Bernier: How I'd play Del Mar for Saturday, July 30
Here are a few horses not named Beholder to consider using in exotic wagers today.
RACE 4
ALABAMA TIDE (10) makes his Southern California debut for trainer Chris Hartman, and the tactical speed he possesses from the outside makes him a serious threat. POWER JAM (2) is likely the speed of the speed, but it's a minor red flag that he's here in an N2X rather than trying graded stakes company, simply because he's never been the soundest animal. If Flavien Prat can park Alabama Tide just off the flank of Power Jam, he could be tough as they turn for home. From that point on, it's ... Roll Tide.
RACE 5
LOVE MY BUD (9) has only tried turf once, and although his trip going down the hill on May 19 was unsuccessful, he deserves another shot in a turf sprint. Being a full brother to the salty turf sprinter Ambitious Brew, this gelding should ultimately flourish on the green. His most recent dirt sprint was solid – as is the case with most of his races – and he should be able to sit just off the pace in a race loaded with early gas.
RACE 7
AUDACIOUS ANGEL (3) does not appear to be a likely win candidate while taking on winners for the first time, but at a huge price, she's one I'd be looking to use throughout in exotics. The fact that she needed to drop into maiden-claiming company to score isn't so much the concern – the more concerning part is that she's slow on paper. Having said that, I like to use horses who just won their maiden after a prolonged losing streak to begin their careers (she'd dropped her first seven starts), and she should work out a nice trip beneath Prat. At a huge number, I'll be keying her throughout my exotics.


