Del Mar Picks: Horseplaying yields nice payouts on August 26

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is hosting another day of superb 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 in the region.

With picks and analysis through Labor Day, it should be a rousing series of great races ... Some of the highlights include the forthcoming Grade 2 Pat O'Brien Stakes, a Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" race, and eventually, the Grade 1 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 3: Hard to Figure #10, 3/1):

HOF trainer Bob Baffert has an uncoupled entry, and this is a typical tactic that he uses with untested 2-yr-olds. I like his colt by Hard Spun that will be making his 2nd career start. The debut at the end of July wasn’t terrible, and he flashed some early speed, which is always a nice sign of things to come. Juan Hernandez continues his tear in the jockey standings, but I wouldn’t count on Baffert’s colt to be anywhere close to 3/1 come post time. I would accept something around 7/5 … maybe …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #10

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: Roses R Blue #1, 12/1):

Trainer Steve Knapp is an accomplished claiming conditioner, and when his horses head to the post, I always take notice. Here is a 4-yr-old filly by Bluegrass Cat that does have a win over the Del Mar MT. She is dropping down from running against tough state bred company, and this relief should be a welcome sight. The distance should not be too much of an issue, and if she can keep from getting stuck down on the rail, she might have a chance to rate close to the lead. I like Ricardo Gonzalez in siutations like these, even though he doesn’t have a particularly strong record at the Meet.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #1 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 6F, OC50k, 2):

The Friday card doesn’t have a “feature,” per se, but this race will suit. Bettors will be drawn to backing Jonathan Wong’s Man Oh Man #2. Owned by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, the filly by Union Rags already has 3 races to her credit. She broke her maiden on debut, and then proceeded to miss. In her defense, those next 2 races were against tougher company. I like her, don’t get me wrong, especially with Umberto Rispoli in the irons. He is as hot as can be. However, when it comes to a top selection, I am keen on supporting Doug O’Neill’s Silver Lightning #1. This filly by Union Rags is taking on the “boys,” and she was stellar in her 1st career start—winning by 8+ lengths. If she has that kind of moxie again, I don’t think anyone here can catch her. Armando Ayuso, a jockey who gets his fair share of mounts, has the call. O’Neill knows how to get young horses ready, and I like the look of this young runner. One other entry that looks to have some promise is John Sadler’s new claim for Desert Sun Stables … Let Him Do It #8. A former charge of Keith Desormeaux, his new trainer is sending him back to the track after breaking his maiden on 11 August. Maybe the colt by Good Magic, which is one of those “buzz” sires right now, can jump into this tough company with success? We shall see … In the meantime, here is the wager …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 1 w 2/8 w 2/8

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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 !!!