Bernier: How I’d play Del Mar on Saturday, Aug. 23
There’s a mid-card pick three Saturday that I’m interested in at Del Mar, beginning in Race 4.
Race 4
* Masochistic appears to be the main speed of the race and owns the top Beyer Speed Figures in the field. There’s no question he’s a logical contender, but I’ll also look to use another runner in this spot.
* Celebrity Status cuts back from a two-turn mile here at Del Mar on July 26 to this seven-furlong sprint, and if he runs anything close to his latest effort he’s going to be a major player.
Race 5
* My pick three play is going to live or die by my single in the fifth race, Warren’s Jen Fizz. This filly exits an impressive effort on the Polytrack that was originally scheduled for the turf, and on Saturday she’ll get back to her preferred surface. I feel like she could very well be the controlling speed of the race second off the layoff for Drayden Van Dyke, and I’m willing to take a stand with her and her 8-1 morning line.
Race 6
* You can see my thoughts on the top three contenders for this baby race in Saturday’s edition of Del Mar Babies, but I’m viewing this heat as one where I’m willing to gamble a bit and buy the race. Although I really like the chances of Fight Thru, Fifty Federales, and Outthink’em to win here, I’m not afraid to take a shot here and hope for chaos.
Race 8
I’ll also look to make a few plays in the Saturday feature, the Del Mar Handicap.
* I like Si Sage in the Del Mar Handicap, but I’m also cognizant of the fact that this son of Sageburg hasn’t had his picture taken since March 2013 – and that was in France.
* I’ll look to key Si Sage in exactas with Big John B, Bright Thought, Fire With Fire, and Cogito. I’ll play them for two units with Si Sage on top and reverse wheel them for a unit.