Del Mar Sunday: Eddie Read Stakes Analysis, Selections

Earlier this month the Stronach Group announced the closure of Golden Gate at the end of the year. However, Del Mar is proving that California racing is far from dead.

Superior Betting Product

Del Mar is to be commended for their field size in a saturated summer market. The robust pre-race paddock can be largely attributed to the “Ship and Win” program Del Mar has expertly used over the last couple of years.

Larger fields in horse racing can significantly enhance the overall experience for horseplayers, providing a multitude of benefits that contribute to a more engaging and rewarding betting environment. Horseplayers are constantly seeking opportunities to challenge their handicapping skills and increase their chances of success. Here are several reasons why larger fields are better for horseplayers:

Increased Betting Opportunities:

Larger fields offer a wider array of betting options, giving horseplayers more choices to find value and capitalize on potential upsets. With more horses competing, the odds on each runner tend to be more generous, allowing astute bettors to identify undervalued contenders and take advantage of favorable payouts.

Competitive Races

Large fields typically result in more competitive races, as a greater number of talented horses vie for the top spot. These intense competitions provide horseplayers with a thrilling and suspenseful experience, adding to the excitement of the sport. More importantly it makes a wider array of outcomes possible and leaves the door open for money to be spread around.

Greater Handicapping Challenges

Analyzing a race with a large field requires horseplayers to apply their handicapping skills more extensively. With more variables to consider, such as running styles, post positions, jockeys, and track conditions, handicappers must delve deeper into their research to make informed decisions. This increased complexity can be intellectually stimulating and satisfying for avid horseplayers.

Higher Payouts

Larger fields often lead to larger payouts, especially in exotic wagers like trifectas, superfectas, and Pick 6s. The difficulty of predicting the exact order of finish among a large number of horses means that successful bettors are rewarded handsomely when they hit these challenging bets.

Opportunities for Longshots

In races with large fields, longshot horses have a better chance of winning or finishing in the money. The increased number of contenders can lead to unexpected outcomes, and astute horseplayers who identify live longshots can cash in on lucrative payouts.

Diverse Betting Strategies

With more horses to choose from, horseplayers can employ various betting strategies. Some may prefer to focus on stand-out favorites, while others might search for value among mid-priced contenders or longshots. Larger fields enable bettors to customize their approach based on their preferences and risk appetite.

Sunday Full Card Analysis

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 1

Post: 2:00 PM PT; $36k Maiden Claiming going 1 mile on dirt; Entries: 9

• #5 CONQUERING KING (6-1) earns the top selection, given his fitting performance in this field. He has demonstrated enough talent to outdo this group.
• #6 FOREIGN INFLUENCE (4-1) appears to be a strong contender, projected to sit mid-pack and make a decisive move. This horse could benefit from the right setup in this race.
• #7 BURTON WAY (3-1) is another horse to consider, as the combination of Eurton and Pereira adds to his appeal. With a solid pedigree, he is a major player in this field.
• #8 HABEAS (7-2) is not without hope and seems to be the class of the field. A hot pace up front may work in his favor.

Selections: 5 – 6 – 7 – 8

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 2

Post: 2:34 PM PT; $82k Maiden Special Weight going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 10

• #2 TEES TOUCH (5-2) is expected to improve off the first start and stands as the top pick. Handling previous similar conditions well, this horse gains respect going out for the combination of D’Amato and Rispoli.
• #6 KENNEL CLUB (4-1) has shown potential to beat this group, making him a competitive choice. Look for a late charge and a strong closing kick.
• #4 POTENTIAL SPAM (15-1) is a price horse and might be considered a fringe contender. With recent solid performances, she could run a big race here.
• #3 MASTERS SUNDAY (8-1) is another horse that could improve off the first start and is a potential fringe contender based on speed figures.

Selections: 2 – 6 – 4 – 3

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 3

Post: 3:07 PM PT; $51k Claiming going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 7

• #3 CYBERVIKING (2-1) looks to be the strongest contender in this race, showing no trouble with the 6-furlong distance. His solid early pace figures make him stand out in a field lacking significant front running speed.
• #6 COLT FICTION (5-2) appears to fit well enough in this race and deserves consideration.
• #2 MISTER BOLD (5-1) could be a good bet to hit the board in this competitive race, boasting the top overall power rating in the group.
• #4 ROOKIE MISTAKE (5-1) is also worth considering, fitting well enough in this field and likely to be in the mix late.

Selections: 3 – 6 – 2 – 4

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 4

Post: 3:39 PM PT; $32k Claiming going 7 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 8

• #6 SLAM DIEGO (5-2) stands as the top selection, with no trouble handling the 7-furlong distance. This horse’s tactical speed allows for a favorable stalk and pounce trip.
• #4 MAJOR PRYCE (6-1) appears to be a fringe contender, but her solid performances make her worth respecting, especially with the combination of Wilensky and Ayuso.
• #2 TENACIOUS LADY (3-1) also falls into the fringe contender category, making sense based on speed figures. Watch out for her potential to get loose on the front end.
• #7 ROSY EDGE (6-1) also falls into the fringe contender category and makes sense based on speed figures.

Selections: 6 – 4 – 2 – 7

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 5

Post: 4:09 PM PT; $44k Claiming going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 11

• #6 QUIET SECRETARY (8-1) is the top pick, showcasing her class in this field.
• #1 CRIMSON ROSE (12-1) is a price horse and appears to be a major player in this race. Her tactical speed allows her to stay close to the leaders and make a decisive move.
• #11 JIBBER JABBER (6-1) also appears to be a major player, potentially benefitting from the right setup in this race.
• #2 LA VIKINA (7-2) is another major player, likely to be in the mix late as she stays close to the first flight of runners.

Selections: 6 – 1 – 11 – 2

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 6

Post: 4:39 PM PT; $30k Claiming going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 12

• #9 TROPICANA GIRL (12-1) is a price horse and looks best here. With tactical speed, she can stay close to the leaders and make a decisive move.
• #3 COWBOYS DAUGHTER (5-1) appears to be a major player in this race, entering in good form.
• #2 FLAT OUT JOY (10-1) is a price horse and falls into the fringe contender category. With a chance to be in the mix late, she is worth considering.
• #10 WRONG TURN CUPID (5-1) also falls into the fringe contender category, coming into the race in good form.

Selections: 9 – 3 – 2 – 10

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 7

Post: 5:09 PM PT; $83k Allowance Optional Claiming going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 12

• #11 MAMBA COOL (6-1) gets the top selection, fitting well enough in this race. He should benefit from a fair pace scenario.
• #5 CALIFORNIA BAY (5-1) should be competitive in this spot. He also runs evenly and looks to benefit from a fair pace scenario. His previous performances show he can handle these conditions.
• #1 OUBABE (7-2) could be in with a shot in this race. With consistent pace figures, he has potential to perform well in a moderately paced race.
• #3 TALKLESSWORKMORE (5-1) is another horse that could be in with a shot, fitting well enough in this field.

Selections: 11 – 5 – 1 – 3

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 8

Post: 5:39 PM PT; $82k Maiden Special Weight going 5 1/2 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 14

• #9 CHATALAS (4-1) debuts here and is the top pick, given her promising breeding.
• #11 NOTHING LIKE YOU (4-1) debuts here and is another top pick, with the combination of Baffert and Hernandez boosting her appeal.
• #14 GREER MY DEAR (4-1) debuts here and rounds out the top picks, boasting well-suited breeding for this spot.
• #10 JUST BE YOU (8-1) debuts here and should be competitive in this field, also with favorable breeding.

Selections: 9 – 11 – 14 – 10

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 9

Post: 6:09 PM PT; $250k Eddie Read S. going 1 1/8 miles on turf; Entries: 9

• #9 COUNT AGAIN (3-1) looks best here and deserves respect with the combination of D’Amato and Rispoli.
• #2 GOLD PHOENIX (4-1) could be in with a shot in this race, given his class. Watch out for a competitive run.
• #5 DICEY MO CHARA (6-1) falls into the fringe contender category, with potential to be in the mix late.
• #8 MACKINNON (8-1) is best considered for underneath positions on most tickets, with proven ability to handle these conditions.

Selections: 9 – 2 – 5 – 8

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 10

Post: 6:39 PM PT; $84k Allowance Optional Claiming going 1 mile on dirt; Entries: 10

• #10 BREAKFAST RIDE (4-1) gets the top selection, respected for the combination of Sadler and Rispoli. She should handle the 1-mile distance well.
• #1 PIROLI (5-2) should be competitive in this spot, boasting tactical speed for a stalk and pounce trip. She holds the top overall power rating in the group.
• #5 PERFECT FLIGHT (6-1) also seems to fit well enough in this field.
• #6 DIVINE ARMOR (8-1) falls into the fringe contender category, fitting well enough in this spot.

Selections: 10 – 1 – 5 – 6

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 11

Post: 7:09 PM PT; $46k Maiden Claiming going 1 1/16 miles on turf; Entries: 13

• #8 CLASSICALLY (5-1) is the top pick, going out for the D’Amato barn and with Rispoli in the irons. She should be in the mix late.
• #5 FAST CHAD (7-2) should be competitive in this spot, with races good enough to beat this group. Watch for a competitive run in the lane.
• #3 SON OF THUNDER (6-1) is not without hope, with races good enough to contend in this field.
• #12 MUCINO (6-1) also has a chance to be a major player, with a strong pedigree and the combination of O’Neill and Rispoli.

Selections: 8 – 5 – 3 – 12