Handicapper Tips & Picks

See analysis below for Del Mar closing day mandatory Pick 6. 

Intent appears in play with #12 BELLY UP returning off the layoff (first start as a three-year-old) for McCarthy/Prat, connections that could have some live runners on the card. BELLY UP moved up on this circuit against state bred breaking his maiden last November. That race was followed by a stakes try and legit TROUBLE+ to create an EX-EXCUSE. Number wise he is just a touch lighter than some of today's rivals, though keeping in mind the figures for BELLY UP earned as a juvenile and can take a step forward with natural maturity. 

#4 SUPER CHIEF comes back with the blinkers and tough to knock with the BTL effort at this level on August 11th. a common race. Rival #1 SEATTLE BREAKOUT was not as effective in the end, though also earning a BTL Keyword making a WIDE MOVE and should hold his form coming back today.

D'Amato used a similar turf-to-dirt pattern when #2 LET'S ACCLIMATE broke his maiden in the second start - a similar pattern and timing as he comes back for this second off the layoff. 

A case can be made for #9 OUBABE, however there does not project to be much value on this type of runner. 

Assessing the McCarthy group: #8 ENDLESSLY turned in a strong B+ effort to break his maiden first out on July 30th. This will be a step up from that race and noted as while he was dominant, the race itself has not shown to be very productive. McCarthy will also return with #4 LORD BULLINGDON one that debuted behind eventual graded stakes winner, Prince of Monaco back on July 9th in a four horse field at LRC. Since that race he has been training forwardly including a work on September 3rd (main track) in company with ENDLESSLY with LORD BULLINGDON looking the better of the two and the advantage as the two came down to the wire. 

#5 SEA SINGER is the new face here on the circuit and part of the McCarthy trio. Watching him work, he was tested on August 3rd in company with accomplished older horse Offlee Naughty and no match for that runner. He worked here on the turf with Del Mar Jerry outside and second best once again.

Hernandez sticks with ENDLESSLY noting he was aboard, #1 ANDREADYTORUMBLE for his sneaky good debut on August 24th. Perhaps the rider change will assist given the ride was not ideal with this horse in TRAFFIC, TROUBLE before getting clear to make his CLOSE run. 

#3 BOLTAGE also holds a win at the surface and distance coming back from the PERFECT trip on August 24th. Place rival for that race, #2 GLANDFORD (wore cheek pieces) did not have as favorable a trip from the rail given a SLOG and to his credit showed a solid CLOSE behind that first run winner. 

Mulhall has been sending out live runners and could present the case for #4 EASTSIDE COOL to upset #5 MASTERING, the projected and possible heavy favorite. EASTSIDE COOL will give up recency though has the positive trending barn on his side, class, figures and the right running style to compete. In terms of MASTERING he has some vulnerabilities heading into the August 12th race and fell into a PERFECT trip. As far as that last out number, it fits here; however, he paired a top, and last time he ran that top with the PERFECT trip on April 30th he took a step back in his next few starts.

Class could be light on #9 ZIMBA WARRIOR though intent does appear in play. He has run well here at Del Mar and on his best day (along with the projected pace) could find himself in the running.

Similar class concern for #6 GOOD JUJU as he was up for the $16k tag during the first part of the meet. Without any takers and 51-days since he is in for $40k and big step up in class. That July 21st race has had one next out winner, Big Buzz winning a $12.5 N2X claiming race on August 19th. #3 TWO RIVERS OVER was dominant winning the starter allowance on July 21st under Bravo the returning rider today. They were less successful on the turf last month and as this sophomore steps up here back to the dirt, he likely requires  a new top effort to win. 

#2 DANIEL'S MAGIC draws well where he can save ground and stalk off what projects to be a contested pace looking for first run. He will be tested at this level, though has form/recency on his side returning from the BLANKET effort last month in this second start off the layoff.

#7 MISTER ICEMAN projected to move up on the TURF and did so in the August 17th common race. He was part of the early pace, slight X_FLOW, and raced uncovered, a tougher trip overall. Also returning, #4 BARSABAS as part of the BLANKET finish. He tends to make that run from further off the pace and class wise is a little softer, though at the longer odds he is not impossible and one to keep in the minor mix. 

#5 BOLT SUPREMACY is a longshot that is not without a chance. He is unproven at the shorter distance though his limited sprint races on turf have been competitive with numbers on par for this race. He can also be given a flow upgrade as part of a Very Fast early pace on August 13th. 

#6 BOLDEN figures to be live returning in this spot off the layoff and with Prat named for this race. He has shown legit early speed and could be the controlling speed running back to the races prior to the 450-day layoff. While capable he does have the time off hurdle, stepping up to take on open company and also his first start at the 5f distance, which can be a specialty. As far as the pace, #14 GOLDEN ALE on the AE would take out some of the E/EP early speed, though there are others in here (#1 SAWASDEE, #8 HOT BOX, #10 WESTWARD LOOK, #12 CRUZIN MAN) to keep things honest upfront as natural E/EP types in their own right. 

#1 PRINCE OF MONACO stands out off his races to date and the horse to beat. He earned a strong figure winning in the Best Pal (G3) last month making a MOVE before going clear. He was trying to drift late and Prat did a good job keeping him to task. 

His stablemate #3 MIRAHMADI has gate issues that have been unresolved since the debut and has declined number wise since that initial start. Yakteen often partner barn returns with #5 ROTHSCHILD off an improved second start, though could have been flattered by the inside and race flow as he projects to be tested here all around.

#6 NEXT LEVEL is still a maiden though to his credit fits with others in this field and has shown improvement race-to-race. He was part of a Very Fast early pace on August 5th and while no match for the Baffert favorite, Mission Beach (came back to finish 5th in the Hopeful (G1) at SAR), NEXT LEVEL held his own and should find himself with another honest showing today. 

#4 RAGING TORRENT looked outclassed in the Best Pal (G3) and still must show where he fits. Class will also be a test for #2 VALIANT KNIGHT shipping in where he has been most effective at the lower (under $20k) purse races. #7 MARY'S BOY BOLT also must step up after falling into a trip and softer number with the maiden score two weeks ago. 

#7 LAHAINA FLAVOR showed run with the WIDE trip on debut three weeks ago. He earned a solid 86 OptixFIG a number stacking on top of today's OFR and fits with many in this field. #8 UNCLE OSCAR showed run with a BTL effort on debut and projected to IMPROVE he did just that coming back with a solid place finish, 87 OptixFIG and returns today with a rider upgrade to Smith. 

#4 BYE BYE RAY has recorded some of the higher figures in this field, though those efforts have been on the main track and sprinting. He is unproven on the turf and as far as his lone route route he had a WIDE trip at Oaklawn Park back in February and that race followed up by a layoff. Number and race shape could benefit #6 QUINTECENTS, though he is also one that has shown some distance and class limitations and needs all those factors in his favor today.

#3 PETCOFF turned in a BTL/B OptixGRADE race on August 26th though is another that will try something new stretching out and wheeling right back in two weeks. He must also improve once again on figures as others have recorded higher numbers. 

4-SLEAZY SISTER-Three for three; last from 2^nd tier

7-FOX VALLEY TASHA-3 losses by mere inches

8-FOX VALLEY SADIE-Can wire them despite outside post

5-GUITAR MAN-Wins as he pleases

4-ENRICO PALLAZZO-Seems clearly second best

2-CATATONIC IGUANA-Better than last would suggest

1-CHICKABELL-Wins on or off the lead

4-FOX VALLEY TARAN-Beaten favorite broke midrace

3-CUPID’S REVENGE-Comes flying late

5-GORGEOUS BIG GUY-Big win from 11 hole (2^nd tier)

8-FREEDOM’S PLAYBOY-Can surprise in debut

6-FOX VALLEY YORK-Can finish fast

4-NAE’S RENDEZVOUS-Beaten fav makes amends

7-SOMESTARSANDI-Maybe long gone on front end

2-FOX VALLEY TESSA-Beware strong connections

7-STANDBYYOURMAN-Paid $50 in stakes-winning debut

5-CALYPSO MOON-Well driven stakes winner in last

1-ILLINI DIVA-Didn’t fire in last; can bounce back

1-NIKO MAN-Seems lengths faster than the rest

5-LOUS ANDIAMO-Raced better than expected in last

2-ZIONS REALY CHILLY-Might be fighting for the lead

2-FOX VALLEY LANDEN-2023 win machine; 7 of 8; 2^nd Lasix

3-FOX VALLEY PATRIOT-Been chasing top choice; almost got him in last

9-FOX VALLEY JASPER-Tough but tough post

6-FOX VALLEY STEELER-Needed last; beware the speed

4-GOOMSTER-Fleet but also good from off pace

2-EYESONTHEPRIZELOU-First Lasix and speed

6-AINT NO SAINT-Has dead aim late

4-ZENA LOU-Flies late if she doesn’t break

3-FOX VALLEY SHAINA-Maybe outlast rest of speed

1-LULING CITY-Maybe second-best speed

5-WHISKEY LOU-Slim pick in tough race

4-ZORA MOON-Edged top choice two races back

2-LOUS ESMERALDA-Freakishly fast in last

3-HYPEYOURBESTIEUP-Raced well most starts

7-SOUR GRAPES-Maybe repels early challengers

8-AMY MOOSS-Always in the hunt

1-SHADY MAPLE ALSTAR-Gets the trip from the rail

2-FIREBALLS PRIDE-Tries to lead throughout

7-TRU CASH-Never far off Fireball

5-FOX VALLEY JULIAN-Can come from far back

8-FOX VALLEY DURHAM-Been strong every race

3-ASHLEECOLDMUFFLER-Awaits late opportunity

5-RADIANT DIAMOND-Late brush takes them

7-BELL BOOTS-Dangerous speed

6-SHESPERTIFULIKPERT-Often met better

5-RADIANT DIAMOND-Late brush takes them

7-BELL BOOTS-Dangerous speed

6-SHESPERTIFULIKPERT-Often met better

6-LITTLE CHIPPER-Victorious in four of five races

5-LOUS PRIVATE EYE-Sharp wins last two

4-DEENBO-Try to catch me

1-FOX VALLEY LEAH-Only lost one of seven this year

5-FILLYS REVENGE-Won 10 of 18 this year, 8 of 19 last

7-RONA MAE-Seldom out of the money

5-MY DADDYS REVENGE-Regaining old form

6-THE MAGICAL WOMAN-Gunning for the lead

7-SENORITA MOUSE-Possible late share