Tag: del mar

Del Mar Saturday Picks — November 9, 2024 | Best Bets & Full Card Handicapping

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A racehorse with a jockey in orange silks galloping at Del Mar racetrack during sunset, showcasing speed and elegance.

Alright, we’re back after the Breeders’ Cup and the Conductor is refreshed and ready to fire. Del Mar has been kind to him so far and he’s enjoyed his switch to the west coast. Solid betting races today. Let’s Ride.

Race 3: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.Clm 25000

*Gullet Shot of the Day #1 Platinum Diva (12/1) – This filly shipped to Del Mar this summer and ran well vs tougher. She traveled wide behind a slow pace and finished well enough. After a start on dirt you can ignore last time, she switches back to her best surface today. With a nice rail draw and a weight break against a weak field, the Conductor sees her firing a peak effort.

Del Mar Picks Today

Race 7: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) F.OC 40000b

#5 Baltic Fire (15/1) – This filly is improving and outran her odds last time vs tougher. She was 2-wide on the 1st turn and pressed 3-wide while uncovered on the 2nd turn. Now she drops in class, gets a rider upgrade, an improved post, and a weight break on the field. The Conductor is hoping Serafin Carmona has a monster day.

Race 9: 1 Mile. (Turf) S.OC 20000b

#5 Enjoy It Straight (5/1) – This gelding got caught up in a 3-way pace duel last time in a race dominated by closers. He drops in class to face Cal-breds today and trainer Peter Miller takes the blinkers off. When he wins the finale the Conductor will enjoy some quality brown stew straight.

2024 Breeders’ Cup Betting Preview — Full Card Picks, Best Bets & Stakes Analysis (Del Mar)

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A vintage race official with a white beard and cap, standing at a horse racing event, showcasing a classic style and authority.

The Conductor’s eyes are bleeding after preparing for this year’s Breeders’ Cup. There are very competitive races without many short priced standouts on both days. Just the way Mr. Ductor likes it. Hopefully the Del Mar dirt plays more fairly to closers than it did this summer. If its not a highway, there could be bombs galore. Grab a shovel, he can’t haul all this coal himself. Let’s Ride.

Friday Race 4: 1 Mile. (Turf) Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes

#2 Smash It (10/1) – This gelding really impressed the Conductor in his turf debut last time. He missed break, rushed up and made a nice move on the turn. That was a very game 2nd and he’ll be all alone on the lead today stretching out to a mile for the 1st time. Trainer Todd Fincher is 26% this year with a +ROI this year with first time routers. Smash It has talent and can wire the field at a nice price.

Friday Race 8: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.G1 John Deere Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf

#1 Lake Victoria (8/5) – This filly looks she’s the goods from across the pond. With a nice rail draw and Ryan Moore aboard, the Conductor will be very surprised if she loses. She’s the lone chalk he won’t be trying to beat this weekend.

Friday 1 1/16 Mile.G1 FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile

#7 Gaming (8/1) – The Conductor thinks all three Baffert horses are live in this race and they won’t be the favorites. This colt beat the other two handily in the Del Mar Futurity and has been training up to this race. He looks to get a perfect stalking trip behind a quick pace and he’ll get first run before the talented deep closers. 8/1 would be a treat.

Saturday Race 6: 1 1/16 G1 Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff

#5 Sugar Fish (20/1) – The Conductor thinks #2 Thorpeda Anna (4/5) is vulnerable here after regressing in the Cotillion Stakes at Parx last time. She’s been tremendous, but has endured a long campaign and may be a bit over the top. Sugar Fish is a bomb the Conductor likes best at a big price. She’s improving with each start and ran a huge late pace figure last time closing into a slow pace. She looks to get the same rail trip again today, and there will be a hot pace to run at. The Japanese filly, #4 Alice Verite (30/1) will be out in front winging it on the front end. She’s another looney tune bomb the Conductor thinks could surprise everyone if she takes to the dirt.

Saturday Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. G1 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic

*Gullet Shot of the Day #13 Newgate (20/1) – A Baffert horse at 20/1 in the Classic, that ran better than it looks last time? The Conductor thinks he’ll be in the 10/1 range, but that’s still good enough for him. Newgate showed talent last year and ran huge off the bench last time. He closed wide behind a slow pace and just missed in the California Crown Stakes. He’s working bullets entering today and looks primed to run his best 2nd off a layoff. Newgate should get a perfect outside stalking trip and pounce when they enter the stretch. The Conductor thinks Bobby B is going to have another massive weekend.

Breeders' Cup Picks

Race 12: 6 Furlongs. G1 Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint

#2 Gun Pilot (20/1) – This race is going to have a scorching early pace and the Conductor is looking for a closer. He thinks #4 Nakatomi (6/1) and #9 Remake (8/1) will also get good trips, but prefers Gun Pilot at a bigger price. Gun Pilot has been up against slow paces and troubled trips in his last few starts. He finally looks to get the setup he needs today and he’ll be flying late in the stretch. If the Conductor is right this weekend, he may be retired by Monday. Skip

Del Mar Friday Picks — August 23, 2024 | Best Bets & Handicapping Analysis

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A dynamic horse racing scene featuring multiple horses and jockeys in colorful attire competing on a racetrack.

1/3 Thursday at Del Mar with a 9/1 winner made it a very profitable trip to the west coast. Let’s keep the pedal down. Skip.

Race 4: 5 Furlongs. (Turf) Mdn 75k

#7 Kale’s Angel (5/1) – This colt was hammered in his debut despite Peter Miller’s poor numbers with 1st time starters on the turf. He set the pace before tiring that day, but the race had a closer flow. The Conductor doesn’t think this is a very strong field and sees him taking a big step forward in his 2nd career start.

Race 6: 5 Furlongs. (Turf) Mdn 75k

#8 Running Spartan (10/1) – This gelding was pinballed at the break and finished well down the stretch last time. That was his first start on turf and that race was dominated by the frontrunners. He showed he has early speed in his his debut on dirt two back, and gets a rider upgrade to Rispoli today. Running Spartan looks primed to run a peak effort here.

Del Mar Picks Today

Race 7: 1 Mile. S.OC 20000n1x

#4 Be Punctual (12/1) – The Conductor likes two prices in this race. This gelding reminds him a lot of the 9/1 winner yesterday. Switching from the turf last time, he won nicely in his first start going 1 mile on the dirt. His speed figure was competitive with this group and he may have finally found what he like to do best. Be Punctual should take another step forward here.

#6 Logon to Win (10/1) – There isn’t much early speed in this dirt race, and this gelding is exiting turf sprints. He’s won sprinting on the dirt before and will stretch out in distance for the first time. The Conductor is expecting Berrios to send him right to the front and that makes him very dangerous. Any horse with the lead on this speed favoring Del Mar dirt track can’t be ignored.

Del Mar Thursday Picks — August 22, 2024 | Best Bets & Summer Meet Handicapping

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A thrilling horse racing scene featuring multiple jockeys in colorful attire racing on a dirt track during sunset.

The Conductor will be posting his California plays moving forward. Del Mar has been a miles better product than Saratoga this summer. Hopefully, Santa Anita can carry the baton with full field turf racing this winter. Doubt it, Skip.

Race 3: 1 Mile. Mdn 75k

#1 Concord Bridge (3/1) – This ridgling was 850k at the Keeneland sale and was bet to favoritism in his first try routing last fall. He disappointed that day after a poor start, but something clearly went wrong as he was sent to the sidelines. He returns today making his first start as a 3-year old and gets Lasix for the first time. With a red hot barn and the best rider on the circuit aboard, the Conductor thinks he’s ready to fire. Concord Bridge has the upside to upset the two mediocre favorites in this maiden race.

Race 4: 5 Furlongs. (Turf) F.Mdn 75k

#7 Tequilaandtherapy (8/1) – This filly ran better than it looks last time in her turf debut at Ellis Park. She chased the pace 4-wide and uncovered and rightfully tired down the stretch. She should improve off that effort and the Conductor likes that she’s shortening a 1/2 furlong in distance. Trainer Doug O’neill is 24% with 54 2nd time turf starters this year, with a +$0.11 ROI

Del Mar Picks Today

Race 7: 1 Mile. Alw 50000s

#2 Shot of Courage (12/1) – This gelding popped in his 1st try on dirt last time. While he was facing much weaker competition that day, the speed figure he earned is close to par for this level. The Conductor likes when when horses show a clear affinity for a new surface. Now making just his 2nd career start on dirt, there is still room for improvement. Even if he can only split the two heavy favorites in this race, he can inject value into the exacta.

Del Mar Saturday Picks — August 10, 2024 | Best Bets & Full Card Handicapping

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Two racehorses competing on a dirt track with jockeys in colorful attire, showcasing speed and athleticism during a horse race.

A successful Friday at Del Mar makes the Conductor happy with his decision to take the train out west. Now it’s time to strike. Hopefully Del Mar didn’t forget it’s neck protector. Skip.

Race 4: 1 Mile. (Turf) OC 80000n1x

*Gullet Shot of the Day #4 Night Out (12/1) – This colt ran well in all three of his turf routes prior to moving into the D’Amato barn. After the barn change last time at Churchill, he had a rough start and threw in the towel early. You can ignore that effort and now he ships to the west coast to take on weaker. He’s working well entering today and the Conductor has knocks against all of the favorites in here. Night Out has the upside to jump up and beat this bunch.

Del Mar Picks Today

Race 6: 1 Mile. (Turf) Alw 50000s

#1 Jack Kerouac (7/2) – The Conductor will continue the theme and likes a pair of lightly raced D’Amato runners in this race too. This colt took a massive step up in class on the turf back in May and ran well despite some trouble. He returned off the bench last time to run a solid 3rd on dirt, and that race looks to set him up perfectly for today. Jack Kerouac returns to his preferred surface, gets a nice rail draw, and looks ready to run a peak effort.

#3 Sea of Cortez (10/1) – This gelding has found it difficult to stay on the racetrack, so we still haven’t seen what he is capable of. He shipped over to the US well meant to be strong turf router, but wasn’t able to put it together last year. He finally broke his maiden sprinting off the layoff last time, and the Conductor likes the aggressive step up in class and stretch out in distance for him today. He debuted in a stakes race in Ireland, so you know he has talent. The Conductor will take a swing that we finally see it today at double digit odds.

Del Mar Friday Picks — August 9, 2024 | Best Bets & Summer Meet Handicapping

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A thrilling horse race featuring multiple horses and jockeys in vibrant silks, showcasing speed and competition on a dirt track.

Thursday‘s opinion at Del Mar was dud and there will be no racing at Saratoga Friday. This week just keeps getting better. At least we don’t have to worry about rain on the west coast. Let’s Ride.

Race 4: 1 Mile. (Turf) F.Clm 40000

#2 Tiergarten (5/1) – This mare drew the 8 post last time and ran better than it looks with a terrible trip. She was 2-wide and uncovered on the 1st turn, then pressed 3-wide, uncovered on the backstretch and 2nd turn. Now she draws well to the inside for the first time this year and looks to get a much better ground saving trip. Tiergarten has multiple races in her past that can beat this group and she’ll be a square price above 7/2.

Race 8: 1 Mile. (Turf) Clm 30000n3L

*Gullet Shot of the Day #1 Explain This Audit (5/1) – The Conductor’s best bet of the day comes in the finale. This gelding ran very well vs tougher last time. He was 3-wide on the 1st turn, then 2-wide and covered on the 2nd turn 3rd turns. He ran a strong late pace figure that day and now drops in class and cuts back in distance. The Conductor thinks he’s the most likely winner of the race and he won’t be the favorite.

Del Mar Thursday Picks — August 8, 2024 | Best Bets & Summer Meet Handicapping

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Exciting horse racing scene with jockeys in colorful uniforms competing on thoroughbred horses on a grassy track.

The Del Mar turf racing has been excellent. It also never rains. The Conductor will start posting spot plays for the west coast passengers. He needs turf racing year round and it looks like California might be the answer. Thursday’s card isn’t the strongest, but the weekend looks great. Let’s Ride.

Race 5: 5 Furlongs. (Turf) F.S.Mdn 75k

#3 On Time Tam (6/1) – The Conductor likes two fillies in this difficult turf sprint with many first time starters. This filly has a race under her belt and ran well last time after a terrible beginning. She was well bet from the 10 post at Los Alamitos and broke outwards and spotted the field 10 lengths. She still rallied to split the field behind a gate to wire winner and showed she has some ability. One Time Tam’s breeding gives a slight edge to turf, so there is reason to think she’ll like the surface switch as well. She has upside.

#5 Mrazek’s Old Dream (20/1) – This bomb intrigues the Conductor. She has by far the best turf bloodlines in the field. Trainer Antonio Garcia is only 1/17 this year debuting horses on turf, but that winner was also a monster price. In a field where all of the favorites have question marks, the Conductor can see this filly lighting up the tote.

Del Mar Picks today

Del Mar: Late Pick 4 Key Horses for Saturday, November 21

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Three women posing together wearing large, colorful hats at an outdoor event.

It’s a beautiful day and an even better card today at Del Mar. Let’s Ride.

Race 6: 6½ Furlongs. F.Mdn 57k

#1 Leia Marie (4/1) – Cutting back to a sprint and switching back to dirt, her races over the dirt in New York were very strong. The Conductor likes that she’s adding blinkers and he’ll single her in this sequence.

Race 7: 5 Furlongs. (Turf) OClm 50000

#8 Caerulean (9/2) – He’ll be a higher price than he should with low % connections. His maiden breaker was very fast over this track and he’s working well entering today. He’ll be able to put himself in a good position early with his speed.

Race 8: 6½ Furlongs. S.Mdn 57k

*Double Barrell Buckshot #1 Starship Chewbacca (8/1) – Another runner that will be an overlay because of his trainer, he’s yet to run a bad race. 2nd off the layoff and returning to Del Mar where he’s run his best, he has every chance.

#7 Square Root (6/1) – This colt dueled and set a hot pace routing on turf last time and is now switching to dirt and cutting back to a sprint. This is one of the Conductor’s favorite angles.

del mar

Race 9: 1 1/16 Mile. (Turf) Clm 25000

#1 Justin’s Quest (3/1) – His race two back on dirt wins this race easy and this gelding is bred for turf despite never having tried it. He’s the most likely winner in the Conductor’s opinion

#5 Golden Doughnut (8/1) – Dropping in class and stretching out to route, he looks to get a favorable trip up close or on a moderate pace.

Del Mar: Conductor’s Key Horses for Friday, November 20

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A group of horses exiting the starting gate at a horse racing event with spectators in the foreground.

Del Mar time, Let’s Ride.

Del Mar Race 5: 1 Mile. Clm 8000

*Gullet shot of the Day #4 R Cha Cha (4/1) – Its tough to love anyone in this field, but, there is no early speed in here. Stretching out to a mile after finishing 3rd sprinting at this level last time, he has upside. He gets the bug aboard and may be able to steal it on the front end.

Horse Racing GIF by Del Mar Racing

Race 6: 1 Mile. (Turf) S.OC 20000n1x

#4 Handsome Cat (8/1) – He’s the price that intrigues the Conductor. He just beat tougher on dirt and is now stretching out and switching to turf. His past turf form isn’t great, but that was in a different barn and he’s never tried routing on the lawn.

#6 Fly to Mars (7/2) – This colt is stretching back out to a preferable distance and 3rd off the layoff for the Miller barn. He’s the one to beat in the conductor’s opinion.

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. F.MC 50000

#1 Chevelita (3/1) – She was heavily bet in her debut at Del Mar and stumbled at the break. Now she drops in class for Miller and Prat hops aboard.

#5 Martique Miss (6/1) – This filly is working like she can run and Hernandez takes the mount for Hollendorfer. This is an unusual and positive sign.

Race 8: 5 Furlongs. (Turf) F.Mdn 57k

#5 Theluteismine (2/1) – She looks like a clear standout for top connections.

The Conductor’s Wednesday Preview at Del Mar

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A lively horse racing event featuring spectators enjoying the race, with horses racing on the track and a vibrant atmosphere.

Del Mar time, Let’s Ride.

Race 1: 1 Mile. (Turf) Clm 32000

#1 Juggles (5/2) – 2nd off the layoff, dropping in class and stretching out to a route, this colt has an early pace advantage over this field. Gate to wire.

Race 2: 1 Mile. F.Alw 12500s

#5 Road Test (3/1) – 1st off the claim and dropping in class, this mare is in good form her figures stand above this group’s.

Race 3: 1 1/8 Mile. (Turf) S.OC 40000n2x

#5 Red King (7/2) – He just missed at this level last start and his 3rd two starts back vs Grade 3 company makes him the one to beat in the Conductor’s eyes. 7/2 would be a great price on him.

Race 4: 5 ½ Furlongs. MC 50000

#10 Arouse and Go (6/1) – She was well bet in her debut and didn’t do much running. The Conductor will give her another chance now with experience, a weight break, and a better price.

Race 5: 5 Furlongs. (Turf) F.Alw 50000s

*Gullet Shot of the Day #3 Dunbow Road (8/1) – She was dominant in her maiden breaker last start at Del Mar and posted a bullet last work. Trainer Tim Yakteem is 16% with a +$0.32 ROI moving runners to grass for the 1st time this year.

Del Mar

Race 6: 1 Mile. Mdn 61k

*Atom Bomb Shot of the Day #6 Include The Tax (20/1) – 2nd off the layoff, this colt gets a weight break and ran a decent 4th last time. He stretches out for the 1st time today, which is trainer Michael McCarthy’s specialty. He’s 25% with a +$4.14 ROI this year with 1st time routers.

Del Mar

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. F.S.Generous Portion Stakes 100k

#5 Bulletproof One (4/5) – She’s obliterated every field she’s faced thus far and the Conductor doesn’t really like any of the contenders.

Race 8: 5 ½ Furlongs. F.MC 20000

#11 Trapani (8/1) – Drawn well to the outside, this race is wide open. This is trainer David Hofman’s specialty, he’s 25% with a +$2.20 ROI debuting maiden claimers this year.