Del Mar Thoroughbred Picks: Bing Crosby sings a Quick Tempo

The Grade I Bing Crosby Stakes is the "feature" race of the day at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and we have a race preview along with picks from the full slate of races. This is a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series, as the winner will return to SoCal in November to compete in the Sprint. "Win and You're In," is on the table ...

Spotlight Race 10: 6F (Dirt), Bing Crosby Stakes, (G1) Purse $300k, 3+

One of the “Signature” races on Saturday is the Bing Crosby. Much is at stake when it comes to a gate position in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. “Win and You’re In” … The BC is at Del Mar this year for only the 2nd time, so this will be a nice trial run for all involved. I think there is good reason to think that Peter Miller’s C Z Rocket #3 has the inside track to be at the top of the tote. After all, this 7-yr-old gelding out of City Zip has a pair of impressive wins in 2021 at Oaklawn Park. He faced down Ron Moquett’s star and fan-favorite Whitmore in some epic racing. He had a bit of a letdown in his last race at Lone Star Park in the Steve Sexton Mile (G3). I would give him some latitude though because the weather was absolutely terrible that night on Memorial Day. Running shorter is clearly what he wants to do, and Florent Geroux is in town to make it happen.

While I like “C Z” and respect Miller when it comes to preparing sprinters, I want to find some major value you in here. Sure, you could go with Team Mark Glatt, who bring 3 runners into this spot. Collusion Illusion #6 is probably the classiest of them all, but he has not been seen since the Malibu (G1) at Santa Anita back in December. I am wondering how sharp the MyRacehorse charge will be, even with some fine works under his saddle. Tyler Baze is experienced, but he isn’t a magician. He may need to pull a rabbit out of a hat. Dr. Schivel #8 made some noise for Luis Mendez last year at Del Mar when the then-2-yr-old was game in the DMR Futurity (G1), winning in impressive fashion. Since coming to Glatt, he has only raced once in an OC62.5k contest last month at Santa Anita. Digging deeper is going to be necessary against this group for Flavien Prat, who rides him again …

Of course, if we are talking about runners that will take money, in some cases just “because,” then you cannot overlook the Bob Baffert entry, Eight Rings #7. At 10/1 on the M/L, one has to think that will adjust down as Abel Cedillo is aboard for the 1st time. I don’t happen to think much of this Empire Maker colt, especially since he has not run particularly well coming back as a 4-yr-old. Baffert’s staff always does a great job in carrying out his workout battle plans, but in the Triple Bend S. (G2) which was his 2021 debut, he was going backwards down the lane. In a way, backing Peter Eurton’s Shooters Shoot #1 seems more appropriate … doesn’t it? He finished 2nd in that very same race! All in all, Baffert’s speedster could definitely improve this time around. I might be willing to use him underneath, but not at the top of a ticket.

As for my pick, it is not Brickyard Ride #9 because I just do not trust him to get the job done. Let's look for a much longer price ... In that vein, I am particularly keen on Chris Davis’ entry. The nicely dubbed Quick Tempo #5 is a solid sprinter who is on the make for a barn that does not get a ton of notoriety. I fancy his frontend style, and get-to-the-lead-type breaking ability. If you think Umberto Rispoli is only really a turf jockey, then you couldn’t be more wrong. He has had a nice year so far, and it was great to see him appear outside of SoCal to ride in some big races. One of the other reasons I like this runner is the fact he comes out of a “key race,” last time at Prairie Meadows. I know people might scoff at that assertion, but he lost in that 100k to Special Reserve. That’s a good horse, who will be shipping in for the Vanderbilt (G1) at Saratoga today. Running against that type of company always assists, and snobbery never pays when it comes to thinking of certain tracks/races in a negative light. This Tapizar colt has major upside, and could be a massive overlay even at 12/1. I am going to play him in a variety of ways … for a massive score!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #5 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

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Enjoy where the “Surf Meets the Turf!” Best of Luck on another run at Del Mar!