (Ire).
Other Contenders: none.
Forecast: Gypsy Woman (Ire) makes her U.S. debut for M. Glatt in this first level allowance affair for older fillies and mares and finds a suitable spot to win based on her European form in competitive middle distance outings when forced to carry a considerable amount of weight. Based on her triple digit Timeform rating in April, she’s more than good enough to handle this assignment and arrives after a career top effort when an excellent second while giving away 25 lbs. (not a typo) to the winner. She’s a first time Lasix user, picks up the barn’s “go-to” jockey A. Fresu, has the kind of tactical speed that should allow her to secure an ideal second flight stalking position. Let’s make her a win play and rolling exotic single.
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Del Mar 7th Race – Post 5:13 ET. Degree of confidence: A-
Top Selection: 7-Richi (Chi)
Other Contenders: 5-A G Bullet
Forecast: Richi (Chi) made her U.S. debut in the Desert Stormer Stakes at Santa Anita a few weeks back and ran a winning race in debut, pressing the pace until deep stretch before weakening slightly in an outing she had every right to need. The Chilean bred filly seems certain to step forward with that tightener behind her, and this stretch out to a mile and a return to turf just adds fuel to the fire. A strong work tab since raced is icing on the cake for our top pick. A G Bullet is worth including on your ticket in a backup role. Though we suspect she prefers to sprint, the daughter of Twirling Candy can be the controlling speed if permitted to be, and on her best day she certainly is capable of taking this field a very long way.
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