Del Mar Kicks Off Competitive Summer Meet (7/22)

One of the most storied and beautiful tracks in the country comes back on line this week. Friday begins the summer Del Mar meet where the surf meets the turf.

Big Races on the Coast

Del Mar has always been the playground for the stars. When the track first opened in the 1930s, the moniker was assigned because of its patrons. Since the track’s inception Bing Crosby was actively involved in the racing even greeting the first customers on opening day.

His star influence led to many of Hollywood’s elite superstars making regular appearances at the race track.

Still Star Studded

The patrons may not have the same star power that they once did. However, there is no doubt that the course has been host to plenty of stars of the equine variety.

The meet will feature several marquee events including the Del Mar Debutante, the Bing Crosby Stakes, and the TVG Pacific Classic.

Opening Day Full Card Analysis

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 1

Post: 2:00 PM PT; $43k Starter Allowance going 1 mile on dirt; Entries: 10

• #4 PAPALE (5-1) gets the top selection. He has races good enough to beat this group. This one looks to be the class of the field.
• #10 MAXIM MOMENT (5-1) appears to be a major player in this race. He makes sense on speed figures. This one goes out for the D'Amato barn and gets Herrera in the irons.
• #7 AMERICAREDWHITEBLU (3-1) should be competitive in this spot. He fits on speed figures. This one has to be respected going out for the combination of Glatt and Cedillo.
• #9 CONUNDRUM (4-1) could be in with a shot in this race. The speed figures fit and he may get the right type of setup here.

Selections: 4 – 10- 7 – 9

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 2

Post: 2:30 PM PT; $82k Allowance Optional Claiming going 5 furlongs on turf; Entries: 14

• #8 TIME TO PARTY (4-1) gets the top selection. He has to be respected going out for the combination of Miller and Hernandez. This one should be in the right spot to be in with a chance late.
• #3 CLAYTON DELANEY (10-1) appears to be a major player in this race. He has the perfect run style for this type of race and may just get the perfect trip here. This one is a player on speed figures.
• #4 FAST BUCK (5-2) appears to be a major player in this race. He could get the right setup in this race. It would be surprising if this one wasn’t at least in the mix at the wire.
• #2 GREGORY'S PRIDE (4-1) appears to be a major player in this race. He looks to be the class of the field. This one has to be respected going out for the combination of D'Amato and Rispoli.

Selections: 8 – 3 – 4 – 2

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 3

Post: 3:00 PM PT; $32k Claiming going 6 1/2 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 9

• #4 PRIANO (3-1) gets the top selection. He has races good enough to beat this group. This one shouldn't have trouble with the 6 1/2 furlong distance.
• #7 PYEONG CHANG (3-1) should be competitive in this spot. He may get the absolute dream flow of the race in this spot. This one has the top overall power rating in the group.
• #3 BIG FLAME (6-1) feels like a fringe contender in this spot. He seems to fit well enough here. This one has been really solid in recent starts and should be ready to run a big one here.
• #2 SINGLE ME OUT (8-1) isn't without hope. Based solely on speed figures this feels like the right type of group for this one.

Selections: 4 – 7 – 3 – 2

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 4

Post: 3:30 PM PT; $34k Claiming going 1 mile on dirt; Entries: 14

• #1 SECRET TOUCH (5-2) gets the top selection. He should be in the right spot to be in with a chance late.
• #7 COLONEL BOWMAN (4-1) appears to be a major player in this race. He shouldn't have trouble with the 1 mile distance. This one has been really solid in recent starts and should be ready to run a big one here.
• #14 FAMILY BIZ (10-1) appears to be a major player in this race. He makes sense on speed figures.
• #3 GRAY MAGICIAN (6-1) should be competitive in this spot. He should be in the mix in the stretch. This one could get the right setup in this race.

Selections: 1 – 7 – 14- 3

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 5

Post: 4:00 PM PT; $80k Maiden Special Weight going 5 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 14

• #9 SMOKIN CHEENA (5-2) gets the top selection. She has the perfect run style for this type of race and may just get the perfect trip here.
• #10 THE REIGN SONG (6-1) should be competitive in this spot. She looks to be the class of the field.
• #3 ONE SMOKIN' RITA (12-1) is probably best to put underneath on most tickets. She could get the right setup in this race.
• #11 CHOLLY (6-1) is an interesting player at decent odds. This one becomes a bigger player if she takes a little money in the markets.

Selections: 9 – 10- 3 – 11

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 6

Post: 4:30 PM PT; $84k Allowance Optional Claiming going 1 1/8 miles on turf; Entries: 10

• #7 EDDIE'S NEW DREAM (3-1) gets the top selection. She has proven to be able to handle these conditions in previous starts. This one has the top overall power rating in the group.
• #9 FREEDOM LASS (4-1) appears to be a major player in this race. She has races good enough to beat this group. This one should be in the right spot to be in with a chance late.
• #2 MACADAMIA (7-2) should be competitive in this spot. She has been successful going long on the turf before and should be in with a shot here.
• #4 CHARGES DROPPED (5-1) should be competitive in this spot. She has the perfect run style for this type of race and may just get the perfect trip here. This one could get the right setup in this race.

Selections: 7 – 9 – 2 – 4

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 7

Post: 5:00 PM PT; $80k Maiden Special Weight going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 11

• #2 INFINITE EMPIRE (5-2) gets the top selection. She makes sense on speed figures. This one has been really solid in recent starts and should be ready to run a big one here.
• #9 TOO BOSSY (3-1) appears to be a major player in this race. She has the pedigree to be a major player in this spot.
• #10 KEYCHAIN GIRL (6-1) appears to be a major player in this race. She makes sense on speed figures. The bloodlines bolster the case for this one.
• #4 ANACAPA (15-1) is probably best to put underneath on most tickets. She comes into the race in really good form but would need to find a top performance to win here.

Selections: 2 – 9 – 10- 4

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 8

Post: 5:30 PM PT; $100k Oceanside Stakes going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 14

• #1 MACKINNON (5-2) gets the top selection. He has the top overall power rating in the group. This one was was once in the conversation among the elites in California racing.
• #8 BALNIKHOV (3-1) appears to be a major player in this race. He looks to be the class of the field. This one could get the right setup in this race.
• #4 BOISE (15-1) feels like a fringe contender in this spot. He goes out for the Wong barn and gets Pena in the irons.
• #3 ST ANTHONY (15-1) is probably best to put underneath on most tickets. He seems to fit well enough here. This one could hit the board if the pace sets up correctly.

Selections: 1 – 8 – 4 – 3

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 9

Post: 6:00 PM PT; $82k Allowance Optional Claiming going 6 1/2 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 14

• #9 EXAULTED (4-1) gets the top selection. He looks to be the class of the field. This one should be in the right spot to be in with a chance late.
• #11 GOOD VIBES ONLY (12-1) should be competitive in this spot. He makes sense on speed figures. This one could get the trip to make the price an absolute steal.
• #12 MURRAY (7-2) should be competitive in this spot. He has proven to be able to handle these conditions in previous starts. This one has the top overall power rating in the group.
• #4 HOUNDSTOOTH (8-1) could be in the mix at a square price. He should leave himself in with a chance down the lane. This one seems to fit well enough based on speed figures.

Selections: 9 – 11- 12- 4

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 10

Post: 6:30 PM PT; $80k Maiden Special Weight going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 14

• #8 KAZUHIKO (15-1) gets the top selection. He should be in the right spot to be in with a chance late. The speed figures make this one a real upset possibility.
• #3 PRAY FOR ME RAY (7-2) appears to be a major player in this race. He goes out for the Puype barn and gets Smith in the irons.
• #13 ONE MORE BID (8-1) should be competitive in this spot. At 8-1 this one has efforts in the past performances to get the job done here.
• #14 IRISH PROPHET (4-1) is probably best to put underneath on most tickets. This one shouldn't have trouble with the 1 mile distance but the outside post is a bit concerning.

Selections: 8 – 3 – 13- 14

Daily Coverage

Betting News will continue bringing full card analysis from each and every race day at the summer’s hottest meets including Saratoga, Del Mar, Laurel Park, and Monmouth Park.

Need a little extra help handicapping? Betting News offers free handicapping tools that can help you analyze speed, pace, and track trends.

3 Stars of the Week

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