Del Mar Friday Picks & Analysis for August 20
The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club hosts its own version of Super Saturday tomorrow, anchored by the Grade 1 Pacific Classic. Before we get to that crescendo, the Friday card is coming to you with some excellent wagering opportunities.
Our turf-man, J.N Campbell, offers a plethora of best bets and long shots that are sure to excite. He has you covered with selections for all 8 races. Another weekend of beautiful weather from Southern California is on the way ... where the surf and the turf merge!
If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country on Friday, be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.
Most Likely Winner: (Race 5: Man Friday #6, 3/1):
Trainer Mike Maker continues to take advantage of the “shipping deal” that Del Mar and CA Racing devised to lure new talent to the state. Maker is clever and he is taking advantage of a great opportunity. I admire his training prowess, and preparation schedule. In many ways, it is the best in the business. This ridgling out of American Pharoah is going to appreciate the return to the Del Mar grass course. The Jimmy D lawn was site of his last try, and the 3-yr-old scored a “place” ending for then trainer Doug O’Neill. Maker does what he does best … claim some really nice horses. This one is loaded with a stellar turf pedigree, and the addition of Umberto Rispoli, despite losing Flavien Prat, is not a misstep at all. A clear winner on this Friday for the Thoroughbred maestro of the Bluegrass …
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #6
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 1: Secret Club #1, 8/1):
If you are looking for a class dropper, who just needs a change of scenery, then you should not miss the chance to wager on Sean McCarthy’s entry. Bred for the grass out of Clubhouse Ride, this gelding was on the turf at Del Mar in the California Dreamin 150k back on 25 July. He was a boxcar price that day, and ended up 7th … but only 4+ lengths from the winner. Coming into this spot is sensible, and getting JJ Hernandez is a dream. He can make the difference between winning and losing. I like the action, and intend to bet this one heavily. Great price at 8/1 … or even higher!
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #1 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: Dirt, 6½F, Rancho Bernardo H. (G3) $100k, F&M 3+):
The “Feature” on this Friday afternoon is a field of 5 that draws in for this Grade 3 event. Despite the compact group, there are some angles to exploit here, and it starts with spurning the presumptive favorite. I want to play against John Sadler’s Edgeway #4 because though she looks salty having won at Oaklawn back in the spring in the Carousel 250k, I do not think her current form is all that impressive. The last time she was on the track against competition was at Los Al in early July. What if she needs a race? I am going to assume that is the case, and instead of backing her, I want to support Mike McCarthy’s Stellar Sound #3. She is a precocious Tapit filly (makes sense) who won by a neck last out in an OC62.5k contest at Del Mar. That race on 29 July was a tough dirt sprint, and I think it hardened her for battle. She found what she wants to do, and I think the class jump is more than feasible. Form-wise, she is in shape and ready to go. JJ Hernandez was there at the wire, and he will be again … Maybe the price will float a bit, and make this one a nice overlay. One can hope …
Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 3 w 4