By Jarrod Horak
Del Mar’s Thursday card features eight competitive races and an attractive Pick 6 carryover beginning in Race 3. After reviewing the fields, pace scenarios, class levels, and projected speed figures, here are my race-by-race selections and betting thoughts.
Race 1 – $16,000 Claiming (5½ Furlongs)
The morning-line favorite SendIt Mo owns strong projected speed figures, but the drop from a $32,000 claim to $16,000 in just his second start for the new barn raises concerns.
Top Pick: #3 Uecker (4-1)
Uecker drops in class while switching back to dirt. His turf speed figures compare favorably with this field, and he previously ran well over the main track, finishing a close second with a competitive speed figure. If he transfers his turf form to dirt, he offers solid value.
Contenders
- #3 Uecker
- #2 SendIt Mo
- #1 Joker Went Wild
Race 2 – Maiden Special Weight (5 Furlongs Turf)
Top Pick: #8 Captain Shreve (7-2)
Captain Shreve has faced tougher competition on dirt and now makes an intriguing move to the turf course. George Papaprodromou’s sophomore gelding reunites with jockey Umberto Rispoli, who guided him to a runner-up finish in his debut late last year. If he handles the surface switch, he should be a major player.
Pick 6 Begins – Race 3
Race 3 – California-Bred Maiden Claiming ($50,000)
This abbreviated dirt sprint at five panels features several first-time starters, making pedigree, workouts, and trainer stats especially important.
Top Pick: #4 Blondys Forza (5-1)
Trainer Paula Capestro has been winning at a high percentage recently, and Hector Berrios has enjoyed excellent success riding for the barn. A solid gate workout suggests this filly is ready to fire first out.
Other Contenders
- #9 Shemakesmemad
- #3 Please Behave
- #2 Zeyda At the Spa
Race 4 – Starter Optional Claiming (5 Furlongs Turf)
If Miss Hellfire draws into the race from the also-eligible list, she becomes a major contender based on her projected figures.
Top Pick: #7 Unbinding (3-1)
Unbinding returns from a layoff for trainer Mark Glatt, who has strong numbers with fresh horses. Her most recent turf sprint races produced competitive performance figures, and she appears capable of picking up where she left off.
Other Contenders
- #9 Miss Hellfire (if she draws in)
- #1 Jenny’s Wine Girl
- #4 Famous Forza
Race 5 – California-Bred Maiden Claiming ($50,000)
Another juvenile race loaded with first-time starters.
Top Pick: #5 Dont Short Ur Self (3-1)
Trainer John Sadler and jockey Joel Rosario form one of the strongest combinations on the card. A solid gate workout and strong trainer statistics with dirt sprint runners make this filly the one to beat.
Other Contenders
- #4 Quick Up
- #7 Imnosurething
Race 6 – Optional Claiming (1 1/16 Miles Turf)
One of the strongest betting races on the card.
Top Pick: #7 The White Lady (7-2)
The White Lady has been remarkably consistent since arriving in the United States and already owns a Del Mar victory at this distance. After a solid comeback effort following a lengthy layoff, she looks poised to improve in her second start of the year.
She is a possible Pick 6 single.
Other Contenders
- #8 Canto Della Terra
- #3 Ribbons
- #4 Mi Confession
Race 7 – California-Bred Optional Claiming (1 Mile)
Several runners bring competitive speed figures into this race.
Top Pick: #5 The G M (9-2)
The GM appears set for another forward move after winning a sprint in his second start of the season. Stretching back out to a mile should suit him well, and his previous route race suggest additional improvement is possible.
Other Contenders
- #2 Pokernightatvees
- #4 Majestic Palisades
- #6 Stolen Treasure
- #8 John Metcalfe
Race 8 – $25,000 Claiming (1 Mile Turf)
The nightcap is a wide-open affair.
Top Pick: #9 Suntory Time (6-1)
Suntory Time offers attractive value. After breaking her maiden earlier this spring, she returned with a competitive effort against tougher company. Juan Hernandez takes the mount, and her tactical running style should allow her to work out a favorable trip.
Other Contenders
- #1 Motet
- #4 Lady of Power
- #6 Elite Heat
- #10 Green Zone
