DelMar Selections 8-16-17 by @Gio_Ponti24

Del Mar Summer Meet
Wednesday, August 16, 2017

The field has been drawn and Arrogate landed on the outside. Two things can happen this time around- 1. Arrogate will break in front and take the lead and guide the field as long as he is able to.
2. Arrogate will be flung wide in the first turn will end up midpack and will flounder like his previous start in the San Diego Handicap.
Although the field appears light in terms of competition I still foresee an uphill battle for Arrogate to win this and stamp himself as the clear favorite for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Again, it’s not to say he cannot win, as the competition isn’t much, but even if he wins he will need to crush the competition to turn my opinion around and begin to like his chances in the Breeder’s Cup. A Pacific Classic review and analysis will be posted before Saturdays race to try and figure out who has the best chance to come out of that race on top.
Before the excitement of the weekend to come we have today’s 8 race card to go over. Let’s get started and see if we can catch some winners.
Race 1:
#1 Not too Shiny: This mare has the best record on the Del Mar turf course and although she is jumping back up in class after the claim last time out, she should fare well against this bunch. She needs to find a way to turn the tables on LittlebitLovely, who has beaten her 3 out of the 4 times they have met. There appears to be ample speed in this event to enhance her late kick. This trainer is sharp off the claim and a hustling rider in Pedroza signs up for this run which could fare well for this runner as she won’t be as far back this time around. She seems like a solid wager at 7/2.
Race 2:
#4 Midnight Run: Love to see Desormeaux ride this first time starter for his brother as he will usually ride these runners after a few starts. Kent must have seen something in this colt to sign up for this and if he is on board I will keep the faith. Workouts are not flashy, but this trainer doesn’t usually have them blazing in the morning. There is a good foundation of works for this first time starter. Others don’t appear to be much so let’s take a stab with an 8-1 shot.
Race 3:
#7 Sturdy One: Horse for course angle! She has been a consistent mare this year and looks to continue that stretch with her 9th start of the year and hoping to make it back to back victories. Last time out she narrowly defeated a field of 9 after trailing the majority of the race. Although she is jumping up in class she has faced some very good runners and has held her own against those runners. The race flow also appears to favor her style as there are various runners in here that will be gunning early and this mare will be ready to pounce once the speed returns to her. (Best Bet)
Race 5:
#6 Sky Preacher: 3rd start off of the layoff, drop in class and a jock upgrade for a classy gelding looking to get back to the winner circle. This runner has run fairly well on this track and with some speed upfront let’s hope he can find a gap turning for home and unleash his potent late kick he showed 3 starts back. We’re looking to start the pick-4 with a bang with this 10-1 shot.
Race 7: The CTT and TOC Handicap
#6 Decked Out: This runner comes off a layoff but she has been competitive against G1 company and won her last start in the G1 ranks. She has a devastating late kick that should be stronger with more yardage. If Kent can keep her closer she should be hard to hold off. Although she appears the one to beat to me she does come off a layoff and faces a good bunch so with that said I have also included a second runner that should make a solid rebound.
#1 You’re A Goat: Last time out she started slow and found herself 12 lengths back on the first turn. She, however, did not pack it up as she came on at the end and only lost by 2 lengths. That race came against lesser competition but she fared well against stake caliber competition overseas. 2nd start on American grass should produce a better run for this filly and although the waters are deeper she appears to have natural talent.
The following are the ways I will structure some of my plays- Change them to your preference or keep as they are. Play at your discretion.
Pick 5: $32
1,4 with 2,4 with 7 with 2,4,6,8 with 1,6,8,9
Pick 4: $32
1,6,8,9 with 10,11 with 1,3,6,8 with 1,6
Place Pick 8: $16
1,4 with 2,4 with 7 with 2 with 6,8 with 11 with 1,6 with 1
Race 1: Win/Place #1
Race 2: Win/Place #4
Race 3: Win/Place #7 and Exacta 7 with 1,3,5
Race 5: Exacta Box: 1,6,8,9
Race 6: Win/Place #1