Del Mar Picks for Saturday, August 16, 2014

Del Mar Picks for Saturday, August 16, 2014: Lady and The Track’s in-house handicappers decided take a crack at Del Mars Saturday Card going toe-to-toe with races 5 through 8, ending in the Del Mark Oaks. Last weekend we tackled the La Jolla Handicap where our only pick that hit was my third choice Sammy Mandville who came in third. Del Mar has been a tough nut to crack. It’s been a double whammy with the breakdowns and the track problems. Let’s hope the rest of the meet goes much better and they get back on track, literally. So, here we go.

Sigi’s Picks:

Race #5: 2,10,5
Zimmer has been facing tough horses lately, especially in the Santa Anita Downhill, but he tried the mile and ran a huge race, losing by only ¾ length behind Tigah. I think now the post position could make the difference. Valley Cat is one of the fastest horse of the field and it’s proven he likes the grass; Bejarano stays in the irons, and that’s a good sign. Bettys Bambino’s last race was better than the paper says, because he ran at a distance uncomfortable for him. Now he will be very tough at a mile.

Race #6: 5,8,1
Hauler, a colt by Super Saver has good workouts, and looks ready to win in his debut. This year, the Super Saver progeny has shown precocity. Kantune showed speed in his debut, and everybody saw him as the winner in the stretch (Including me), but he literally stopped in the last ½ furlong and lost. Now with a race under his belt, he’ll be very tough. American Sailor was well bet in his debut, but didn’t show the early speed the people expected. He keeps working very well, so he deserves another shot.

Race #7: 2,6,3
Joseph Talamo insists with Seeking the West, a horse that has faced really tough horses during his career and always hits the board. His last race was creditable, since the winner Big Cazanova sat a new track record. He has the speed to try to wire this field. A horse than can beat him is Big Tire, a horse that should appreciate the extra ½ furlong. He could benefit from a hot pace. If you draw a line to Yard Line’s last race, you should see a solid runner. It looks that he didn’t like the grass so now he’s trying the poly, a surface that shouldn’t be a problem, because he has good works over that surface.

Race #8: 6
My Conquestadory looked like she needed the race, despite all she finished only 3 ½ lengths behind the winner. Definitely she is the class of the field, and her last work suggest she’s ready to roll. The distance suits perfect for her, and has a good post. She has all the favorable conditions to win this race.

Plays:
Pick 3 starting in race #6
6) 5,8,1
7) 2,6,3
8) 6
Race #5 Exacta box 2,10,5

Kari’s Picks:

Race #5 One Mile On The Turf: (11), 10, 2
Let’s start with “Papa” Mandella’s Snaps for the win who ran 2nd last out at 1 1/16 miles, second of the layoff and third off the claim with Smith up. Running second to Snaps was Valley Cat for Hollendorder who is running 4th off the claim for this barn with Bejarano up and has a nice 4f work in :47 and change. Zimmer gets Van Dyke up and the trainer/jockey combo with Proctor is hot right now. Last out ran second to Tigah, also running here going a mile. Has some nice speed figures and running 4th off the claim for this barn.

Race #6 5 1/2 F All Weather Track 2 Year Old Maidens: (4), 5, 8
Proctor got me again here with his first time starter Film Freak with a few super 4f works out of a Dam with 2 winners from 2 starts and 1 stakes winner, plus Smith up. I also like the Super Saver baby Hauler with a nice 4f work out of a Dam with 4 winners from 7 starters and 1 stakes winner. These Super Saver babies have been burning up the track so here’s to hoping. Casse has a nice one in Kantune that came in 2nd first time out to Lord Nelson going 5f. Smokin Joe Talamo gets the call and has some nice recent works as well and the highest speed figure of those that have already raced here.

Race #7 1 1/16 miles All Weather Track: (6), 5, 7
Going with Mark Glatts Candy Ride Big Tire for the win. Finished 3rd last out behind Big Cazanova who recently has smoked up the track. Has a nice 4f work and should get the distance. Also like the other Candy Ride Sweet Sunshine coming off the long 9 mos. layoff to hit. Has a nice 5f work in :59.40 and won last out BHP November 11, 2013 going 1 1/16 on the poly. Hollendorder’s Southern Freedom to come in the money as well with Smith on board. Should improve second off the layoff after breaking maiden going 6f July 19th here.

Race #8 1 1/8 miles Turf: (6), 7, 2, 10
Looks like Sigi and I are on the same page here. I’m giving My Conquestadory another shot here. Third off the layoff, a nice recent work and the conditions should be just right for her Saturday. I dig the other Casse runner Tepin who came in second to Istanford who has scratched to run Friday. She was game on and beat her stablemate in that race, so hope she can hit. I also like Famous Alice, the Kitten’s Joy girl I had last time out who ran a nice second in the Senorita at Santa Anita. I like her to come in the money. *Sea Queen is in my opinion the best horse in the field and should hit the board. However, I hate her post and they have moved the turf rail out further so I’m tossing her at the risk.

Plays:
I’ll be playing a $1 pick 3 starting Race #6: 4,5,8/6,5/6,7 $12.00 and also a few rolling Daily Doubles which I will tweet the day of the race. I’m waiting for odds before I play those. Good luck to everyone, safe ride and thank you Sigi for letting me add my thoughts and play.

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