DEL MAR, Calif. - A string of double-digit winners Monday at Del Mar has produced a $130,334 pick-6 carryover for Wednesday's competitive program.
Race eight favorite Right Angle may start as the shortest price in the pick-6 series (races 3-8). His runner-up finish was flattered when the horse who finished a half-length in front of him last time (Divine Assurance) returned Monday to beat winners. Right Angle is 5-2 on the morning line, and likely to drop from there.
The remainder of the pick-6 races Wednesday are not so obvious. Here's a quick look at the lineup.
Race 3
A case can be made for any one of the six starters going a mile on dirt in a three-other-than allowance/optional $100,000 claimer. Front-runner Lesters Boy is the 5-2 favorite, but Sultry Substitute could give him a battle in his first start since being claimed for $100,000 by trainer Bill Spawr and owners Sid and Jenny Craig. Late-runners Milk Wood and Jorrocks, and pressers Reba's Gold and Contexte, make this small field a tough race. The horse to beat is Sultry Substitute.
Race 4
Another wide-open heat, an $80,000 claiming race at a mile and a sixteenth on turf with nine legitimate starters. Top contenders include Moore's Flat, who won't be anything close to his 8-1 morning line; Self Feeder, the 3-1 favorite; Bonotto, up a notch following an impressive win; and versatile Eye Pea Oh.
Race 5
Destiny Calling rates the edge, though the 9-2 third choice must overcome the rail in the six-furlong starter allowance (fillies and mares who broke their maidens for $40,000 or less and have not won two races). Through Monday, the rail was 1-for-39 in six-furlong races. Her main foes include Calling Ticket, the 3-1 favorite; Silky Goose, inside to outside; and Please Be Seated, fresh from an impressive maiden win.
Race 6
Hard-knocking $12,500 claimers sprint six furlongs. Shabab is the 3-1 favorite first off the claim by Mike Mitchell; Churchland seeks his fourth straight.
Race 7
Minor Details is the 5-2 morning line favorite in the Osunitas Handicap, though she has no advantage over classy Argentine miler Paga; consistent Dianehill, and potential upsetter Dyna's Club.
Race 8
Most bettors will single Right Angle in the five and a half-furlong race for $40,000 California-bred maiden 2-year-olds.