Del Mar Picks: Friday racing includes surf and the turf on July 29

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is ready for another weekend near the surf … and we know what is to come on the grass, aka the turf. 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 events ... Some of the highlights include this weekend's Grade 2 San Diego Handicap and Grade 1 Bing Crosby, and the forthcoming 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 4: A Little Bit Crazy #12, 6/1):

Jonathan Wong’s filly by Stanford might not look the part of a “most likely winner,” but do not be deceived; she has quality to her. The excellent Tommy Town Thoroughbreds brought their homebred to the track on a pair of occasions, and she has already hit-the-board both times. Running in this spot against state breds again should not be an issue. The very capable Umberto Rispoli takes over the piloting duties, and that constitutes a rider upgrade, for sure.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #12

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 7: She’s Bulletproof #4, 5/1):

Peter Miller picked up this turf sprinter by Idiot Proof, and he has decided to stretch her out to a mile on the dirt. That might be a shrewd move. What she has going for her is not only the services of recently arrived super jockey, Florent Geroux, but also a class rating that looks quite strong. Her fitness level looks solid after a spring that saw her enjoy a pair of visits to the Santa Anita winner’s circle. Running against state breds again should suit …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #4 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: Turf, 5F, Daisycutter H., $100k, F&M 3+):

There are turf sprints, and then there is this kind … a “Non-G” going just 5-furlongs on the grass. It is time to turn and burn! When it comes to a race like this one, I want to back a runner that can exit the gate quickly, and race to the lead with all the haste in the world. If you miss a chance like this one, it could cost you the race. My top choice is between Phil D’Amato’s Leggs Galore #5 and Wesley Ward’s Twilight Gleaming #7. These are a pair of top grass sprinters, conditioned by the best of the best when it comes to this type of race. It is nice to see them collide at Del Mar. I am partial to D’Amato’s entry because this is her backyard. The 5-yr-old mare by Bayern comes into this race ready to fire, and a scroll through her lifetime starts (15/9-1-0) makes you realize just how good she is in spots like these. Regular jockey Ricardo Gonzalez gets the call once again, and if she does her “thing,” then she will be very tough. With 2 wins at Del Mar out of 3, this is her moment. It is not going to be easy, mind you, racing against one of Ward’s best. His 3-yr-old filly by National Defense (GB) won the BC Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1) on the Jimmy Durante last November, and she obviously knows how to win for Stonestreet Stables. This is a stepping stone to a BC return, and I am sure Ward has her primed. What a match we have in-store on this Friday, and you know the turf will be fast and firm come race time! Here is the wager …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 5 w 7

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 !!!