(For additional commentary, follow us on twitter @jsiegelracing).
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DEL MAR SPOTLIGHT RACES:
First Race – Post: 1:00 PT
Top Pick: 5-Carla (8/5)
This looks like a high quality prospect for trainer Bob Baffert and we’re expecting the daughter of Medaglia d’Oro to justify in her 8/5 morning line status. A series of sharp workouts should have plenty fit and cranked up, and her most recent drill, a five furlong gate move in :59.4 August 27 (see below), was especially impressive. If she leaves with her field and makes no mistakes, this $950,000 yearling purchase should go about her business and proceed from there to bigger and better things.
Third Race: Post: 2:00 PT
Top Pick: 4-Mystic Flyer 8-1)
This second time starter seems certain to improve big time in this maiden state-bred sprint after encountering more than his share of trouble in his debut that severely compromised his chances. That he managed to finish fourth after being shut off and pinched back down the backstretch and then having to steady on the turn is an indication of what kind of natural talent he has, so if this son of Dancing Candy can leave with his field and secure a good stalking position he could pull off a surprise. Listed at 8-1 on the morning line, the Michael McCarthy-trained gelding is worth using in the win pool and in exactas and trifectas with the other main contenders, 8-Rhino, and 7-Golf Drama.
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DEL MAR RECOMMENDED ROLLING EXOTIC STRATEGIES:
(Races 1-5)
1st race: 5-Carla
2nd race: 1-Hail Freedom; 6-Impossible Task; 3-American Admiral
3rd race: 4-Mystic Flyer; 8-Rhino; 7-Golf Drama
4th race: 13-Storming Lady; 3-Dancing Crane; 1-Invincibella
5th race: 1-Desert Dawn; 5-Under the Stars
(Races 5-8)
6th race: 8-Primer Dimer; 2-Economical; 4-Rocky Gibraltar
7th race: 4-Helens Well; 9-Briefcase Girl; 2-Emerald Lake
8th race: 11-Hopkins
9th race: 9-Lieutenant Dan; 4-Lane Way; 8-Coulthard
10th race: 10-Fun to Dream 11-Awake At Midnyte
11th race: 3-Buzz of New York; 8-Lady Jae; 6-Agreetodisagree
DEL MAR WORKOUT ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY:
FIRST RACE:
Carla (August 27, Del Mar, 5f, :59.4hg). Grade: B+
Medaglia d’Oro juvenile filly was very impressive in gate work for B. Baffert, splits of :23 flat, :34.2, :46.2 and :59.4 on our watches while outside and slightly best over Fast and Shiny (same time. Looks very much like a win-early type and seems plenty fit.
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THIRD RACE:
Rhino (August 28, Del Mar, 4f, :48.2h). Grade: B
Breezing through the lane inside Driver’s Ed (4f, :48.1h), finishing slightly in front without being asked for his best, final quarter in :24 flat. Should step forward following third place finish in debut but probably won’t show his best stuff until tried over a distance of ground.
View Workout Video
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EIGHTH RACE:
Hopkins (August 29, Del Mar, 5f, :59.4hg). Grade: A-
Miles best over Worcester (4f, :49hg) in very impressive gate drill for B. Baffert, never really asked while going strongly throughout, splits of :23.4 (hard held), :35.2, :47.2 and :59.4, plenty left late and able to go faster if turned loose. Earned a stakes-quality speed figure when second in his only outing last December and appears to be returning will all of his speed. Quality Road colt should be a very short priced vs. maidens.
View Workout Video
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NINTH RACE:
Lane Way (August 19, Del Mar, 5f, 1:00.2h). Grade: B+
Cruise control without ever being asked, plenty left while staying on edge. Came out of his comeback race in good order and seems very likely to step forward with that prep behind him.
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Lieutenant Dan (August 29, Del Mar, 5f, 1:02.3h). Grade: B+
Just galloping early and then finished on his own courage while coming home nicely, final quarter in :24.3 for S. Miyadi. Been away since his superior runner-up effort in the BC Turf Spring last November and while there is nothing flashy on the work tab he does have a history of firing fresh. Looks good.
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TENTH RACE:
Fun to Dream (August 28, Del Mar, 5f, 1:01.1h). Grade: B+
Stride for stride outside Under the Stars (same time), slow early but strong late while continuing out to the seven furlong pole under mild coaxing only, a couple of ticks faster on our watches than official final time. Won the Fleet Treat Stakes by herself but that was a state-bred affair, so she still has all of her conditions.
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Awake At Midnyte (August 28, Del Mar, 5f, :59.4hg). Grade: B
Easy early, ridden late and responded well enough to prove bet over Suburban Prince (5f, 1:00.2h) for D. O’Neil, splits of :23.1, :35 flat, :47.1 and 1:00 flat on our watches, doing her best work late. Scheduled to add Lasix for her next start so improvement is likely. Probably most comfortable around one turn.
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