Brad Free: Del Mar Horses to Watch for week of Nov. 27, 2023

MONEY MAKES MONEY
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Last race: Nov. 23, race 1
Finish: 3rd by 1/2
Beyer: 68
Debut 2-year-old colt hopped when gates opened, broke last, rallied into contention on turn, steadied slightly quarter pole, split rivals in stretch, strong late finish while undoubtedly best.

LOVESICK BLUES
Trainer: Steve Miyadi
Last race: Nov. 23, race 4
Finish: 6th by 1 1/2
Beyer: 81
Veteran saved ground trailing N2X turf sprint, cut corner, blocked into lane, nowhere to go until deep stretch, kicked late but too much to do. Call it inconclusive, he never had a shot.

BIG BUZZ
Trainer: Ron Ellis
Last race: Nov. 24, race 4
Finish: 2nd by 1 1/2
Beyer: 79
Race shape compromised late-running veteran in claiming route. Settled, rallied wide, closed ground, but winner wired field. ’Buzz fits in Santa Anita $16-25k claiming sprint or route.

:: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets.

FRANCESCO CLEMENTE
Trainer: Chad Brown
Last race: Nov. 24, race 7
Finish: 2nd by neck
Beyer: 96
East Coast shipper broke last to spot field several lengths in Grade 2 turf marathon. Trailed field, angled out late, finished fastest, missed. He was best, still eligible to N2X allowance.

LUKKA
Trainer: Neil Drysdale
Last race: Nov. 24, race 7
Finish: 3rd by neck
Beyer: 96
Chilean Group 1 winner making U.S. debut, first in six months, settled midpack in Grade 2 turf marathon, ran well, solid comeback. Winter contender in distance stakes, either surface.

SUMTER
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Nov. 25, race 7
Finish: 4th by 2 3/4
Beyer: 94
Grade 2 turf mile out of reach for colt who prefers shorter distance and/or easier company. Set pace to deep stretch, swallowed by late-runners, can shorten up in winter at Santa Anita.

KOPION
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Last race: Nov. 26, race 1
Finish: 1st by 3 3/4
Beyer: 83
Debut 2-year-old hammered to odds-on, ran accordingly. Settled in sprint, looped wide, crushed. Sibling to route winners a welcome addition to 3-year-old filly division of 2024.

CALIFORNIA TIGER
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Last race: Nov. 26, race 4
Finish: 1st by 2 3/4
Beyer: 78
Much improved recent starts, gelding crushed a Cal-bred maiden-claiming sprint more impressively than figure. Proven at Santa Anita, can fire right back non-winners-two starter.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.