Bernier: How I'd play Del Mar for Saturday, Aug. 13

Let’s look at a few intriguing runners in races 5, 7, and 8. These horses may not ultimately be keys to my plays, but they’re interesting prices that may offer some value – whether in a win bet or an exotic wager.

RACE 5

The two horses I prefer in this race are CHINA GIRL LOVER (1) and LIFE’S JOURNEY (4), but there’s another horse who could make things interesting on the front end. LITTLE SCOTTY (2) may not be as talented as the top runners in this field, but he does possess speed, something few (if any) of the others in this race have.

He’s scored each of his wins in gate-to-wire fashion, and the lack of early foot in this spot should put him in an advantageous position throughout. He’ll likely bring the field to the third turn, and from there, it will be a sprint home. Little Scotty is a runner worth fooling around with in exotics, particularly underneath.

China Girl Lover has been wide in most of his recent races, and while I didn’t love his effort here July 23, it would appear as though he’s catching a much softer bunch than he did that day.

Life’s Journey is another who doesn’t like to win often (2 for 24 lifetime), but the slight drop in class could do him wonders. A repeat of his try May 15 at Santa Anita makes him a serious contender.

RACE 6

H R EXPRESS (3) has dirtied up form; if you can forgive the past three races (which I’ll attempt to do), you’re looking at a very interesting 20-1 shot on the morning line. Here’s my thinking: Draw a line through the most recent start against tougher, as it was his first start off a minor layoff; draw lines through the races two and three starts back that were contested over muddy going. The race H R Express ran four starts back over fast going resulted in an open-length score and a Beyer Speed Figure of 69.

Again, you’ve got to be creative and/or faithful (or crazy) to make cases like this, but if the case could result in a win wager that pays north of $35, it’s worth it.

RACE 8

The Grade 2 Best Pal is the featured event at Del Mar on Saturday, and the three outside runners appear to be the logical choices. BIG LEAGUE (6) looked like the real deal when winning his maiden here July 30, and the outside draw should work to his advantage. If he moves forward off the 74 Beyer he earned in his debut, this Peter Miller trainee is going to be tough to handle.

KLIMT (5) was impressive in winning his maiden at Santa Anita on July 10, but the field he defeated that day has come back a bit suspect. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Bob Baffert take a juvenile graded stakes, but I prefer the runner drawn to his outside.

Mark Casse sends out THIRSTFORLIFE (4), a son of Stay Thirsty who’s been very impressive in each of his two starts. But it looks as though he may be catching a salty group for his graded stakes debut; this one looks like longer will ultimately be better for him.

If you’re looking to spice up some exotics in a race that appears as though it could be on the chalkier side, why not include RINSE AND REPEAT (2)? This Square Eddie colt goes out for O’Neill/Reddam/Gutierrez, and his effort in Northern California two back was much better than it looks on paper. His maiden score most recently was solid, and he figures to get overlooked on the tote; if you’re playing any exotics, Rinse and Repeat may be one worth considering underneath.