While I like several horses on the July 19 card, the races fell in such a way that leveraging those opinions in pick-whatevers was difficult. In the end, I settled for a late pick four on races 8-11.
Del Mar has a full 11-race card for the first Saturday of its summer meeting, and I’ll look to make my first play in the opener.
Dirt sprinters comprise all four legs of an early pick four on races 2 through 5, beginning with a six-furlong allowance for New York-breds that features the seasonal debut of Groupthink.
DRF handicapper Matt Bernier takes a closer look at juveniles running at Del Mar.
DRF Plus Graded Stakes analysis for the Arlington Oaks by Marcus Hersh.
The Grade 2 Nijinsky looks to have the best field of grass runners assembled so far at the meet, including reigning Canadian Horse of the Year Up With the Birds (2-1 on the morning line).
DRF Plus daily Gameplan for Del Mar on Saturday, July 19.
DRF Plus daily gameplan for Saratoga on Saturday, July 19.
One thing I like to do at Saratoga, especially in the early stages, is scan the card for horses that have done well here in the past, looking for the Fourstardave-type horses that seem to have an affinity for the place.
It’s on to day two of the summer meet at Del Mar following an exciting opening day. Here is a trio of value plays I plan to support on the card, provided the odds remain attractive.
