Del Mar Opening Day (7/19/17) Results Recap

With the first day jitters out of the way, let’s go ahead and try to understand what occurred yesterday. The track itself seemed to be playing to those with some speed or tactical advantage. When heading into the stretch horses seemed to “jump on a treadmill” as Todd Schrupp from TVG so eloquently put it. The only real come from behind winner was Shackleford Banks who won by a nose on the shadow of the wire. Perhaps hinting that the track was changing and will play better to closers today?

With 10 races on the opening day card many handicappers, including myself, tried to find the wise guy horse or the bomb that would spice up the exotics and begin the week with a bang, but alas it was not to be. Perhaps that big bang is being saved and reserved for a shocking defeat of Arrogate Saturday? Probably not, but regardless of the tough beats the first day was quite the treat.

For those new horseplayer that went to the track and simply played top jockeys were it was a great day. Rafael Bejerano and Flavian Prat put on a show and won 7 out of the 10 races yesterday. Rafael won his fourth and final race on the 10^th aboard Shackleford Banks breaking a tie for first place between himself and Flavian. Being that Bejerano has won the riding title at Del Mar during the last meet and Flavian is coming off a co-riding title at Santa Anita, this battle between the two of them should heat up more than the current Southern California weather.

Although Del Mar put together a 10 race program, none was more important than The Oceanside Stakes, where Arms Runner was supposed to stamp himself as the next turf superstar and move on to better things. Unfortunately that runner had a difficult trip and finished off the board. Peter Miller, the trainer of Arms Runner, also had a day to try to forget as he saddled horses in 7 out of the 10 races and failed to win with any of them. Better outcomes are to come for both horse and trainer. The result of the Oceanside Stakes, however, shined the light on Bowies Hero, who appreciated getting away from Oscar Performance for a change, and drew away from the field the final 50 yards. Pereira gave him a masterful ride keeping him in the clear and catching longshot Pioneer Lad before the wire.

Opening day was full of excitement and healthy payoffs, despite no winners paying more than $30. The real main event was the showdown at the Opening day Hats contest where more than $5,000 in prizes were up for grabs and there was opportunity for many to win. The contest categories included the best racing themed, most glamorous, best fascinator, flowers/others and of course the most outrageous. A winner was chosen for each category resulting in $300 plus Studio Savvy Gift Basket valued at $250, Second place: $200 and Third place: $100. A grand prize winner was also chosen with that individual receiving: Fairmont Grand Del Mar one-night stay and dinner for two at Addison Restaurant, featuring Chef William Bradley’s multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings. The total value of that prize was more than $1,000. The grand prize winner was Christina Stutz of San Diego who literally was carrying a mannequin on her head.  Here is a shot of the winners of this meets Hat contest:

The first day of Del Mar’s Summer Meet is officially in the books. The day had everything you could ask for, and even a little of what we didn’t want in the form of morning showers, but overall the racing day was a success. Horses were safe, the jockeys put on a great performance, the wagering public had great opportunities to pad the bankroll with the average field size of 9 ½ per race and everyone was having fun basking in the sun with the summer breeze blowing that sea mist through the air. It was simply magical. It was like being pampered in a “Spa”….maybe Friday…

Del Mar Selections and Pick 4 strategies to come. Stay Tuned!

**Pictures are property of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and were taken from their homepage. We do not intend to pass these shots as my own. They are simply used to depict the winners of the Oceanside Stakes and the Hat Contest**