(For additional commentary, follow us on twitter @jsiegelracing).
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DEL MAR SPOTLIGHT RACES:
First Race: Post: 2:00 PT
Top Pick: 5-Breakfast Ride (2-1)
Here a rapidly developing 3-year-old colt ready to take another successful step up the class ladder in this first-level allowance maiden track miler. The son of Distorted Humor pressed wicked fractions and then came away with complete authority to win a starter’s allowance race over this track and distance on opening day while improving his Beyer speed figure by a whopping 17 points over his previous career best, and a series of sharp workouts since that win a month ago indicates he still has plenty of improvement in him. Whether or not he’s on the front end or settles into a stalking position behind Street Ruckus (likely to be sent from the rail), this John Sadler-trained sophomore should be able exert his superiority when it matters. Exacta players should consider 4-Lammas underneath (and maybe as a saver in the various rolling exotics, too). The English-bred gelding tries dirt for the first time (trained well on it) and if given the patient ride he requires he could produce a serious late kick into the teeth of what projects to be a pretty quick pace. His Timeform ratings overseas are par for this level, so at 8-1 on the morning line he’s worth tossing in.
Tenth Race – Post: 6:34 PT
Top Pick: 5-Infinite Empire (6-1)
This well-regarded sophomore filly returned off a long layoff in a dirt sprint to finish steadily when fourth while appearing to need the race and today seems likely to step forward significantly while stretching out to a distance and surface she’s bred to love. The Richard Mandella-trained filly continues to impress in the morning, retains top rider Juan Hernandez, and should be able to settle in the first flight in a race that projects to have moderate early fractions. She is listed at 6-1 on the morning line and will offer excellent wagering value at or near that price. 6-Vivando is a logical exacta partner with our top pick. Runner-up in her last two starts under similar conditions, the daughter of Twirling Candy shows steadily rising speed figures, has worked nicely since raced, and figures to enjoy a comfortable second flight trip before having dead aim and every chance from the quarter pole home.
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DEL MAR RECOMMENDED ROLLING EXOTIC STRATEGIES:
(Races 1-5)
1st race: 5-Breakfast Ride; 4-Lammas
2nd race: 8-Three Strands; 4-Always at Ease; 3-Bold Connection; 6-Tea N Conversation
3rd race: 2-Keepmeinthe Moment 4-Evelyns Girl; 3-Tapit Doux
4th race: 6-Fearless Girl; 1-Charges Dropped; 2-Quattroelle
5th race: 3-Hejazi; 8-Classical Cat
(Races 6-10)
6th race: 9-Gillian Elizabeth; 4-Sweet and Cheeky
7th race: 10-Kangaroo Court
8th race: 2-Bellabel; 11-Spendarella; 5-Cairo Memories
9th race: 5-Little Demon; 3-Dr. Troutman; 2-Secret Touch
10th race: 5-Infinite Empire; 6-Vivando; 3-Leisurewear
DEL MAR WORKOUT ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY:
FIRST RACE:
Breakfast Ride (August 8, Del Mar, 5f, 1:00h). Grade: B+
Never really asked in solo five furlong main track breeze for Sadler, final three furlongs in :11.4 and :36 flat. Continues on the upgrade and should produce another forward move following his fast win opening day.
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SECOND RACE:
Three Strands (July 28, Del Mar, 5f, 1:01hg). Grade: B
Just an average final time but went nicely for R. Mandella without really being asked, splits of :23.3, :35.1, :47.3 and 1:01.1, slowing up late but appearing to have something left. Has returned to breeze twice since this drill, both solid six furlong moves, which should have him plenty fit for his debut. Good-looking colt by Empire Maker has some quality.
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FOURTH RACE:
Charges Dropped (August 13, Del Mar, 5f, :59.3h). Grade: B+
Pretty nice drill for turf mare working outside Ce Ce (same time) on the main track for M. McCarthy, even with the champion mare until deep stretch before falling back by almost a length under mild late urging (workmate breezing), final half mile in a solid :47.4. Has second level allowance conditions and should be primed for a strong effort.
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Fearless Girl (August 4, Del Mar, 4f, :48.1h TC DU). Grade: B
A neck back at the wire in company outside Macadamia (4f, :48.2h TC DU) for P. D’Amato, both going well without undue pressure, both looking in good form. Comes off nice win over this course off a layoff and should be competitive on the one-level raise next time.
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FIFTH RACE:
Hejazi (August 12, Del Mar, 5f, :59h). Grade: A-
Actually caught him a full six furlongs in 1:11.3 in terrific work while slightly best over talented older (3yo) Censorship (same time) for B. Baffert, in hand early, forced wide around the clubhouse while encountering traffic, and then responding to some coaxing to finish strongly and with something left. Bernardini colt cost $3.55 million at Timonium and looks the part.
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Deliberate Risk (August 7, Del Mar, 5f, 1:00.1h). Grade: B
Finished under a nice hold while hitting the wire even with Arman (same time) after breaking off a few lengths in front for J. Sisterson, final three furlongs in a solid :36.1. Looks to have some ability but runners from this barn haven’t done much so far this meeting.
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Nullarbor (August 6, Del Mar, 5f, 1:00.1hg). Grade: B -
Displayed good gate speed but was no match late inside Gandolfini (6f, 1:13.1hg) for Baffert, splits of :23.4, :35.1, :47.2 and 1:00.1 on our watches, a bit erratic early before losing his steam late. Has some gas, for sure, probably isn’t quite fit yet based on this drill.
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Classical Cat (August 14, Del Mar, 5f, 1:01.4h). Grade: B-
Looked quite promising in team drill inside Curl Girl (same time) for P. D’Amato, as we caught this Mendelssohn colt the final three furlongs in :11.4 and :36.1 without being asked, plenty left late, while drawing away from ‘Girl with easy in the closing stages. Has been impressive in the a.m. since arriving from Los Alamitos and appears plenty fit. Good mover, suspect he’ll eventually excel over a distance of ground on turf.
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EIGHTH RACE:
Txope (August 14, Del Mar, 5f, 1:02.2h TC DU). Grade: B+
Broke off a couple of lengths behind Annie’s Song 5f, 1:03h TC DU) and rolled on by through the lane when given her cue, rather nice for European invader preparing for the Del Mar Oaks. Was a group stakes winner in Germany in her most recent start and has run well in group company in France as well, though her Timeform ratings are a tad lighter than the form would suggest.
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TENTH RACE:
Vivando (August 15, Del Mar, 5f, 1:00.1h). Grade: B
Final half mile in :47.3, rather nice for J. Sadler while even with Riverside (same time, breezing, very good prospect) while maintaining her edge. Second in her last pair, overdue for a maiden win.
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