Del Mar Picks: Graduation S. entries walk on August 12

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is hosting another day of racing! Near the surf, the turf is where the day's action will reside! Situated right next to Solana Beach in SoCal, the Del Mar Meet brings together the very best racing.

With picks and analysis through Labor Day, it should be a rousing series of great races ... Some of the highlights include the forthcoming Del Mar Handicap, and eventually, the TVG Pacific Classic. Stay tuned … it is going to be another fabulous time at Del Mar!

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Friday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter ... Horseracing_USA !!!

Most Likely Winner: (Race 5: Briefcase Girl #4, 5/2):

The Spendthrift Farm racing program continues to expand, and they have this daughter of Hit It a Bomb looking to make her 2nd career start. This sire is one of their own, and his offspring have shown they can handle the turf. Even though Tyler Baze does not have the numbers he once did, that doesn’t mean he cannot toss a ringer in there, now and again. I am still a fan of Carla Gaines, and even though she doesn’t have an expansive stable, I think this runner of hers can get to the winner’s circle. The 3-yr-old has a nice turn-of-foot … If she ends up being even close to 5/2 on the tote, she is going to get a big bet from me.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #4

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 1: Forest Acclamation #5, 4/1):

When it comes to 2-yr-olds, you have to be cautious. Betting confidently can evaporate quickly, but one rule of thumb that I particularly like is to look for a runner that has the old debut out of the way. This filly by Acclamation is going to make a strong return to the track, and her only start at Los Alamitos was not without signs of talent. With works under her, I am hoping that her excellent conditioner has her ready to fire. Diego Herrera is looking to get some wins at this Meet, and it is certainly not a cinch, especially considering the caliber of the competition.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #5 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: Dirt, 5½F, Graduation S., $125k, 2):

Out of these 9 colts, of the 2-yr-old variety, most will be looking up at the top of the tote board and seeing Luis Mendez’s The Big Wam #2. The son of Mr. Big, he broke his maiden last time out at Del Mar when the Meet began running in July. A short price that afternoon, he took advantage of a pace meltdown, and proved that his performance at Churchill Downs in the KY Juvenile $200k was not a fluke. Certainly, jockey JJ Hernandez is riding with a ton of confidence right now, and picking against him might be a poor choice. I am not against backing Mike Smith’s mount though … Jerry Hollendorfer’s Straighten Up #9. This early blazer really set some nice fractions on debut at Los Alamitos, and the colt by Straight Fire could run away with this “Non-G” if the field lets him. A pair of others that are worth a second look, include Brian Koriner’s Whobeterthantiger #1 and Isidro Tamayo’s Strength of Autism #3. Both of these runners like to strike the front, right from the gate, and that makes them dangerous, if Smith’s speed ball misses the break. This is going to be a very interesting race, and it could come down to a duel on the engine. I think that situation plays directly into the hands of Mendez’s ace … a deserving favorite, I believe.

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 2 w 1/3/9 w 1/3/9

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Enjoy where the “Surf Meets the Turf!” Best of Luck on another run at Del Mar! Be sure to follow us on Twitter … Horseracing_USA !!!