All Star Stakes Analysis For Del Mar, August 17

Del Mar Oaks Analysis by Brad Free

1-Kitten’s Dumplings
2-Pearlside
3-Wishing Gate

Analysis

The California turf-filly division is ordinary, which means the G1 Del Mar Oaks is likely to be won by shipper KITTEN’S DUMPLINGS (#6, 3-1). Her G2 win last out at Saratoga was her third straight, and though the quality of the field she beat is dubious, she does win races. And the quality in California is equally dubious. European shipper PEARSLIDE (#9, 5-1) is interesting, first start in the U.S. with respectable Group form at top racecourses in France. Runner-up last out in a G3, she has two works over the local turf course for trainer Darrell Vienna. It is a “go” first out. She has a chance to upset this race at a price. Euro-shippers have surprised in this race (No Matter What paid $34.80 in 2000; Golden Apples paid $44 in 2001). WISHING GATE (#1, 7-2) powered to a sharp score on this course last month in the G2 San Clemente, winning with a perfect trip under Gary Stevens. She faces tougher here, but might be this good. Stevens is at Arlington to ride Marketing Mix in the Beverly D; Garrett Gomez takes over on ’GATE. IGHRAA would be an interesting longshot if she drew in, based on the “stranger” angle. She also entered a minor stakes race on Friday. Betting strategy KITTEN’S DUMPLINGS is the “most likely winner” and expected to go favored. But the second preference PEARLSIDE offers greater wagering value. Listed at 5-1 on the preliminary morning line, her overseas form suggests she fits with this bunch.

The $20 play:
$12 win PEARLSIDE (minimum odds 5-1)
$4 exacta box PEARLSIDE and KITTEN’S DUMPLINGS

Del Mar Oaks Analysis by Michael Hammersly

EMOTIONAL KITTEN (#4, 6-1)

Daughter of grass champ and top turf sire Kitten’s Joy has really come into her own this year and comes off a superb 2nd to the very smart Emollient in the Grade 1 American Oaks. Not only does that confirm her class and current sharpness, but an abundance of speed signed up here should give her the pace that suits her style. She doesn’t have to come from miles out of it either. With a strong pace likely, a couple other closers may be well situated and could occupy the supporting spots in the exotics behind ‘KITTEN. KITTEN’S DUMPLINGS invades from back East off 3 straight SWs and a powerful late kick; and WISHING GATE has won 2 straight, looked good rallying well to win the Grade 2 San Clemente here July 21 and boasts a bullet work since to say she holds her edge.

Del Mar Oaks Analysis by Marty McGee

WISHING GATE (#1, 7-2)

While a couple of accomplished shippers (Discreet Marq and Kitten’s Dumplings) had to ship thousands of miles to get her, Wishing Gate will be running right out of her Dmr stall when trying to extend her modest winning streak. Draws comfortably with Gomez and figures to get yet another nice stalking trip from behind the ample speed signed on here; right back at ‘em. The play: Win, #1; exacta/trifecta keys, 1 up-and-back using 6, 8, 9, 10. – Marty McGee