“WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW” – DEL MAR
By Jeff Siegel, 1stbet.com Handicapper & Analyst
(For additional commentary, follow us on twitter @jsiegelracing).
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DEL MAR SPOTLIGHT RACES:
FIRST RACE – Post: 2:00 ET
Top Pick: 8-Breakfast Ride
The track has been quite glib in the morning according to the workout times but how it will play in the afternoon is a guess. Traditionally, early in the season, the rally-wide types have had an edge, so be on the lookout during the early races to see if any apparent bias exists. This John Sadler-trained colt was a clever winner sprinting on dirt two races back at Santa Anita but then was victimized by traffic and performed below expectations on grass in his most recent start. Back on dirt and stretching out to a mile, the son of Distorted Humor attracts the barn’s main rider Juan Hernandez and has looked quite good in the morning in the interim, so let’s give him a chance to bounce back at 6-1 on the morning line. Actually, we wouldn’t mind seeing him on the front end in a field without much early speed signed on. 7-Americaredwhiteblu is worth including on your ticket as well. He’s better than his last race shows, adds blinkers, and projects to be prominent throughout. On pure numbers, he’s right there with these.
TENTH RACE: Post: 6:30 ET
Top Pick: 3-Pray for Me Ray
Has the prerequisite two-sprints-and-a-stretch-out angle to have him primed for a major effort in this turf maiden miler after finishing strongly to be third in a fast, highly rated dash at Santa Anita last month. The son of Vancouver lands a comfortable inside draw, projects to draft into a nice second flight, ground-saving position, and then have his chance to kick on with it when called upon. The Mike Puype-trained gelding is fast on figures and has the pedigree to handle the extra ground, so let’s make him a strong play in the win pool at 7/2 on the morning line.
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DEL MAR RECOMMENDED ROLLING EXOTIC STRATEGIES:
(Races 1-5)
1st race: 8-Breakfast Ride; 7-Americaredwhiteblu
2nd race: 4-Fast Buck; 8-Time to Party; 2-Gregory’s Pride
3rd race: 7-Pyeong Chang. Backup: 4-Priano
4th race: 1-Secret Touch ; 3-Gray Magician; 6-Manitowish. Backup: 2-Exclusive Speaker
5th race: Uncontrollable; 5-Chedda Cash; 4-Danzing Cat; 9-Smokin Cheena. Backups: 8-Sarande; 3-One Smokin’ Rita
(Races 6-10)
6th race: 7-Eddie’s New Dream; 8-Freedom Flyer.
7th race: 2-Infinite Wisdom; 9-Too Bossy. Backup: 3-Ascendancy; 10-Keychain Girl
8th race: 1-Mackinnon; 6-Castle Leoch; Dandy Warhol.
9th race: 12-Murray;3-Patron d’Oro; 9-Exaulted. Backup: 6-Recall and Reloaded
10th race: 3-Pray for Me Ray; 11-Admiralty Place; 12-Granlusso
DEL MAR WORKOUT ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY:
FIRST RACE:
Club Cal (July 14, Santa Anita, 7f, 1:29.1h). Grade: C
Clearly best outside Asaro (7f, 1:30h) while being ridden most of the way, final five furlongs in :24 flat, :36.1 and 1:04.2, slowing up considerably late. Unplaced in his five most recent starts and needs a serious class drop to be even remotely productive.
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Breakfast Ride (June 30, Santa Anita, 4f, :50.2h). Grade: B
Under a stout hold throughout while sharp and eager in easy half mile breeze for J. Sadler while outside stride-for-stride with Rocky Gibraltar (same time). Didn’t get the best of runs last time out and is better than the race shows. Handles any surface but may prefer dirt and should be capable of sprinting or routing.
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SECOND RACE:
Gregory’s Pride (July 17, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:00hg). Grade: B
Nice gate drill with blinkers, splits of :23.4, :35 flat :46.4 and :59.4 on our watches, not asked early, mild coaxing late, for P. D’Amato. Away since February, returns as a gelding, been strictly a grass performer so far but seems to get over the dirt well enough.
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Mac Daddy Too (July 16, Santa Anita, 5f, :59.4h TT). Grade: B
Second best with tough customer Beef Winslow (1:00.1h TT), breaking off a couple of lengths behind and finishing a half-length back at the wire while being ridden through the lane (workmate going easily), final three furlongs in :11.3 and :35.1 for D. O’Neill. Been away since December, returns as a first-time gelding, needs grass for his best and has run well over the Del Mar lawn in the past.
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I’ll Stand Taller (July 16, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:01.3hg). Grade: B-
Taken in hand leaving the gate to trail Cause She’s a Lady (same time) by a few lengths down the backside while just loping along, was asked a tad entering the turn to engage workmate and then finished stride-for-stride with that one while coming home with something left, splits of :25.4, :49.3 and 1:02 flat on our watches. Away since February and seems to be returning in good shape, though he doesn’t look quite cranked up yet.
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THIRD RACE:
Single Me Out (July 10, Santa Anita, 4f, :47.4hg). Grade: C+
Ridden most of the way in gate drill inside Adams Creed (5f, 1:00.4hg) for K. Mulhall, trailing that one by a couple of lengths when eased up after a half mile, splits of :24 flat, :35.3 and :47.4, fair-to-moderate under the circumstances. Been away since last October, probably needs more work.
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Big Scott Daddy (June 26, Santa Anita, 4f, :49h). Grade: C+
A tad fresh leaving the pole and was hard held while running off a bit before settling midway, then finished mostly on his own while slowing up in the late stages, splits of :23.3 and :49.1 on our watches. Nothing to be particularly impressed about.
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K P D Day (July 13, Santa Anita, 4f, :49hg). Grade: C+
Solo gate drill for A. Marquez, not asked much early (:24.4) was ridden pretty good entering the turn (:36.4) and then was taken somewhat in hand to finish out in :49 flat while getting fit for first start since last November. Route-type needs a class drop this time around.
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FOURTH RACE:
Manitowish (July 14, Santa Anita, 6f, 1:14.1h). Grade: B
Was ridden some through the lane and finished in full stride in solo training track drill for S. Miyadi, final quarter mile in :24.2, fairly nicely for a mid-grade claimer. May perk up for new connections following a claim.
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Ted (July 14, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:00.4h TT). Grade: B-
In blinkers, chirped to and ridden through the lane while coming the final quarter mile in :24.1, decent enough for new trainer J. Wong in solo training track drill. Was claimed for $32,000 up north in May and re-surfaces for $16,000 today, not exactly a healthy pattern, so there are mixed signals.
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FIFTH RACE:
Sarande (June 30, Santa Anita, 3f, :34.4h TT). Grade: B
Broke off a couple of lengths in front inside Sanger (same time) in training track drill for C. Gaines and then wound up a neck back at the wire, mild coaxing only while displaying pretty good speed (workmate best, though), splits of :11.2 and :34.3 on our watches. Should be competitive with state-bred maiden juveniles based on this drill.
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Warren’s Paradice (July 7, Santa Anita, 4f, :48.3hg). Grade: C+
Juvenile filly was ridden pretty good throughout in team gate drill with Warren’s World (same time) for C. Lewis, splits of :24.3, :36.1 and :48.2 on our watches. Not a speed type at this stage, may have a smidgen of ability.
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SIXTH RACE:
California Kook (June 18, Santa Anita, 4f, :47.4h). Grade: B
Solo main track drill without undue pressure, splits of :23.1 and :47.3 on our watches, solid enough for P. Miller. Freshened since March (was stale at the time) and should come back at least a bit better than she left for former trainer.
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Macadamia (July 15, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:00.3h TT). Grade: B
Broke off slightly behind Connie Swingle (same time) and finished a head back at the wire, not asked much (workmate breezing), final three furlongs in :36.2, useful drill for P. D’Amato. May improve; did train quite well prior to her U.S. debut and was slightly disappointing.
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Eddie’s New Dream (July 6, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:00.2h). Grade: B
Caught her from the three-furlong pole to the wire in :36 flat, light late coaxing, solid work after tying in with Sooothsay (4f, :48h) down the backside. Was overmatched in Gamely S.G1 last time out, should bounce back against more realistic company.
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SEVENTH RACE:
Above Suspicion (June 25, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:00.2hg). Grade: B-
Broke in the air, then went well clear of Three Strands (4f, :47.3hg) without really being asked much for R. Mandella, splits of :24.1, :35.2, :47.2 and 1:00.2, decent sort of drill by sophomore daughter of Honor Code. Hard to say how cranked up she is but definitely has some ability. Might be inclined to see one first.
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Infinite Empire (July 10, Santa Anita, 6f, 1:13.2hg). Grade: B
Best in a team gate drill that included Zaccheus (5f, 1:00.2hg) and Hacking It Up (3f, :36.2hg) for R. Mandella, mild coaxing early and then being ridden pretty good through the lane to finish up with interest, splits of :24.1, :36.2, :48.2 and 1:14.2 on our watches, a full second slower than given. Okay move and has a nice stride; displayed promise last year in her only start before being stopped on.
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Anacapa (July 15, Santa Anita, 4f, :47hg). Grade: C+
Was ridden most of the way inside Thorne House (same time) for C. Gaines and was second best (two lengths back after a half) while tiring in the closing stages of this gate drill, splits of :24.1, :35.3 and :47.3 on our watches, slower than given. Hard to see her winning a maiden special weight affair on this circuit.
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Snip (July 8, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:02.2h). Grade: B-
Went with her head up a bit but showed some ability in solo main track drill for J. Shirreffs, final half mile in :24 flat and :48.4. Not bad, may want to see one first, though.
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Runninwiththeboyz (July 9, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:01hg). Grade: C+
Best over Blue Rim Rocks (4f, :47.4hg), taking command outside entering the turn and opening up while being ridden pretty good, splits of :23.4, :35.2, :47.4 and 1:01 and small change, fair to moderate at best. Probably a down the road type.
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EIGHTH RACE:
Mackinnon (July 17, Santa Anita, 4f, :49h TT). Grade: B+
Broke off far behind Chief’s Blanket (4f, :50.4h TT) and ran that one down in the closing stages with an excellent display of late speed while under a stout hold throughout, final three furlongs in :12 flat and :35.2, full of run past the wire. Freshened since February and is coming back as good as he left.
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St Anthony (July 13, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:00.1h TT). Grade: B
Broke off a length behind Organic (5f, 1:00.3h TT) for Drysdale and was ridden a bit in the final furlong to draw clear by more than a length, solid work with splits of :35 flat and 1:00.1 on our watches. Was a stakes winner over the all-weather surface up north last time out, maintains his form.
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Brit’s Wit (July 9, Santa Anita, 4f, :49.1h TT). Grade: B
Quite keen leaving the pole a length behind inside Big Shamrock (4f, :49h TT) and was under stout restraint every step of the way, pulling hard while wanting to do more, splits of 12 flat and :35.4 from the three furlong pole to the wire. Won a $50,000 claimer in Kentucky (was second best but leader went wrong close home), seems to be doing well for new connections since arriving in the West.
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Balnikhov (July 15, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:02h TT). Grade: B-
A length back entering the stretch outside Flintmore (same time) in training track drill for P. D’Amato and could never get by the leader despite being ridden some in the final furlong, finishing the same margin behind at the wire. Just an okay drill, failed at odds-on in the Cinema S. last time out and didn’t produce any kind of forward move here.
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Dandy Warhol (June 26, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:01.2h TT). Grade: B
Was lightly ridden through the lane while displaying efficient action, final three furlongs in :36.3 in solo training track drill while gearing up for U.S. debut. Won only start in Ireland over the all-weather surface at Dundalk in March like a gelding with some quality. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s competitive in Oceanside Stakes.
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Sydney Street (June 19, Santa Anita, 4f, :50.1h). Grade: C+
Caught a glimpse of him last month in team drill outside Perfect Ice Storm (same time) and was slightly second best while being ridden pretty good in the late stages to stay close to even. Was a useful handicapper in England during the winter but may prefer all-weather or turf based on this drill.
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NINTH RACE:
Recall and Reload (July 15, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:00.3hg). Grade: B-
Second best in gate drill with Murray (same time) for B. Baffert after being rated off workmate outside to the turn and then engaging but could never get by and appearing to weaken late, winding up a length back when eased up after five furlongs. Broke his maiden gamely at Santa Anita first time out so we expected more here; perhaps he’d prefer to simply be let roll. See below for commentary on Murray.
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Kid Corleone (July 9, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:00.3hg). Grade: B
In blinkers, ridden most of the way in solo gate drill on the comeback trail for D. O’Neill, splits of :24.1, :35.3, :47.2 and 1:00.3 before coasting to the wire in 1:14.1, decent enough for the son of Shackleford. Been away since November and probably needs a bit more work before being dead tight but seems to have retained his speed.
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Good Vibes Only (July 14, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:00.1h). Grade: C+
Failed to change leads while being ridden through the lane, final three furlongs in :36.4. Comes off nice win, so we were hoping to see better. Normally a willing worker.
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Murray (July 15, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:00.3hg). Grade: B
Broke well inside Recall and Reload and led early in soft opening quarter without being asked, picked up steam on the turn, fought off the challenge of ‘Recall to gradually pull clear late without being asked and then galloped out nicely, splits of :25.1, :36.4, :48.1 and 1:00.3 before coasting to the wire in 1:14 flat. Coming back well, hard to say how cranked up he is but we know he can fire fresh, and he does like this track.
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TENTH RACE:
Seven Wonders (July 17, Santa Anita, 4f, :49.3h TT). Grade: B-
Stride-for-stride with Kazuhiko (same time) in training track breeze for P. Eurton, neither one asked much, final three furlongs in a solid :36.2. Has some run (brought $250,000 at the 2021 OBS March Sale) and should be competitive with maidens going long on grass when he debuts.
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Man Among Men (July 4, Santa Anita, 7f, 1:28.2h). Grade: B-
In team drill inside Karin With An I (6f, 1:15.2h) and was slightly best to the wire before being coaxed out an extra eighth to the 7/8 pole, splits of :24.3, :50 flat and 1:03 flat for the final five furlongs on our watches. Not a speed type, more of a grinder, bred for grass on both sides of his pedigree so we suspect he’ll be most effective on the lawn.
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National Generaux (June 19, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:02.4h). Grade: B-
Worked outside Silent Heat (5f, 1:03h), breaking off a length behind and then besting that one without being asked, a little sloppy on his leads but coming home with something left, final half mile in :24 flat and :50.2. Irish (all-weather) form wasn’t bad, should be competitive on this circuit vs. maidens going long.
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Kazuhiko (July 17, Santa Anita, 4f, :49.3h TT). Grade: B-
Stride-for-stride outside with Seven Wonders (same time) in team training track drill for P. Eurton, final three furlongs in :36.2, possible a tad the best. Looks fine but is a nine-race maiden and may lack a winning punch.
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Clutch Hitter (July 7, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:02.2h). Grade: C
Second best outside Palagio (same time) while being ridden through the lane without offering much of a response, a half-length back at the wire. Uncle Mo colt brought $950,000 as a yearling but hasn’t figured things out yet.
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Pittsburgh (July 7, Santa Anita, 5f, 1:01.2h TT). Grade: B-
Ridden late in solo training track drill for Hess., Jr., splits of :24 flat, :35.4 and 1:01.1. Fair-to-average, probably better on turf.
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Granlusso (July 8, Santa Anita, 4f, :48.1h TT). Grade: B+
Broke off behind Commander Carl (4f, :48.3h TT) and was breezing to the wire to close the gap before finishing head-and-head, quite nice for D. Blacker, final quarter in a sharp :23.2. Was far back in his only start (on dirt) at Gulfstream Park in February but has got to be better than that. Now on gelding (that may explain it).
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