12/4/22 Del Mar Rainbow Pick Six - Results

Race 4 - # 12 Blackened (Final Odds 5.80) - "B" Selection

Race 5 - The Cecil B DeMille - # 7 Speed Boat Beach (1.70*) - "C" Selection

Race 6 - # 8 Resilient (1.50*) - "A" Selection

Race 7 - The Matriarch - # 6 Regal Glory (0.60*) - "A" Selection

Race 8 - # 6 Tisquantum (7.90) - No Selection

Race 9 - # 5 Earls Rock (Ire) (2.70) - "B+" Selection

I thought that Speed Boat Beach wouldn't be able to keep his speed going for all eight furlongs on the turf in the Grade 3 Cecil B DeMille.  I thought wrong.  Still, that wasn't my only mistake Sunday, as I had no part at all of the winner of Race 8, Tisquantum; not even as a "C" Selection.  So, to bottom line Sunday, my day would have been much more profitable had I forsaken the multi-race wagers and just bet it all on my big ticket single, Regal Glory, winner of the Grade 1 Matriarch for the second year in a row.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Rainbow Pick Six sequence of  12 / 7 / 8 / 6 / 6 / 5  were rewarded with a payout of $1,002.92 for their twenty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

12/4/22 Del Mar Rainbow Pick Six - Preview

“When opportunity presents itself, don’t be afraid to go after it.” - Eddie Kennison

Sunday is closing day for Del Mar's I Hope You Brought a Jacket Because This Ain't The Summer Meet; so everything must go.  That includes the twenty cent jackpot Rainbow Pick Six; which, after the completion of Saturday's card, has a carryover of $513,150.  While the jackpot payout is the key attraction, the Sunday card in and of itself is worthy of attention, containing as it does a pair of Graded Stakes.  So with that let's get to it, as I take a run at The Rainbow Pick Six at the place Where The Turf Meets The Surf.

RACE 4 - (F) Md $32k - Six Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 9 Tenacious Lady (Morning Line 4-1)

B's

# 1 Cherry Chaos (ML 8-1)+

# 3 Prestigious (ML 6-1)

# 12 Blackened (ML 12-1)

C's

# 2 Nobe (ML 6-1)

# 6 Forest Acclamation (ML 12-1)

# 7 General Welfare (ML 8-1)

# 8 Short Journey (ML 12-1)

# 13 Sweet Hello (ML 5-1)

Scratch # 4 Bruins Mastery (No Line); # 5 Hollywood Rumor (ML 15-1); and # 11 Miss Kaline (ML 8-1) EDIT - # 10 Lucky Vegas (ML 20-1) is also scratched

Tenacious Lady strikes me as a clear top choice; but I have enough question marks regarding Tenacious Lady to keep me from making her a single in this leg.  Cherry Chaos, dropping in for a tag for the first time, looks like a logical contender.  Prestigious and Blackened are first time starters; and for those with larger bankrolls wishing to add more runners to this leg, I would suggest that they give a good, long look to the other debut runners in this contest.  And since no one likes being knocked out in the opening leg, for this contest I've reverted to using all runners not on the big ticket as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 5 - The Cecil B DeMille (Grade 3) - Eight Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 3 First Peace (ML 5-1)

B's

# 2 Ransomware (ML 6-1) +

C's

# 1 Kolomio (ML 20-1)
# 4 Ah Jeez (ML 3-1)
# 5 Game Time (ML 6-1)
# 6 Ze'bul (ML 5-1)
# 7 Speed Boat Beach (ML 5-2)
# 8 Fleet Feet (ML 12-1)

Scratch # 9 Lloyds Logic (ML 20-1)

This the first of two Graded Stakes on the Sunday card; and note that both will be run over the turf course at a distance of one mile.  For this contest, juveniles will be trying to navigate two turns on the turf.  Six of the eight runners have one or fewer Wins; so it often goes in Graded Stakes for two year olds, even in December.

Personally, I think the Cecil B. DeMille Stakes belongs to one of the one Win entrants.  I'm skeptical of the Morning Line Favorite, Speed Boat Beach, being able to keep his speed going for all eight furlongs on the turf.  Still, since these are juveniles on the grass, Speed Boat Beach and all other entrants not on the main ticket, will be used as backup "C" Selections.  Oh, and note the + next to Ransomware (and Cherry Chaos in the opening leg).  I've added a B+ to the Selection process, as a (I hope) fine tuning element to my ticket construction.  For my play, a B+ will be included with the A's as a single ticket, but will not be used with the C's; at least for a few weeks, until I get a true feel for how it's working out.

RACE 6 - [S] OC 20k/N1X - Six Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 8 Resilient (ML 5-2)

B’s

# 2 Square Cat (ML 3-1)

# 7 Brace for Impact (ML 6-1)+

C's

# 1 I Know Cash Flow (ML 4-1)

# 3 Thirsty Always (ML 12-1)

# 4 Single Me Out (ML 5-1)

# 5 Holiday Arousal (ML 8-1)

Scratch # 6 Mr. T's Thirsty (ML 12-1)

For those who take note of such things, Thirsty Always and Single Me Out are the only two runners in this field that will be competing with the $20k price tag on their head.

Were this a Pick 4 rather than a Pick 6, I would remove either Resilient or Square Cat off the big ticket.  However, I believe that with the additional two legs that a Pick 6 provides, that I can catch a separator in another race and just get through this one (hopefully); thus justifying the added cost (and the lessened value) to the main ticket.

RACE 7 - The Matriarch (Grade 1) - Eight Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 6 Regal Glory (ML 8-5)

B's

None

C's

# 1 Bipartisanship (GB) (ML 10-1)

# 5 Hamwood Flier (Ire) (ML 5-1)

# 8 Pizza Bianca (ML 6-1)

Scratch # 4 Gold for Kitten (ML 20-1) and # 7 Wakanaka (Ire) (ML 5-1)

Not much that I can do with this one.  Regal Glory looks to be very much the best here.  By way of disclaimer, I should mention that I also thought that Regal Glory looked to be very much the best last time out in the Breeders' Cup Mile; yet, somehow, nine other runners managed to get under the wire before Regal Glory in that event.

Anyway, while this contest drew quite well, Regal Glory does appear to be a standout; and I see no logical reason to double (or treble) the cost of my main ticket by adding runners in this leg.

RACE 8 - Alw 50000s N2L - Eight Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 2 Petruchio (ML 6-1)

B’s

# 4 Bright Leaf (ML 5-2)+

# 7 Street Art (ML 4-1)+

C's

# 5 Oncoming (ML 6-1)

# 8 Papale (ML 3-1)

Scratch # 3 Candy for Carmel (ML 20-1)

Note for future reference that this contest is for runners which have won fewer than two races in their career; no exceptions.  For some reason, that information is often not included in the running lines of the Past Performances.

Bright Leaf looks good, but is by no means a standout.  Conversely, Papale has done reasonably well at this level, but Papale just doesn't appear to be fast enough for this bunch.  So Bright Leaf is a B+, Papale is a C, and fingers are solidly crossed.

RACE 9 - OC 80k/N2X - Eight and a Half Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 6 Ready Soul (ML 5-1)

B’s

# 1 Count of Amazonia (ML 6-1)

# 5 Earls Rock (Ire) (ML 3-1)+

# 7 Crew Dragon (ML 30-1)

# 10 Lincoln Hawk (Ire) (ML 4-1)+

C's

# 3 Flashiest (ML 12-1)

# 4 Mecklenburg (Ire) (ML 10-1)

# 8 Hudson Ridge (ML 6-1)

# 9 Zoffarelli (ML 10-1)

Scratch # 2 Kanderel (ML 8-1)

Mecklenburg (Ire) and Ready Soul are the two in this field that are up for sale.  Ready Soul strikes me as one to use in the Win pool; especially if this is going to be your "get out" race for the weekend.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$2.00 P6: 9 with 3 with 8 with 6 with 2 with 6 $2.00

All A Entries with All B+ Entries

$0.20 P6: 1,9 with 2,3 with 7,8 with 6 with 2,4,7 with 5,6,10 $14.40

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.20 P6: 1,3,9,12 with 2,3 with 2,7,8 with 6 with 2,4,7 with 1,5,6,7,10 $72.00

A's with One C

$0.20 P6: 2,6,7,8,13 with 3 with 8 with 6 with 2 with 6 $1.00

$0.20 P6: 9 with 1,4,5,6,7,8 with 8 with 6 with 2 with 6 $1.20

$0.20 P6: 9 with 3 with 1,3,4,5 with 6 with 2 with 6 $0.80

$0.20 P6: 9 with 3 with 8 with 1,5,8 with 2 with 6 $0.60

$0.20 P6: 9 with 3 with 8 with 6 with 5,8 with 6 $0.40

$0.20 P6: 9 with 3 with 8 with 6 with 2 with 3,4,8,9 $0.80

Total: $93.20

Post Time for Race 4 is 5:00 EST / 2:00 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

11/26/22 Del Mar Late Pick Four - Results

Race 6 - # 4 Spun Intended (Final Odds 0.80*) - "A" Selection

Race 7 - The Seabiscuit - # 3 Hong Kong Harry (Ire) (1.60*) - "B" Selection

Race 8 - # 7 Hopkins (1.80*) - "C" Selection

Race 9 - # 2 Percolate (Ire) (15.60) - "B" Selection

Long story short, I didn't think Hopkins, facing winners for the first time in Race 8, was a legitimate Favorite.  Turns out that he was.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Late Pick Four sequence of  4 / 3 / 7 / 2  were rewarded with a payout of $139.50 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

11/26/22 Del Mar Late Pick Four - Preview

"To become a better you, remember to be grateful to people who have contributed to making you who you are today." - Israelmore Ayivor

It's Thanksgiving Weekend across the USA, so please allow me to take a moment to use the occasion to thank all of you for your support through the years.  Your encouragement, your feedback; even just the act of taking the time to come here to read what I have to say is very much appreciated.  Thank you all!

The featured race Saturday in Southern California is the Grade 2 Seabiscuit; part of Del Mar's Turf Festival that is incorporated into their Fall Meeting.  I'll be taking a look at that contest below, as I take another another run at The Late Pick Four at the place Where The Turf Meets The Surf.

RACE 6 - MSW - Six and a Half Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 4 Spun Intended (Morning Line 5-2)

B's

# 2 Barnstorming (ML 5-1)

# 5 Johannes (ML 5-1)

C's

# 3 Smoose (ML 20-1)

# 7 Texthelegend (ML 12-1)
# 8 Tall Boy (ML 12-1)

# 9 Harlocap (ML 3-1)

Spun Intended took the Place in his debut last time, just a half length back of the winner at the wire.  A strong case could be made off that effort for making Spun Intended a big ticket single; and, at the end of the day, I may be regretting not having done so.  But runners trained by Mark Glatt often don't move forward in their second career start; so, for that reason, I thought it best to do a little spreading.

Barnstorming, one of five first time starters in this field, looks best among those making their debuts.  Johannes took the Show last time out, in the same contest that Spun Intended was taking the Place.  While making up the two and a half lengths Spun Intended had on him in that race will be no small feat, Johannes did a significant part of the heavy lifting in that contest, pressing the pacesetter through the early going.  For that reason, I think that Johannes deserves consideration here.

RACE 7 - The Seabiscuit (Grade 2) - Eight and a Half Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 8 Set Piece (GB) (ML 5-1)

B's

# 3 Hong Kong Harry (Ire) (ML 7-2)

# 7 Irideo (Arg) (ML 10-1)

# 9 Kentucky Ghost (ML 20-1)

C's

# 1 Santin (ML 3-1)

# 2 Masteroffoxhounds (ML 12-1)

Scratch # 6 Lincoln Hawk (Ire) (ML 20-1)

I see lots and lots of early speed in this race, coming from nearly half the field: # 1 Santin;  # 2 Masteroffoxhounds; # 4 Smooth Like Strait; and # 5 Beyond Brilliant.  Those four should produce some early fractions of epic proportions; which (I hope) will lead in turn to an epic pace meltdown.

I'll use two of those four as backup "C" Selections; I'll take a one dollar just in case flyer.  But as far as the main ticket goes, I'm looking  towards those entrants who will be charging though the home stretch while dodging the tiring early leaders.  Set Piece (GB) seems to me to be the best of those who will be doing their best running late.  So Set Piece gets the top spot, while the other closers get slotted in as "B" Selections.

RACE 8 - OC 40k/N1X - Six Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 4 City Rage (ML 4-1)

B’s

# 2 Liberty Forever (ML 5-1)

# 6 Finally Here (ML 8-1)

C's

# 7 Hopkins (ML 9-5)

# 8 Augusta Melody (ML 8-1)

The Brisnet Past Performances that I am using have this labeled as a N2X.  That's an obvious typo, as can be seen by reading the full conditions; or even just by looking at the $40k Claiming price.  Speaking of which, note that # 4 City Rage is the only one in this field that is in for a tag.

Moving on to other matters, I'm playing against the Baffert runner (and Morning Line Favorite) Hopkins.  It took Hopkins three tries to graduate, and not until near the end of his four year old season.  The worst of Hopkins three prior starts was the only one of the three at today's distance of six furlongs, as well as the only one of his three races run on the Del Mar main track.  In my humble opinion Hopkins will be one to watch when he goes around two turns; but, for me today, Hopkins is just a backup "C" Selection (a fifty cent investment).

RACE 9 - OC 40k/N1X - Eight and a Half Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 5 Aligato (ML 7-2)

B’s

# 2 Percolate (Ire) (ML 8-1)

# 9 Tio Magico (ML 15-1)

C's

# 1 Fly the Sky (ML 12-1)

# 6 Dominant Soul (ML 30-1)
# 7 Hawk of War (ML 4-1)

# 10 Seven Wonders (ML 8-1)

Scratch # 11 Hockey Dad (ML 8-1)

Was this not Aligato's first race against a field that includes non-California bred runners, I would probably make Aligato a big ticket single.  But since this is Aligato's first race outside the state bred only ranks, I decided that a little spread was called for.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$2.00 P4: 4 with 8 with 4 with 5 $2.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 2,4,5 with 3,7,8,9 with 2,4,6 with 2,5,9 $54.00

A's with One C

$0.50 P4:  3,7,8,9 with 8 with 4 with 5 $2.00

$0.50 P4:  4 with 1,2 with 4 with 5 $1.00

$0.50 P4:  4 with 8 with 7,8 with 5 $1.00

$0.50 P4:  4 with 8 with 4 with 1,6,7,10 $2.00

Total: $62.00

Post Time for Race 6 is 6:00 EST / 3:00 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

11/19/22 Del Mar Late Pick Four - Results

Race 6 - The Desi Arnaz - # 1 Justique (Final Odds 1.50*) - "A" Selection

Race 7 - # 1 One More Bid (3.10) - "B" Selection

Race 8 - The Cary Grant - # 5 The Chosen Vron (1.00*) - No Selection

Race 9 - # 4 Gillian Elizabeth (3.80) - No Selection

Long story short, The Chosen Vron proved to be much too good in the $100k Cary Grant, going right on by my single in that leg, # 4 Big City Lights (1.30), to win by a little over three lengths.  And in the grand scheme of things it proved to be just as well, as my (and the public's) top pick in the nightcap, # 5 Kitty Katana (GB) (1.20*), despite getting the lead in the stretch, didn't have enough stamina to get the full eight and a half furlongs in a timely manner.  And while I did spread in that leg, I had no part of the eventual winner.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Late Pick Four sequence of  1 / 1 / 5 / 4  were rewarded with a payout of $80.10 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

11/19/22 Del Mar Late Pick Four - Preview

"The most successful detectives owe their success to noticing small signs.  Scouts are natural detectives and never let the smallest detail escape them.  These small things are called by Scouts 'Sign.'" - Robert Baden-Powell

Saturday's Del Mar card has a pair of stakes that, to put it kindly, did not draw well.  I probably should have looked elsewhere for horse racing action today rather than towards what SoCal is offering.  But I ultimately decided to stick with the Del Mar Final Four despite the low number of entries.  After all, it's not just the outdoor temperatures that have been cold here of late; so perhaps deciphering a sequence with fewer runners will help me get back on track.  So with that let's get to it, as I take another run at The Late Pick Four at the place Where The Turf Meets The Surf.

RACE 6 - (F) The Desi Arnaz $100k - Seven Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 1 Justique (Morning Line 8-5)

B's

None

C's

# 2 Parody (ML 4-1)
# 4 Huntingcoco (ML 7-2)

These are juvenile fillies, so it would not be jaw dropping if one or more in this field experienced a growth spurt since their last outing.  I see no value in going more than one deep in this leg; so don't interpret my using Justique as a big ticket single means that I'm of the opinion that Justique is much the best in this field.  Far from it; I anticipate this to be a well contested event.  But doubling (or trebling) the cost of the main ticket strikes me as a poor strategical move.  So it's Justique solo on the big ticket; with a couple of possible prices tossed in as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 7 - MSW - Eight Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 5 Six Magpies (Ire) (ML 3-1)

# 6 Irish Prophet (ML 6-1)

B's

# 1 One More Bid (ML 3-1)
# 2 Tokamak (ML 15-1)

# 3 Quintecents (ML 5-2)

# 7 Dancing Rinca (ML 6-1)

# 8 One Time Mark (ML 10-1)

C's

None

Scratch # 4 Lord Sheldon (ML 12-1)

Another race that I expect to be well contested.  Part of the problem in sorting out this contest is that the clear "best" horse in this field, One More Bid, often seems quite content to settle for second instead of taking the top prize.  Indeed, One More Bid has taken the Place in more than half of his seven career starts.  Which is nice if you're engaged in Quinella wagering; but not so nice if you're searching for a winner at profitable odds.

Six Magpies (Ire) gains the services of Jockey Flavien Prat for this, his North American debut and second career start.  Juan Hernandez, no slouch himself when it comes to turf riding, will be onboard Irish Prophet, who returns to the Maiden ranks after taking a crack at OC/N1X company.  Those two appear to offer the best value here; but, as you can tell by my use of the "ALL" button, I see this one as anybody's race.

RACE 8 - [S] The Cary Grant $100k - Seven Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 4 Big City Lights (ML 9-5)

B's

None

C's

# 6 None Above the Law (ML 5-2)

   

Scratch # 1 Finneus (ML 15-1) and # 3 Surfing Star (No Line)

Wow.  Scratched down to a field of four.  Not much to do with this contest.  # 5 The Chosen Vron (ML 1-1) will almost certainly leave the gate as a very short priced Favorite.  But maybe Big City Lights can run 'em off their feet and get to the line before The Chosen Vron can get into top gear.  Could happen.  I'll also toss in None Above the Law as a backup "C" Selection, since None Above the Law could get a good run at the pace before 'Vron gets rolling.

RACE 9 - (F) OC 40k/N1X - Eight and a Half Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 5 Kitty Kitana (GB) (ML 7-2)

B’s

# 2 Lady Clementine (GB) (ML 12-1)

# 6 Emerald Lake (ML 12-1)

C's

# 8 Founder's Day (ML 12-1)

# 11 Over Attracted (ML 20-1)

Scratch # 3 Gimme Mo Baby (ML 6-1); but don't bring in either of the Also Eligibles, # 12 Lady Jae (ML 6-1) and # 13 Dramatizer (ML 8-1), as they are scratched as well.

Kitty Kitana (GB), trained by Phil D'Amato, took the Show in the Grade 3 Autumn Miss at Santa Anita last time out.  A strong case could be made for making Kitty Kitana a big ticket single; but I decided not to because I think that the added half-furlong between that contest and today's event works to Kitty Kitana's detriment.

Lady Clementine (GB), who pretty much just went through the motions while being outclassed in her last two starts, could improve with a return to Del Mar and the return of Lasix to her bloodstream.  Emerald Lake, trained by Peter Miller, seems to prefer the California grass found at Del Mar over that which grows at Santa Anita.  The two backup "C" Selections are prices that could steal this one on the front end.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$2.50 P4: 1 with 5,6 with 4 with 5 $5.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 1 with ALL with 4 with 2,5,6 $10.50

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 2,4 with 5,6 with 4 with 5 $2.00

$0.50 P4: 1 with 5,6 with 6 with 5 $1.00

$0.50 P4: 1 with 5,6 with 4 with 8,11 $2.00

Total: $20.50

Post Time for Race 6 is 5:59 EST / 2:59 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

11/11/22 Del Mar Late Pick Four - Results

Race 5 - # 3 Durante (Final Odds 11.40) - "C" Selection

Race 6 - # 5 Atomic Drop (3.40) - "C" Selection

Race 7 - The Let It Ride - # 2 Handy Dandy (2.90) - "A" Selection

Race 8 - # 3 Bali Dancer (11.20) - "B" Selection

I always consider it good news when I get an "A" Selection home that was not the Post Time Favorite, as I did in the featured 7th race at Del Mar Friday.  I was also correct to play against the co-Morning Line Favorite, # 8 Spycatcher (6.80) in that leg; for while Spycatcher didn't receive the support at the betting windows that I was expecting, he also didn't win, having to settle for the Show behind Handy Dandy.  In addition, I feel that having an 11-1 shot win the nightcap justifies me going "ALL" in that leg.  So there was some good stuff in my Late Pick Four play; just not enough, as Friday was a day for me to contribute instead of collect.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Late Pick Four sequence of  3 / 5 / 2 / 3  were rewarded with a payout of $1,904.40 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

11/11/22 Del Mar Late Pick Four - Preview

“Honoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the name of freedom and democracy is the very foundation of Veterans Day.” - Charles Rangel

Happy Veterans Day to all in the US, and Remembrance Day to all those living in other parts of the world.  For those in the United States who have served or are serving, if you haven't already, be sure to grab some free grubs, as corporate America expresses its appreciation.  Friday also marks Opening Day at Del Mar for their Fall / Bing Crosby Meeting.  So allow me to turn my sights onto Southern California, as I take a run at The Late Pick Four at the place Where The Turf Meets The Surf.

RACE 5 - Alw 50000s N2L - Eight and a Half Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 7 Pentruchio (Morning Line 4-1)

B’s

# 2 Caisson (ML 12-1)

C's

# 1 Encode (ML 8-1)

# 3 Durante (ML 8-1)

Note for future reference that this contest is for runners which have won fewer than two races in their career; no exceptions.  For some reason, that information is often not including in the running lines of the Past Performances.

As you can see above, I'm changing things up a bit as regards ticket construction.  Specifically, I will no longer be using every runner not on the main ticket as a backup "C" Selection.  From a handicapping perspective, I feel that using "all others" as "C" Selections has led to some lazy analysis.  From a wagering perspective, using fewer "C's" will increase the proportional amount of my bets going towards my best opinions.

The downside of no longer using all others as "C" Selections is that getting three of my "A" Selections home in a Pick Four sequence no longer guarantees that I will collect.  And, as everyone who has spent a significant amount of their lives gambling knows, if it can happen, it will happen; so I anticipate being burnt in this scenario in the future.  But that's the trade off.  As Bobby Fischer used to say, "To get squares you have to give squares."  So good luck to me with this adjustment, and we'll see over time how it works out.

RACE 6 - [S] OC 20k/N1X - Eight Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 9 Big Talker (ML 4-1)

B’s

# 8 Leyas Candy (ML 5-2)

# 10 Lemon Sushi (ML 5-1)

C's

# 4 Mr. T's Thirsty (ML 12-1)

# 5 Atomic Drop (ML 3-1)

Scratch the Also Eligible, # 11 Holiday Aroursal (ML 6-1)

Big Talker took the Place at this class level last time out.  Leyas Candy took the Place at this class level last time out while navigating just one turn.  This will be Leyas Candy first time trying two turn racing.

Lemon Sushi, who graduated last time out, is also routing for the first time.  Mr. T's Thirsty was victorious the only prior time that he tried going eight furlongs on a Fast dirt track.  Atomic Drop has the talent to win at this level, but Atomic Drop appears to settle for too many minor awards.

RACE 7 - The Let It Ride $75k - Eight Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 2 Handy Dandy (ML 7-2)

B's

# 7 Time to Party (ML 12-1)

C's

# 1 Clutch Hitter (ML 6-1)

# 9 Degree of Risk (ML 12-1)

Handy Dandy, trained by Peter Miller, has finished in the Quinella in all four of his career starts on the Del Mar turf.  Time to Party goes first off the claim for Trainer George Papaprodromou, who tends to do well with such.

I decided to fade the co-Morning Line Favorite, Spycatcher.  Yes, Spycatcher ran quite well while taking the Place last time out in the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby.  But I think that Spycatcher will be way overused in the sequence Friday, considering that Spycatcher is still a Maiden.  So if Spycatcher wins, I lose.

RACE 8 - (F) Md $20k - Five and a Half Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 9 Supercents (ML 6-1)

B's

# 1 Worthiness (ML 3-1)

# 2 Sugar Sugar (ML 5-2)

# 3 Bali Dancer (ML 10-1)

# 4 Awsome Donna (ML 20-1)

# 5 Tiger's Wish (ML 15-1)
# 6 La Chiquis (ML 15-1)

# 7 Heaven's Ghost (ML 15-1)

# 8 Vegas Dream (M 6-1)
# 10 Golden Halo (ML 5-1)

C's

None

I'll be honest; I couldn't figure this one out at all.  Putting Supercents (daughter of Goldencents) on top because of the massive class drop Supercents is making.  But, honestly, I could make a case for at least six of the runners here that they should be the "A" Selection.  So it's everyone into the pool in this leg, as I'll be punching the "ALL" button.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$2.00 P4: 7 with 9 with 2 with 9 $2.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 2,7 with 8,9,10 with 2,7 with ALL $60.00

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 1,3 with 9 with 2 with 9 $1.00

$0.50 P4: 7 with 4,5 with 2 with 9 $1.00

$0.50 P4: 7 with 9 with 1,9 with 9 $1.00

Total: $65.00

Post Time for Race 5 is 5:30 EST / 2:30 PST.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

9/11/22 Del Mar Rainbow Pick Six - Results

Race 6 - # 8 Getthemoney (Final Odds 3.60) - "C" Selection

Race 7 - # 9 Creative Peak (14.00) - "B" Selection

Race 8 - # 1 Angel Nadeshiko (15.60) - "C" Selection

Race 9 - The Del Mar Juvenile Turf - # 9 Packs A Wahlop (8.00) - "C" Selection

Race 10 - The Del Mar Futurity - # 7 Cave Rock (0.40*) - "B" Selection

Race 11 - # 4 Weegee (8.60) - "B" Selection

The good news is that I had a couple of very nice prices on my main ticket in the form of Creative Peak (14-1) and Weegee (8-1).  The bad news is that the previous sentence is pretty much the entirety of the good news.  Neither of my singles was able to find their way to the winner's circle, and despite going six deep in the Juvenile Turf I still couldn't find the winner in that leg.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Rainbow Pick Six sequence of  8 / 9 / 1 / 9 / 7 / 4  were rewarded with a payout of $54,946.48 for their twenty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

9/11/22 Del Mar Rainbow Pick Six - Preview

"Bravery is when you walk into a battle you are not sure of winning." - Jeffrey Fry

It's closing day for the Summer Meet at Del Mar, which means mandatory payouts in all pools, including the Jackpot Pick Six.  So with that let's just get to it, as I take a run at The Rainbow Pick Six at the place Where The Turf Meets The Surf.

RACE 6 - (F) MSW - Six and a Half Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 11 Doinitthehardway (Morning Line 9-5)

B's

None

C's

# 2 Princess Bettina (ML 10-1)

# 3 Spicybug (ML 7-2)

# 4 Firsttimeforever (ML 12-1)

# 5 Lily Poo (ML 15-1)
# 6 Blessed Touch (ML 6-1)

# 7 Divinely Bolt (ML 15-1)

# 8 Getthemoney (ML 5-1)

# 9 Fourth Street (ML 12-1)

# 10 Gila (ML 3-1)

Scratch # 1 Diamonds Danzing (ML 5-1); # 12 Half Nelson (ML 20-1); # 13 Three Strands (ML 7-2); and # 14 Muteki (ML 4-1)

Singling right in the very first leg; with, unfortunately, a runner that will be on virtually everyone else's tickets anyway.  Doinitthehardway, trained by Bob Baffert, took the Place at this class level in her debut last time out, after doing all the heavy lifting on the front end.  If you're of a mind to add another to your tickets, Getthemoney is one to consider, as Getthemoney disappointed as the Post Time Favorite in her debut last time out after showing good early foot.  But for me it's Doinitthehardway solo on the main ticket, with Getthemoney and all others being used as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 7 - [S] OC 20k/N1X - Five Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 1 Forgiving Spirit (ML 7-2)

B’s

# 9 Creative Peak (ML 6-1)

# 12 Atomic Drop (ML 4-1)

# 13 Evenerevenworse (ML 6-1)

C's

# 2 Square Cat (ML 12-1)

# 4 Brix (ML 12-1)
# 5 Essential Business (ML 12-1)

# 6 Who's Candy (ML 4-1)

# 7 Lil Richards Bello (ML 12-1)
# 8 Crosskirk (ML 20-1)
# 10 Head for Business (ML 15-1)

# 11 In Vronsky Style (ML 12-1)

Scratch # 3 Count Tolstoy (No Line) and # 14 Golden Image (ML 30-1)

For those who note such things, none of the runners in this field will be leaving the gate with the $20k price tag on their head.

Forgiving Spirit wanted no part of the main track last time out.  Look for Forgiving Spirit to improve with the return to turf.  Creative Peak will definitely be in the mix if he can bring his dirt form over to the grass.

Atomic Drop fits well at this class level, though it appears that Atomic Drop may be settling for too many minor awards.  Evenevenworse can win on any surface, and the outside draw should help Evenevenworse get a clean trip.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 8 - (F) MSW - Six and a Half Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 8 Princess Adaleigh (ML 7-2)

B's

None

C's

# 1 Angel Nadeshiko (ML 5-1)
# 2 Runninwiththeboyz (ML 10-1)

# 3 Classy (ML 15-1)
# 4 Karin With an I (ML 10-1)
# 5 Infinite Empire (ML 5-1)
# 6 Brocade (ML 10-1)

# 7 Censorship (ML 4-1)
# 9 Kura (ML 12-1)

# 10 Too Bossy (ML 6-1)

My second single on the big ticket, Princess Adaleigh, missed graduation by just a neck in her debut last time out.  A repeat of that effort puts Princess Adaleigh in the winner's circle today.

Those looking to expand in this leg can consider adding the Bob Baffert trained Censorship to their tickets, as it's reasonable to expect Censorship to improve with the return to one turn racing.  But for me it'll be Princess Adaleigh all by her lonesome on my main ticket, with Censorship and all others being used as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 9 - The Del Mar Juvenile Turf (Grade 3) - Eight Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 3 De la Luna (ML 12-1)

B's

# 1 Ah Jeez (ML 8-1)

# 2 Wound Up (ML 12-1)

# 6 Dandy Man Shines (Ire) (ML 4-1)

# 8 Ti Sento (Ire) (ML 6-1)

# 14 Valiancer (ML 20-1)

C's

# 4 Don'tthinkjustdoit (ML 5-1)
# 5 Syntactic (ML 20-1)
# 7 Stone Point (ML 20-1)

# 9 Packs a Wahlop (ML 8-1)
# 10 President Z (ML 20-1)
# 11 Park City (ML 5-1)
# 12 Mas Rapido (GB) (ML 15-1)

# 13 Tahoma (ML 8-1)

Scratch the Also Eligibles, # 15 Buffett (ML 20-1) and # 16 Taltariate (ML 12-1)

Two year olds on the grass.  I really don't have much to type here that would constitute solid analysis.  I put De la Luna in the top slot because my opinion is that, with a cleaner trip in his debut last time out, De la Luna wins easily and would probably be favored by the public today.  In addition, if this race is going to be as wide open as I suspect it will be, might as well shoot for a price.  So it's a half-dozen runners for me on my main ticket, with all others being used as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 10 - The Del Mar Futurity (Grade 1) - Seven Furlongs Dirt

A's

# 8 Havnameltdown (ML 4-1)

B's

# 6 Newgate (ML 4-1)

# 7 Cave Rock (ML 6-5)

# 9 The Big Wam (ML 10-1)

C's

# 1 Classical Cat (ML 8-1)
# 2 Agency (ML 12-1)
# 3 Mixto (ML 20-1)

# 4 Skinner (ML 8-1)
# 5 Pop d'Oro (ML 50-1)

Havnameltdown, Newgate, and Cave Rock are the three entries from the barn of Trainer Bob Baffert.  Havnameltdown garners the top spot courtesy of his already being a Graded Stakes winner.

The Big Wam seems to have improved each time he was given more distance to conquer.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 11 - Alw 50000s N2L - Eight and a Half Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 3 Flint Stroll (ML 4-1)

B’s

# 4 Weegee (ML 5-1)

# 7 National Road (ML 3-1)

C's

# 1 Calsson (ML 12-1)

# 2 The Key Is Unity (ML 15-1)

# 6 Barnfield (ML 12-1)

# 8 Uncle Jeff (ML 4-1)
# 9 Halfbarberbingle (ML 15-1)
# 10 Kant Beat the Rock (ML 12-1)
# 12 Canelo (ML 6-1)
# 13 Tuskegee Cat (ML 12-1)

Scratch # 5 Hoop Dream (No Line); # 11 El Joy (NL); and # 14 Jonas' Dream (NL)

Note for future reference that this contest is for runners which have won fewer than two races in their career; no exceptions.  For some reason, that information is often not including in the running lines of the Past Performances.

National Road and Flint Stroll filled out the bottom two rungs of the Superfecta at this class level last time out.  I give the edge to Flint Stroll today because I think the added real estate works to Flint Stroll's advantage.

Weegee goes first off the claim for Trainer Jeff Mullins, who tends to do well with such.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$1.00 P6: 11 with 1 with 8 with 3 with 8 with 3 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.20 P6: 11 with 1,9,12,13 with 8 with 1,2,3,6,8,14 with 6,7,8,9 with 3,4,7 $57.60

A's with One C

$0.20 P6: 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 with 1 with 8 with 3 with 8 with 3 $1.80

$0.20 P6: 11 with 2,4,5,6,7,8,10,11 with 8 with 3 with 8 with 3 $1.60

$0.20 P6: 11 with 1 with 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10 with 3 with 8 with 3 $1.80

$0.20 P6: 11 with 1 with 8 with 4,5,7,9,10,11,12,13 with 8 with 3 $1.60

$0.20 P6: 11 with 1 with 8 with 3 with 1,2,3,4,5 with 3 $1.00

$0.20 P6: 11 with 1 with 8 with 3 with 8 with 1,2,6,8,9,10,12,13 $1.60

Total: $68.00

Post Time for Race 6 is 6:30 EDT / 3:30 PDT.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

9/3/22 Del Mar Late Pick Four - Results

Race 8 - # 8 Toto Fino (Chi) (Final Odds 8.30) - "A" Selection

Race 9 - The Del Mar Derby - # 2 Slow Down Andy (6.70) - "B" Selection

Race 10 - The Pacific Classic - # 5 Flightline (0.30*) - "A" Selection

Race 11 - The Del Mar Handicap - # 2 Gold Phoenix (Ire) (3.80) - "B" Selection

For those who had their doubts, Saturday's Pacific Classic proved that Flightline is the real deal.  The official margin of victory was nineteen and a quarter lengths; but as impressive as that may be, it doesn't nearly come close to expressing just how dominating Flightline's win was.  Just an absolutely incredible performance; one that will be remembered for many years to come.

For the record, here are the $0.50 Will Pays for the other two runners to which I would have cashed in the nightcap:

# 9 Master Piece (Chi) (2.20*) - $308.10 Finish: 2nd

# 10 Masteroffoxhounds (5.50) - $444.80 Finish: 5th

But that's what might have been.  What actually came to be was a correct Late Pick Four sequence of  8 / 2 / 5 / 2  which paid $334.35 for a fifty cent wager.  That makes for a profit of $302.85 on my initial $31.50 investment, or approximate odds of 9.61-1.

I hope you all had it with me.  May God bless us as we spend our winnings.

Onto the next race!

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

9/3/22 Del Mar Late Pick Four - Preview

“When everything seems to be against you, remember that an airplane takes-off against the wind, not with it.” - Henry Ford

It's a Holiday Weekend in the US and Canada; but hopefully all reading this are making a holiday of today.  Saturday is also a celebratory day in Southern California horse racing, as Del Mar hosts its premier event of its Summer Meet, the Pacific Classic.  I'll be taking a look at that contest below, as well as a couple of other Graded Stakes, as I take another run at The Late Pick Four at the place Where The Turf Meets The Surf.

RACE 8 - OC 40k/N1X - Seven Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 8 Todo Fino (Chi) (Morning Line 6-1)

B’s

# 1 Mr. Impossible (ML 8-1)

# 5 Redline (ML 7-2)

# 9 Exaulted (ML 4-1)

C's

# 2 Sunrise Journey (ML 6-1)

# 3 Finneus (ML 8-1)
# 4 Conundrum (ML 8-1)
# 6 Super Curioso (ML 30-1)
# 7 Joker Boy (ML 15-1)

# 10 Disc Jockey (ML 5-1)

For those who note such things, Sunrise Journey is the only entrant in this field that is eligible to be claimed for $40k.

Todo Fino (Chi) will be making his North American debut Saturday; Trainer Amador Sanchez tends to do well with such.  I like the way Todo Fino has been working in the AM, first at Gulfstream Park and then at Del Mar.  I especially like the gate work on 8/21.  If Todo Fino can bring that morning energy to the afternoon competition, then he stands an excellent chance of getting his picture taken when this contest is over.

Mr. Impossible returns to action after a thirteen month vacation.  The last time that Mr. Impossible competed, he took the Place at this class level over this main track.

Redline took the Place at this class level last time out.  Exaulted took the Show at this class level last time out.  Note that Exaulted will be going second off the layoff for the first time since February-March of 2021.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

RACE 9 - The Del Mar Derby (Grade 2) - Nine Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 1 Cabo Spirit (ML 4-1)

B's

# 2 Slow Down Andy (ML 8-1)

# 3 War At Sea (ML 6-1)

C's

# 4 Spycatcher (ML 30-1)

# 5 Dandy Warhol (Ire) (ML 4-1)
# 6 St Anthony (ML 30-1)

# 7 Mackinnon (ML 3-1)
# 8 Barsabas (ML 20-1)

# 9 Balnikhov (Ire) (ML 5-2)

Cabo Spirit, winner of the Grade 3 La Jolla over this turf course last time out, is the only runner in this field with a Graded Stakes victory on the grass.  Slow Down Andy, a two time Graded Stakes winner on dirt, will be making his turf debut here.  If Slow Down Andy can carry his speed from the main track over to the turf course, then Slow Down Andy may be getting his picture taken before the late chargers can shift into gear.

War At Sea got under the wire ahead of Cabo Spirit back in June on the Santa Anita turf course.  Morning Line Favorite Balnikhov (Ire) seems to struggle when competing beyond eight furlongs.  For that reason I'll be using Balnikhov as a backup "C" Selection, along with the rest of the field.

RACE 10 - The Pacific Classic (Grade 1) - Ten Furlongs Dirt

A's

# 5 Flightline (ML 1-5)

B's

None

C's

# 1 Extra Hope (ML 30-1)

# 2 Country Grammer (ML 4-1)
# 3 Royal Ship (Brz) (ML 8-1)
# 4 Express Train (ML 12-1)

# 6 Stilleto Boy (ML 20-1)

One of the wisest adages in horse racing is a warning to punters to not accept odds that are too short on a horse trying something for the first time.  Saturday Flightline will be competing around two turns for the first time in his career, at a distance at which he has never before battled.  In addition, Saturday may mark the first time that Flightline will need to bide his time behind the pace, patiently waiting for the proper time to pass the early speedsters.  So, per the adage, I will not accept odds too short on Flightline.

So what odds would be too short on Flightline in Saturday's Pacific Classic?  In my humble opinion, I would say 1-50.

Yeah, I think Flightline is that good.  Granted, it's still a horse race; so anything can happen.  But I see nothing to be gained by trying to beat Flightline in Saturday's contest.  So for me it's Flightline solo on the big ticket in this leg, with all other entrants to be used as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 11 - The Del Mar Handicap (Grade 2) - Eleven Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 9 Master Piece (Chi) (ML 3-1)

B's

# 2 Gold Phoenix (Ire) (ML 6-1)

# 10 Masteroffoxhounds (ML 6-1)

C's

# 1 Dicey Mo Chara (GB) (ML 15-1)

# 3 Gregdar (ML 5-1)

# 4 Red King (ML 8-1)

# 5 Tango Tango Tango (ML 20-1)

# 6 Tizamagician (ML 4-1)

# 7 Order and Law (ML 30-1)
# 8 Tesoro (ML 20-1)

# 11 Heywoods Beach (ML 8-1)

Master Piece (Chi) won the Grade 2 Eddie Read last time out over this turf course by open lengths at a very nice price.  Master Piece also took the Place in the 2021 running of this event.

After winning his debut at a nice price, Gold Phoenix (Ire) has disappointed as the Post Time Favorite in half of his North American races.  Perhaps if Gold Phoenix is a price Saturday then he'll run to his best ability.

Masteroffoxhounds ran out of gas in the stretch last time out in the Eddie Read.  However, I'm going to presume that Masteroffoxhounds needed that race off the layoff.  Masteroffoxhounds has won previously at Saturday's distance, and I see no solid reason why he can't do it again.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$1.00 P4: 8 with 1 with 5 with 9 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 1,5,8,9 with 1,2,3 with 5 with 2,9,10 $18.00

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 2,3,4,6,7,10 with 1 with 5 with 9 $3.00

$0.50 P4: 8 with 4,5,6,7,8,9 with 5 with 9 $3.00

$0.50 P4: 8 with 1 with 1,2,3,4,6 with 9 $2.50

$0.50 P4: 8 with 1 with 5 with 1,3,4,5,6,7,8,11 $4.00

Total: $31.50

Post Time for Race 8 is 7:40 EDT / 4:40 PDT.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

8/27/22 Del Mar Late Pick Four - Results

Race 7 - # 4 Lexington Humor (Final Odds 3.40) - "B" Selection

Race 8 - # 2 Fashionably Fast (15.70) - "C" Selection

Race 9 - The Pat O'Brien - # 7 Laurel River (6.90) - "C" Selection

Race 10 - # 4 Border Town (1.90*) - "C" Selection

I had the right idea in Saturday's featured race (Race 9) in that I correctly decided to fade # 8 Speaker's Corner (1.10*) at short odds.  I wanted to mention that here, because it was one of the few correct decisions that I made Saturday, as can be discerned from the number of "C" Selections listed above among the sequence's winners.  But it's just as well that I made multiple incorrect decisions, because when it comes to The Late Pick Four, if you miss one or if you miss them all, the result will be the same.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Late Pick Four sequence of  4 / 2 / 7 / 4  were rewarded with a payout of $979.45 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

8/27/22 Del Mar Late Pick Four - Preview

"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." - Suzy Kassem

The Grade 2 Pat O'Brien Stakes is Saturday's featured race in Southern California; a contest that comes with the pot sweetener of a free entry to the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile to the winner.  So with that let's get to it, as I take another run at The Late Pick Four at the place Where The Turf Meets The Surf.

RACE 7 - (F) OC 40k/N1X - Five Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 2 Shes'a Perfectlady (Morning Line 5-1)

B’s

# 3 Iconic Sky (ML 6-1)

# 4 Lexington Humor (ML 5-1)

# 8 Woodbine Way (ML 9-2)

# 11 Baby Steps (ML 8-1)

C's

# 1 Tom's Beauty (ML 8-1)

# 5 Over Attracted (ML 20-1)

# 6 Get On the Bus (ML 8-1)

# 7 Del Mar Drama (ML 10-1)

# 10 Canam Gal (ML 20-1)

# 12 Fulminate (ML 6-1)

Scratch # 9 Champagne Camie (No Line)

I'm not sure why, but the Past Performances that I have give this as an N2X (non-winners of two races lifetime other than etc., etc., etc); but, clearly, the claiming price and a full read of the conditions leave little doubt that this is an N1X contest.  Be that as it may, the only entrant in this field that is up for sale for the $40k claiming price is Fulminate.

Shes'a Perfectlady returns from a five month vacation, bringing with her a three race winning streak.  Anticipate Shes'a Perfectlady to be doing her best running late.

Iconic Sky moves up to open company from state bred only contests; but Iconic Sky has defeated open company in the past, and Open Sky has shown that she can win by either coming off the pace or by leading the field from gate to wire.

Lexington Humor took the Place at this class level last time out, albeit on the main track.  Woodbine Way and Baby Steps filled out the bottom two rungs of the Trifecta at this class level over this turf course last time out.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 8 - OC 80k/N2X - Six Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 6 Apprehend (ML 3-1)

B’s

# 4 Letsgetlucky (ML 3-1)

C's

# 1 Desmond Doss (ML 4-1)

# 2 Fashionably Fast (ML 5-1)

# 3 Kid Corleone (ML 5-2)

# 5 Tigre Di Slugo (ML 12-1)

# 7 Howbeit (ML 12-1)

For those who note such things, the only entrant in this field that will leave the gate with the $80k price tag on his head is Howbeit.  Apprehend took the Place at this class level last time out while disappointing as the Post Time Favorite.

Letsgetlucky earned a Graded Stakes Placing in each of his last two starts.  So why isn't Letsgetlucky top choice here?  Good question.  My concern with Letsgetlucky is that all three of his career Wins have been against state bred only company.  Letsgetlucky has yet to defeat runners that were not Cal bred.  Now, that could just be a fluke, a result of where Letsgetlucky's connections have chosen to enter him, rather than an accurate representation of Letsgetlucky's abilities.  Still, I'll trust my gut here, using Letsgetlucky on the main ticket but not on the "All A Entries" ticket.  As to the rest of the field, I'll be using those as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 9 - The Pat O'Brien (Grade 2) - Seven Furlongs Dirt

A's

# 4 American Theorem (ML 4-1)

B's

# 1 C Z Rocket (ML 15-1)

C's

# 2 Principe Carlo (ML 15-1)
# 3 Restrainedvengence (ML 30-1)
# 5 Get Her Number (ML 8-1)

# 6 The Chosen Vron (ML 12-1)

# 7 Laurel River (ML 5-1)

# 8 Speaker's Corner (ML 6-5)

# 9 Defunded (ML 8-1)

# 10 Senor Buscador (ML 30-1)

So Speaker's Corner was chased out of New York.  After having to settle for the Show in the Grade 1 Met Mile at Belmont Park behind Flightline, followed by having to take the Place against Life is Good in the Grade 2 John A Nerud at Saratoga, Speaker's Corner's connections decided to go west with their young colt, in the hopes that Speaker's Corner will be able to punch his ticket to the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile against lesser competition in Southern California.

And perhaps Speaker's Corner will find his foes at Del Mar to be far from formidable, and cruise with ease into the winner's circle Saturday.  It certainly would come as a surprise to no one were that to come to pass.  But I've chosen to be contrarian in this leg, and to fade Speaker's Corner at what I expect will be ridiculously short odds.

American Theorem has proven himself capable of winning Graded Stakes at nice odds, and there's no reason to doubt that American Theorem can do it again Saturday.  C Z Rocket won this event back in 2020, and I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for prior victors attempting to emerge again as winners of a specific Graded Stakes.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field, which includes Speaker's Corner.

RACE 10 - Clm $32k N1Y - Eight and a Half Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 9 Sword Zorro (Ire) (ML 3-1)

B’s

# 5 Cono (ML 7-2)

# 6 Ted (ML 6-1)

# 10 Cane Creek Road (ML 6-1)

C's

# 1 Cleopatra's Strike (ML 8-1)
# 2 Theshold (ML 15-1)
# 4 Border Town (ML 4-1)

# 7 Table for Ten (ML 15-1)

# 8 Prodigal Son (ML 20-1)

Scratch # 3 Ottawa Fire (Ire) (ML 15-1)

This contest is restricted to runners which have not won a race this year (2022, for those who may have forgotten).

Sword Zorro (Ire) last got his picture taken a little over a year ago, when he won the photo to claim victory in the Grade 3 La Jolla.  Normally dropping into the claiming ranks for the first time would qualify a Graded Stakes winner as a big ticket single; especially against conditioned, rather than open, claimers.

But since becoming a Graded Stakes winner, Sword Zorro has yet to make his way into the Trifecta, let alone visit the winner's circle.  Granted, this field is going to be considerably weaker than any that Sword Zorro has faced over the prior twelve months.  But rather than singling Sword Zorro, I've decided in the name of caution to spread a bit in this leg.

Cono acquitted himself well in his 2022 debut last time out, pressing the pace against more expensive stock until running out of gas in the stretch.  Ted and Can Creek Road can be expected to via for prominence through the early going.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$1.00 P4: 2 with 6 with 4 with 9 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 2,3,4,8,11 with 4,6 with 1,4 with 5,6,9,10 $40.00

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 1,5,6,7,10,12 with 6 with 4 with 9 $3.00

$0.50 P4: 2 with 1,2,3,5,7 with 4 with 9 $2.50

$0.50 P4: 2 with 6 with 2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10 with 9 $4.00

$0.50 P4: 2 with 6 with 4 with 1,2,4,7,8 $2.50

Total: $53.00

Post Time for Race 7 is 8:03 EDT / 5:03 PDT.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

8/20/22 Del Mar Late Pick Four - Results

Race 7 - # 10 Kangaroo Court (Final Odds 0.20*) - "B" Selection

Race 8 - The Del Mar Oaks - # 11 Spendarella (1.20*) - "A" Selection

Race 9 - # 6 High Heater (6.30) - "C" Selection

Race 10 - # 10 Belle Cherie (12.90) - "B" Selection

Few things in life are as frustrating as trying to beat the Favorite only to watch them win for fun.  Yes, I had both Kangaroo Court and Spendarella on my main ticket.  But I singled neither (let alone both) of Kangaroo Court and Spendarella; indeed, I used quite a few runners in those first two legs attempting to get a price.  Perhaps better management of the first half of the sequence would have allowed me to spread further in the third leg and find High Heater.

But, then again, perhaps not.  With horse racing, you never know.

Oh well; onto the next race.

Meanwhile, those who had the correct Late Pick Four sequence of  10 / 11 / 6 / 10  were rewarded with a payout of $197.95 for their fifty cent wager.  May God bless them as they spend their winnings.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo

8/20/22 Del Mar Late Pick Four - Preview

“Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain or accomplish for yourself.  It's what you do for others.” - Danny Thomas

Changing it up a bit Saturday, as I move my action from just outside Toronto to just outside San Diego.  The featured race Saturday in Southern California is the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks; a contest that is either real easy or very complex.  More on that below, as I take a run at The Late Pick Four at the place Where The Turf Meets The Surf.

RACE 7 - [S] MSW - Five and a Half Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 2 Regulation Dazed (Morning Line 10-1)

B's

# 9 Stay in the Game (ML 8-1)

# 10 Kangaroo Court (ML 6-5)

C's

# 3 Reign of Speed (ML 6-1)
# 4 Vince's Corner (ML 20-1)

# 5 Thirsty Pappy (ML 20-1)

# 6 Duty First (ML 8-1)

# 7 Mentirosa (ML 20-1)

# 8 Eddie's Last (ML 15-1)

# 11 Tom Horn (ML 4-1)

Scratch # 1 Buck Owens (No Line) and # 12 Santiago's Cat (ML 20-1)

These are juveniles that can either be California bred or California sired; which is why Duty First, despite being a Kentucky bred runner, is eligible to run here.  Duty First was sired by Smiling Tiger, who stands at Harris Farms, in Coalinga, CA.

Regulation Dazed is a debut runner sired by Square Eddie, whose progeny tend to do well at first asking.  Stay in the Game took the Place at this class level in each of his last two starts.  Kangaroo Court took the Place after doing all the heavy lifting in his debut last time out.  The backup "C" Selections are the rest of the field.

RACE 8 - (F) The Del Mar Oaks (Grade 1) - Nine Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 11 Spendarella (ML 8-5)

B's

# 2 Bellabel (Ire) (ML 5-1)

# 5 Cairo Memories (ML 3-1)

# 6 Tezzaray (GB) (ML 20-1)

# 9 Txope (Fr) (ML 5-1)

C's

# 3 Island of Love (Ire) (ML 12-1)

# 4 Lucky Girl (Ire) (ML 30-1)

# 7 Sixteen Arches (Ire) (ML 12-1)

# 8 Gracelund Gray (ML 15-1)

# 10 Gold Dragon Queen (ML 50-1)

# 12 Ballet Dancing (ML 20-1)

# 13 Lady T (ML 20-1)
# 14 Lady Clementine (GB) (ML 30-1)

Scratch # 1 Rhea Moon (Ire) (ML 30-1)

As I mentioned in the introduction above, this race is either very easy or very complex.  If Spendarella runs to form, then there's little hope for the rest of the field.  But this will be Spendarella's first time competing beyond eight furlongs.  In addition, there are quite a few speedsters in this field, which should insure that Spendarella will not have things all her own way in the early going.

Bellabel (Ire) enters this event with a three race winning streak, including a victory in the Grade 2 San Clemente over this turf course last time out.  Cairo Memories found ten furlongs too long a row to hoe last time out.  Cairo Memories should improve with the cutback in distance.

Tezzaray (GB) ran in the Grade 2 San Clemente last time out like a horse that needed a race: anxious to run early, out of gas long before the wire.  I expect Tezzaray to return to the form and running style that she showed as a juvenile when she won the Grade 3 Jimmy Durante over this turf course.

Txope (Fr) showed good form while winning the Group 2 German One Thousand Guineas last time out; and Txope could find herself in the winner's circle today if she can repeat that effort.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

RACE 9 - Clm $12.5k - Eight Furlongs Dirt

A’s

# 2 Secret Touch (ML 5-1)

B’s

None

C's

# 1 Outright (ML 15-1)

# 3 Dr. Troutman (ML 4-1)

# 4 Gray Magician (ML 7-2)

# 5 Little Demon (ML 5-2)

# 6 High Heater (ML 5-1)

# 7 Hapi Hapi (ML 12-1)

# 8 Active Account (ML 30-1)

# 9 Mariners Way (ML 30-1)
# 10 Of Good Report (ML 12-1)

Secret Touch showed good early foot against more expensive stock last time out.  Secret Touch will also be going first off the claim for Trainer Steve Knapp, who tends to do well with such.  Finally, Secret Touch has demonstrated an affinity for Del Mar, with five of his seven career Wins coming over this main track.

So I'll be using Secret Touch solo on my main ticket, with all others being used as backup "C" Selections.

RACE 10 - (F) MSW - Eight and a Half Furlongs Turf

A’s

# 5 Infinite Empire (ML 6-1)

B's

# 2 Maeve of Connaught (Ire) (ML 8-1)

# 6 Vivando (ML 7-2)

# 7 Takemebythehand (GB) (ML 8-1)

# 8 Wistfully (ML 20-1)

# 10 Belle Cherie (ML 10-1)

# 11 Albayaader (Ire) (ML 6-1)

C's

# 1 First Point (ML 20-1)

# 3 Leisurewear (Ire) (ML 4-1)

# 4 Hardly Mischievous (ML 8-1)

# 9 Quick Romance (ML 50-1)

# 12 Wishing On a Star (ML 12-1)

Scratch the Also Eligible, # 13 Jubilee Lake (GB) (ML 8-1)

Infinite Empire should be much improved with the surface switch.  Maeve of Connaught (Ire) looked sharp in her final work for this event, suggesting that Maeve of Connaught could upset in this, her 2022 debut.

Vivando took the Place at this class level in both of her two most recent starts.  Takemebythehand (GB) could move up going second off the layoff.  Wistfully, a first time starter by Tapit out of a Storm Cat mare, looks well meant here.

Belle Cherie could move up getting back onto some California grass.  Albayaader (Ire) could surprise with a cleaner trip.  The backup "C" Selections are everyone else.

OK, that's the analysis.  Playing my tickets in modified Crist fashion, I get:

All A Entries

$1.00 P4: 2 with 11 with 2 with 5 $1.00

All A Entries with All B Entries

$0.50 P4: 2,9,10 with 2,5,6,9,11 with 2 with 2,5,6,7,8,10,11 $52.50

A's with One C

$0.50 P4: 3,4,5,6,7,8,11 with 11 with 2 with 5 $3.50

$0.50 P4: 2 with 3,4,7,8,10,12,13,14 with 2 with 5 $4.00

$0.50 P4: 2 with 11 with 1,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 with 5 $4.50

$0.50 P4: 2 with 11 with 2 with 1,3,4,9,12 $2.50

Total: $68.00

Post Time for Race 7 is 8:04 EDT / 5:04 PDT.  Good luck to all.

Peace and Love,

Jimbo