I usually write about the early Pick 5 or late Pick 4, but there is a particular sequence at Del Mar that caught my eye on Saturday, July 20th. Bold Fantasy is my best bet of the day and runs in Race 6. I will start a $1 Pick 3 by singling this runner at 5-1 and will look for additional value in the following races.
Race 6
Bold Fantasy (#10, 5-1) makes his third start off the layoff, catches a field full of speed and faces strictly Cal-Breds while making his first start for trainer Jonathan Wong. Wong hits at 26% off the claim and is not bringing this horse down here for just the scenery. He should sit a great trip and is the most logical single of the day at a nice price.
Race 7
Ashleyluvssugar (#3, 9-2) looks primed to return to his best form. He ran huge off a layoff at a shorter distance than he prefers in the Crystal Water Stakes and made a big middle move after encountering early trouble against Catapult and Sharp Samurai, who returned to run 1-2 in the Eddie Read Stakes. This honest gelding always runs well at Del Mar and will appreciate the return to Cal-Bred company.
Camino Del Paraiso (#6, 20-1) has improved since removing blinkers and owns a win and a third in three tries at Del Mar. He was parked in post 11 against many of these last time and is a strong upset candidate with a better trip as Bejarano jumps aboard.
Fly to Mars (#7, 5-1) was an impressive winner in his first turf start without blinkers. He faces better on Saturday, but he may be a horse on the rise and is dangerous with Peter Miller training and Flavien Prat riding.
Pee Wee Reese (#4, 7-2) is the horse to beat on paper. He is ultra-consistent and has thrived against open company. He should be included in all wagers, but is far from a cinch in a race that has lots of other speed in it and at a distance that will test his limitations.
Race 8
Broome (#3, 5-2) will be tough to beat while dropping into the non-winners of 2 lifetime condition for the first time. She has been working well and should appreciate the cutback to 6 furlongs. Miller has this filly spotted for victory at a short price.
Calimonco Action (#12, 15-1) is worth including because of her closing style and big price. If Broome gets caught up in a speed duel and this race falls apart, look for this improving three-year-old to pick up all the pieces.
$1 Pick 3 Ticket: 10 – 3,4,6,7 – 3,12 = $8
-Padraic Manocchio
@xbtvpadraic
