Bernier: How I'd play Del Mar on Thursday, Aug. 21

The pick five at Del Mar on Thursday seems intriguing to me, so I’ll put together a few tickets and take a shot at it.

Race 1

- Compulsive is the likely controlling speed of the race; I’m hopeful he breaks clean and moves forward second off the layoff.

- Newport Red earned the highest last-out Beyer Speed Figure in the field and gets major class relief today. If he can sit off Compulsive and get first run on the closers he could be tough.

- Pillar of Strength will be making his first start in Southern California and first for trainer Bob Hess Jr. The biggest question surrounding him is whether he’ll take to the Polytrack.

A’s: 4 – Newport Red, 5 – Compulsive
B’s: 6 – Pillar of Strength

Race 2

I’ll take the three horses likely to flash the best early speed of the bunch, especially since they’ve all shown the ability to win on synthetics.

- Gal Has to Like It has won over the Del Mar Poly and makes his first start for trainer Test West, who is 3 for 6 at the Del Mar meet.

- Senator Bob is probably best on dirt, but he’s had success on synthetics and he’s far too sharp to ignore.

- Newfound Gold is the most likely winner of the second race based on his latest effort here on July 25. With a repeat of that effort everyone else is running for second honors.

A’s: 2 – Gal Has to Like It, 5 – Newfound Gold
B’s: 4 – Senator Bob

Race 3

The only real opinion I have here is that I want to try to beat the morning-line favorite, Haaay Sexy Lady.

- Libby goes out for trainer Molly Pearson, who has done well when she teams up with rider Drayden Van Dyke over the past year. Filly showed some life in the latest gate drill on Aug. 13.

- Moonie is another whose latest gate work is encouraging. She is a daughter of Moonfest, whose foals have had success on synthetic surfaces.

- Brazilian Barbeque has shown speed in both of her starts, and if she can do so again, the cutback from 5 1/2 furlongs to 5 should work in her favor.

A’s: 6 – Libby, 8 – Moonie, 11 – Brazilian Barbeque

Race 4

- Midnite View broke his maiden here last year going two turns, and figures to sit a nice trip.

- Jackson Sundown drops in class and has prior efforts that put him in contention here. His two most recent works at Del Mar are decent, as well.

- Counting Days looms as the most likely winner, although it’s tough to fully trust a horse who has won only 1 of 13 starts.

- Marv finally scored his maiden victory last out at Los Alamitos, and this is simply a “light bulb” angle – maybe tasting victory for the first time was all this son of Ministers Wild Cat needed.

A’s: 2 – Midnite View, 5 – Counting Days
B’s: 3 – Jackson Sundown
C’s: 10 – Marv

Race 5

- Stormy Adieu looms large. If she runs back to her effort at Arlington Park on July 31, she’s a likely winner. If she takes any step forward she likely runs away from this field.

- Both Ashley’s Sassy and Appealing Lady are backups in case the favorite doesn’t fire.

A’s: 9 – Stormy Adieu
C’s: 5 – Ashley’s Sassy, 10 – Appealing Lady