It’s the boys turn to travel 1 3/8-miles over the brownish Del Mar turf course in the $200,000 Del Mar Handicap (Grade II) under what is likely to remain overcast skies on the penultimate Saturday of the meet where yet another $104,772 Pick-6 carryover awaits.
What could be a big weekend with Argentine imports for 80-year-old Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally begins with Interaction the co-second choice at 3-to-1 looking for his first stakes victory since 2009. After defeating 21 rivals in the Gran Premio Carlos Pelligrini (Arg-GI), the 6-year-old son of Easing Along disappointed in five tries in France, Dubai, New York and Chicago before coming back to life this year with an allowance win and a runner-up effort in the Eddie Read (Grade I) for McAnally.
Also listed at 3-to-1 is Casino Host, who makes his second start in the care of Ron Ellis after a third-place finish in the Eddie Read. The 4-year-old Dynaformer colt goes more than 1 ¼-miles for the first time in his career and should be suited to the extra ground with his late-running style.
The 5-to-2 favorite is Dhaamer, actually cutting back in distance from what he’s competed over in his first four U.S.starts. The 5-year-old Irish-bred son of Dubai Destination comes off a pair of clear wins against softer company and gets Garrett Gomez in the irons for the first time.
After returning form a two-year layoff with a promising runner-up effort in the California Dreamin over this turf course on July 22, Brushburn has a look at 12-to-1 if he can run back to his third-place effort in the Charlie Whittingham (Grade I) from 2010. That’s a lot to ask for the 6-year-old son of Unusual Heat conditioned by a trainer that isn’t prone to success in such races, but the price will be right.
We’re off to the races!
Pick 4 -
Leg 1 – Race 7 (5,7,8,10) – No. 8 Charlie Company has been a model of consistency over synthetic surfaces and can win right back on the class bump.
Spread with No. 5 Explain, No. 7 Hadfunlastnight and No. 10 D J Dave.
Leg 2 – Race 8 (1,4,6,7) – Use the four discussed above with No. 1 Casino Host, No. 4 Interaction, No. 6 Brushburn and No. 7 Dhaamer.
Leg 3 – Race 9 (1,5,7,8,9) – After struggling mightily to find the line, No. 1 Roman Charity looks to make it three straight, but she’ll be dealing with some tougher company this time that includes No. 5 Kalk Bay, No. 7 J and S Express, No. 8 True Expectations and No. 9 Princess Suances.
Leg 4 – Race 10 (2,3,11,12) – Four bottom-level maiden claimers to close the day with No. 2 Dr. Nip, No. 3 Mavenofwinterset, No. 11 Midnight Raven and No. 12 Chicago Hero.
Recap – (5,7,8,10) w (1,4,6,7) w (1,5,7,8,9) w (2,3,11,12) – Total cost of ticket = $160
Yesterday’s Result – (-$126)
Total for current Del Mar meet – (-$275.70)
Total from 12/26/10 – 7/15/12 – (-$1,571.15)
Pick 5 –
Leg 1 – Race 1 (1,9,11) – No. 11 Caroline Elena offers value for low-profile Northern California connections drawn outside the other speed on the move back to a synthetic surface.
No. 1 Yer Woman might be an overlaid price at her favorite distance after coming up short at small odds in her last, while No. 9 Indy Beauty looks for a repeat at the level.
Leg 2 – Race 2 (3,7,8,10) – A quartet of maiden claimers over a route of ground with No. 3 Surely Swift, No. 7 Coranto, No. 8 Street Rocket and No. 10 Unusual Mystery.
Leg 3 – Race 3 (2,3,6) – A trio of early speedsters should ensure a solid pace for No. 3 Last Sting to run into and help her get over the hump after eight-runner up efforts. Three a.m. spins over her favorite turf course should have her ready in her first for Melody Colon.
If she’s stuck in second again, No. 2 Highly Rated and No. 6 Perfecta are improving sorts that can get the money.
Leg 4 – Race 4 (2,5,6) – A trio of a bad bunch of horses that have never won twice with No. 2 Smil’n From Above, No. 5 Technicality and No. 6 Jodeye.
Leg 5 – Race 5 (1,2,4,9) – No. 4 Hawfinch looks to give trainer Dan Blacker his second win from as many starts in her first U.S. start, while No. 1 Light of Life, No. 2 Candy Trophy and No. 9 Mia Isabel are a trio of logical candidates.
Recap – (1,9,11) w (3,7,8,10) w (2,3,6) w (2,5,6) w (1,2,4,9) – Total cost of ticket = $216
Yesterday’s Result – (-$144)
Total for current Del Mar meet – (+$16,595.30)
Total from 7/20/11 – 7/15/12 – (+$1,874.55)
Best Bet of the Day – Can now be found in the free analysis section at www.theracingedition.com along with an early Pick-4 ticket and a consensus box for the entire card.
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Good luck!
