Opening Day is finally here and while we cannot see the races on-track we still have a fantastic card for today!
L.A. Times Value Play of the Day
Race 4: Jungle Roar is 12-1 for trainer Jeff Mullins who is winning 40% 2nd time grass. This trainer is also winning 23% 2nd time routing. My point here is this is when, and the type of race, that Mullins shines with his horses. ‘Roar has as much speed as the top choices in this race, a race where I feel the favorite is very beatable.
Value Plays for Today:
Race 5: Polar Wind – Won last out off the bench in May, regular works since and obviously targeting Del Mar. Small stable is 3 of 12 this yr. Jockey is riding well and due a win streak
Race 7: Maxim Rate is my TOP PLAY in here. This is where Rispoli lands and this is a 1st time Rispoli a big upgrade for a horse who rallies too late every time. A closer on turf Rispoli is the man! 2nd start off the layoff and trainer is 25% 2nd off the layoff, 22% in allowance races and did very well here last summer. 5-1 is great
Race 8: Lighting Fast – this was going to be my LA TIMES PLAY. EXCELLENT LONG SHOT! 1st start since January when the horse won by 6 lengths. Regular works since May and a sharp one last week it looks like Del Mar was targeted. Racing protected today as well. 15-1 is fantastic value
Race 9: Kanderal – Juan Hernadez rode this horse to a win at Golden Gate last out so it’s fitting he rides here for Mandella. Trainer is 24% win rate in non graded stakes. 12-1 price is NICE
Race 10: Seven Oxen – won here at this distance in August, hit the bench till June 27. No works since but small stable is the owner and trainer and this is the type of horse that wins at Del Mar
Today’s Race 1 50 cent Early Pick 5 will cost $72 with horses listed in preference
Race 1: 4,8,1,7
Race 2: 3,4,2 (6)*
Race 3: 4,2 (3,5,7)*
Race 4: 1,2,7
Race 5: 8,2 (1,4)
Today’s Race 7 50 cent Late Pick 4 will cost $40.50with horses listed in preference
Race 7: 5,8,1 (3)*
Race 8: 4,6,2 (3)*
Race 9: 7,2,5 (6,8,12)*
Race 10: 8,2,10 (9)*
Selections for each race with horses listed in preference
Race 1: 4,8,1,7
Race 2: 3,4,2 (6)*
Race 3: 4,2 (3,5,7)*
Race 4: 1,2,7
Race 5: 8,2 (1,4)
Race 6: 1,2,5
Race 7: 5,8,1 (3)*
Race 8: 4,6,2 (3)*
Race 9: 7,2,5 (6,8,12)*
Race 10: 8,2,10 (9)*
Typos happen and I do my best not to make them. Always read through my writeups to make sure the posted numbers are correct. I list Pick 4, Pick 5 selections and also a listing of all plays for each race. If there are any differences, please let me know.
*Horses listed in brackets are for added coverage if wanted and for exotics.
For races where I only have one or two selections I usually like to KEY the top choice with the second choice and an outside for trifectas.
When I have three horses selected in a Pick 4 or Pick 5 consider them for Trifecta boxes and for superfecta boxes use the 3 selections with the highest priced horse with good form or top tier jockeys riding, especially if they give a price. Rolling Pick 3 and doubles using selections.
Irish horse racing saying –
“Bíonn grásta Dé idir an dialait agus an talamh.”
“The grace of God is found between the saddle and the ground.”