We are back at Del Mar for the next month for one of my favorite meets, the Fall meet. If you have never been to Del Mar the Fall meet is a much more laid back meet I recommend visiting. And if you do come on Sunday say hello at the Newcomers Seminar I host inside the main gate one hour before the 1st race. 

This is a tough card but there are a number of value plays I like a lot today. Only 8 races means an overlap in the Pick 4 and Pick 5. I like my value plays and will be keying them in some trifectas looking for handsome pays.

I have a Del Mar Fall Meet special into opening day, on $85, a 30% discount that expires today.

Pick 5 I need a single is in race 3 Ernie Banks – see below

Pick 4 I need a single is in race  – none

Value Plays of the Day:

Race 1: Very Irish was a play for us during the summer and the horse did nada. And yes I like the name being Irish! However, what I see here are some sharp workouts , a 57 second work on October 10th and a sharp work last week. The horse races protected today so these workouts mean more to me. This is a small stable who is 29% on the year and 40% in sprints and also owns the horse. Also, Very Irish was breed by George Krikorian who was the #4 purse winner at the Summer meet and was winning 23% and 69% in the money. It’s the 1st race at Del Mar, lets swing! This race is won by horses over 10-1 a large 22%. We are getting a great 15-1 value today.

Race 2: Big Runner was a value play for us in the debut from a small stable owned and trained by the same family. Racing protected today the trainer is 33% (2 of 6) 2nd time grass.

Race 3: Ernie Banks ships down from up North from trainer Wong who is 34% claim repeater, 22% shipping, 30% winner last race and 25% on the year. Jockey Antongeorgie who won the last two on this horse flies down for this only race. Early speed, outside post I am singling a 5-1 horse in my Pick 5.

Race 5: Tiz a Slayer ran 2nd here at Del Mar in August in a $20k claimer and then hit the bench before returning Oct 26th to win in another $20k claimer. Today they race the horse protected in this starter allowance and try first time turf. Moves up in class, 1st time turf with no turf blood the 20-1 or more price is logical. It is Del Mar though and these are the kinds of horses that win.

Race 6: Twirling Diamond is from trainer Dallas Keen who is 33% sprint-route-sprint and 33% sprint-route. 3rd start off the layoff the horse again races protected and we get two bullet workouts for this race. They sent horse a mile on turf last out in what looks to have been a prep race for here. 12-1 is fantastic value. The horse has speed.

Race 7: Curlins Journey is my 20-1 closer play here. Funetes took over the riding last out and a masterful late bid gave the win. Has as much speed as the top choices in here and there is going to be a fast early pace setting the race up for a closer. The race replay is impressive. MUST USE!

Today’s Race 1 Early Pick 5 will cost $48 with horses listed in preference

Race 1: 3,1,6

Race 2: 6,3,1,5

Race 3: 9 (3,6)*

Race 4: 5,6

Race 5: 8,1,6,3

Today’s Race 5 Late Pick 4 will cost $45 with horses listed in preference.

Race 5: 8,1,6

Race 6: 1,2,6

Race 7: 4,7,3,9,8

Race 8: 3,1

Selections for each race with horses listed in preference

Race 1: 3,1,6

Race 2: 6,3,1,5

Race 3: 9 (3,6)*

Race 4: 5,6

Race 5: 8,1,6,3

Race 6: 1,2,6

Race 7: 4,7,3,9

Race 8: 3,1

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.”