Brad Free's Del Mar Horses to Watch for week of July 20, 2024

BIG BUZZ
Trainer: Steve Knapp
Last race: July 20, 1st
Finish: 5th by 10 3/4
Beyer: 66
Late-running veteran had no shot on speed-biased track in $16k claiming route. Lagged, split field, never in it. With a class drop and non-biased surface, 9-year-old merits a closer look.

MISCHELOF
Trainer: Marcelo Polanco
Last race: July 20, 4th
Finish: 3rd by 7 1/4
Beyer: 80
Another late-runner compromised by the bias, N2L starter veteran went one-paced in race dominated by speed. Tough to rely on 1-for-22 veteran, but has upset potential on fair track.

WAYNE THE BRAIN
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Last race: July 20, 8th
Finish: 5th by 15 1/2
Beyer: 51
Debut colt void of speed in sprint, raced three- and four-wide, went evenly over speed-favoring track. This was an educational run; 3-year-old colt by Mitole can improve next out.

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MEDORO
Trainer: Peter Eurton
Last race: July 20, 9th
Finish: 3rd by 1 3/4
Beyer: 81
Slow start and slow pace compromised previously unbeaten filly in Grade 2 turf mile. Broke last, lagged, waited far turn, fast finish (23.41 final quarter). Contender in Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks Aug. 17.

SAKURA BLOSSOM
Trainer: Leonard Powell
Last race: July 20, 9th
Finish: 4th by 3 1/4
Beyer: 78
Mile too short for late-running turf filly in Grade 2. Settled inside, blocked far turn and into lane, weaved through traffic, galloped out in front. Live longshot Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks Aug. 17.

OVETA’S HOBBY
Trainer: John Sadler
Last race: July 21, 4th
Finish: 2nd by 5 1/2
Beyer: 58
Debut 2-year-old filly broke slowly from rail, saved ground, middle move on turn, followed winner, second-best. Promising debut by Army Mule filly, likely to improve second time out.

THE GYPSY COWBOY
Trainer: Steve Knapp
Last race: July 21, 8th
Finish: 7th by 11 1/4
Beyer: 36
Debut 2-year-old in Cal-bred maiden race walked out of gate to trail by many lengths, found best stride late, rallied, galloped out in front of the field in much better-than-looked debut.

FIRST PEACE
Trainer: Mark Glatt
Last race: July 21, 9th
Finish: 1st by 1 1/4
Beyer: 100
Improving 4-year-old has learned to settle, produced caree r-best effort in restricted turf mile stakes. Settled kindly in fourth, got first run, sharp. Class test Aug. 31 in Grade 2 Del Mar Mile.

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