Del Mar Selections 7-22-17 by @Gio_Ponti24
Del Mar Summer Meet 2017
Saturday, July 22, 2017
TVG San Diego Handicap Ed.
First off a big Congratulations to Megan Devine on her new position with TVG. Looking forward to watching her on TV and hearing her selections throughout the day.
The big day is here and we have already heard of one horse backing out from the fight against Arrogate. He will now face 4 rivals in this year’s edition. It’s turning out to be a lackluster event now. The only thing to look forward to is that he is rusty and not on his game and that someone decides to get brave and challenge him. Wouldn’t it be something if the young bug boy is able to rate off the pace and come with a solid run to nip Arrogate on the wire? That would really solidify him as one of the top riders in Southern California. Peter Miller is slowly getting into a groove and Evan had a very good day yesterday so if there is ever a day for an upset it may be today.
Del Mar has graciously put together another challenging 10 race card for us to sink our teeth into. Unfortunately I have not had a very good week selecting solid winners, although some of the horses I have selected have filled in the exotics so on today’s races I will take a different approach. I will focus on a few races and only give some horses to watch, my best bet, and a longshot/value play. Hopefully we can fill these runners in to our plays and come out with some winners.
Race 1:
#5: True Ranger: A horse for course angle. This runner has shown some affinity for this track posting a win, second and a third out of 3 starts at this track. This runner has shown some ability to pass horses in the lane as well as adaptability to be close to the pace if needed. Theriot sticks around for the ride and has gotten some good results from this gelding.
#2: Mr. Hale: Only win for this runner came at Del Mar which really boasts well against this group. Talamo last rode this guy to a second place finish barely missing the victory. Beyer figures appear to be going in the right direction. Will be looking for this runner to finish the race full of run.
Race 2
#4: Alley Boss: Monstrous win from this runner back in 2016 here in Del Mar under Martin Pedroza. Works really pop off the page for this 8-1 shot and with an aggressive rider in the irons will look to be gunning from the bell and try to ration the speed to save some for the stretch drive. (LongShot play)
Race 4:
#2: Hunt: This runner appeared to be going in the wrong direction so D’Amato opted to put him in the shelf and give him some rest. Comeback race was a solid 5th place finish not really exerting a lot of energy. Seemed to be a prep for something to come. Prat signs back aboard for this runner and will try to avoid getting boxed in from this inside slot. Upset possibility for this classy runner. (Best bet)
Race8:
#3: Kenney Sky: this runner is coming into this race in great form and Brice Blanc has really been able to get the best out of this horse when the real running starts. Is stepping up in class to face open company but after the last few races I will be looking for him to really be motoring late coming for home. (Value Play 8-1)
Race9:
This is the big boy race! As I mentioned before I will be looking to try to upset the champion as silly as it may sound. I think that Even Roman has gained his confidence back after a solid day yesterday and with a short field the other jocks may overlook this runner and let him do as he pleases. I expect Arrogate to dictate things on the front end with #2 El Huerfano on his flank every step of the way and if for ANY reason Arrogate makes a mistake perhaps this guy can snatch the victory at the wire. I still wouldn’t bet completely away from Arrogate, heck I probably wouldn’t bet in this race to begin with, but just in case you decide to throw a few bucks in to get some excitement out of it I would suggest including El Huerfano!.
Good Luck Everyone!
– @Gio_Ponti24
