Del Mar Picks & Analysis for September 3

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is readying itself for the final weekend of action from SoCal, and we can say one of many things about this Meet, it was a rousing good betting time. As the final Friday rolls in, we have you covered from every angle ... favorites, long shots, interesting wagering recommendations, etc. etc.

Be sure to join us all weekend, as we preview, handicap, and cover the stories that will rise to the top. Should be fun, to say the least!

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.

Most Likely Winner: (Race 3: Lava Lane #7, 5/2):

Trainer Phil D’Amato has this filly out of Unusual Heat back on the Jimmy D Turf Course after a 5th place finish last time out at this same level. She is well-bred and can certainly do better 3rd off the bench in this cycle. The Waller homebred is more than capable of winning a race such as this one. Frankly, I do not see many in here that can best her, if Umberto Rispoli can position her well at the break. Rating 1-2 from the lead should be sufficient. Maybe we can get some relief on the tote, and her odds will drift towards 4/1? Wouldn’t that be something?

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #7

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 2: Sue Ettas Ghost #10, 8/1):

The Solis Barn is going to send this young filly to MT at Del Mar to do some sprinting. Out of Shaman Ghost, she has just missed in 3 tries, with 2 of those coming at celebrated SoCal track. She should be pretty fit coming into this spot, and I would expect that he has more than a chance to make it into the money. I am going to be ever so bold to say that Edwin Maldonado could be sitting on a long shot score. Maybe she will not hover around 8/1, and instead will plummet towards 3/1. Whatever the case, I want to back her because she has flashed some ability late in a race. Hope for the best!

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: Dirt, 6F, Generous Portion S. $100k, 2F):

This “Non-G” focal point of the Friday afternoon card has an interesting group of runners that draw in. Out of these 12, I think Phil D’Amato’s filly out of Grazen appears to be the odds-on choice to notch a victory. After all, Connie Swingle #12 was unbelievably game last time in an early August score at the MSW70k level. If the Cal homebred for Nick Alexander runs back well, and can take a step forward off that effort, then she is going to be a freight train down the lane late (speed fig 93). Geo Franco will get the call for the 1st time, and he is going to try to ask for more, when the time comes.

Opposing what is sure to be a short price on D’Amato’s charge, I might seriously consider Luis Mendez’s Drizella #2. Last out, the filly out of Stanford jumped up into a state bred “Non-G,” and acquitted herself well. Only losing by a neck to At the Spa, she has all the tools to succeed, as Juan Hernandez rides. One other entry that I find pretty inviting is Blaine Wright’s nicely priced 8/1 shot, Stopdropandroll #4. Most will not respect her because she debuted at Golden Gate in a MSW39k event. That was a frontrunning win, breaking her maiden in fine style against 7 others. This will be a major step-up into this kind of company, but she comes from an outfit that has some nice numbers when it comes to entering races like these. Could be a sleeper pick to be sure!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 2/4/12

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Enjoy where the “Surf Meets the Turf!” Best of luck on this final week at Del Mar!