Del Mar Picks: Breeders' Cup implications in the Pat O' on August 27

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 today's 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 Saturday 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 8: Kid Corleone #3, 5/2):

The Doug O’Neill machine hasn’t quite gotten itself moving in the proper direction at the DMR Meet. That can change with a healthy set of wins over this weekend. Here is a nice colt by Shackleford that should be ready to fire once again. This is a higher-class level, so the competition will be stiff. Juan Hernandez is riding well though, and he can make a difference when the chips are down. The speed fig last time out was also pretty impressive. Bet this one to “win,” and head back to the window to cash that ticket.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #3

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 7: Lexington Humor #4, 5/1):

Trainer Jonathan Wong comes down from the Golden Gate north, and he has great stock. This isn’t his 1st rodeo in SoCal, and he deserves respect. His numbers look sharp right now, and that means he is riding the wave … Here is a 3-yr-old filly by Practical Joke that has early foot. She likes the grass, has an attempt over the Jimmy D., and gets the services once again of Umberto Rispoli. If the team can break well, then I think they have a decent shot to see it through. If the odds are even close to 5/1, this will be a major bet by me.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Dirt, 7F, Pat O’Brien S. (G2), $250k, 3+):

At stake … an all-expense-paid trip and entry into the Breeders’ Cup Big Ass Fans Dirt Mile (G1) … “Win and You’re In.” Sprinting is the game, but just because you make the lead, doesn’t mean that a victory is assured. I am sure that C Z Rocket #1, Laurel River #7, and M/L favorite, Speaker’s Corner #8, will garner much in the way of attention. That last runner I mentioned is incredibly accomplished, and I would not count him out, despite the fact that the son of Street Sense comes out West on a 2-race losing streak. Bill Mott is a HOF trainer, and his charge is used to facing tough foes like Flightline and Life Is Good. If he runs to his ability, then he will probably score; plus, he gets a HOF jockey aboard in Mike Smith. In case the Godolphin homebred misfires on Saturday, I will be looking to the aforementioned entries, but I also have a special place in my heart for Todd Fincher’s Senor Buscador #10. Owned by Joey Peacock, the colt by Mineshaft is going to be overlooked by most of the bettors. He is a homebred that should not be underestimated … Fincher is a New Mexico-based conditioner with major league ability. Even though the 4-yr-old was well-back in the San Diego H. (G2), I like the choice to cut him back in distance. Edwin Maldonado got a taste of what it is like to ride him, and I think he can get this one home at a big price. Fincher deserves a chance to go to Keeneland, and I would relish the chance to see the former winner of the Springboard Mile $400k at Remington make it to the big show. This will be quite a price! Here is my plan … you read it here!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 10 w 1/7/8 w 1/7/8

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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 !!!