Brad Free's Del Mar play of the day for Aug. 11, 2018
Play it safe, or swing for the fences? Let’s go for a home run Saturday at Del Mar with a “play of the day” pick three keyed to a longshot in the last race. The pick three (races 8-10) will include four runners in the opening leg, four in the middle, and one in the finale. Bet size: $1. Ticket cost: $16.
Race 8
A deep cast of $16,000 claiming sprinters goes six furlongs. The pick three will include droppers Papa Turf and Ninety Nine Proof, top choice Braddock, and up-in-class Bow and Arrow, seeking his fourth straight.
Picks: Papa Turf (2), Bow and Arrow (4), Braddock (5), and Ninety Nine Proof (7)
Race 9
Another deep field, 3-year-old fillies at a mile on turf. Pursuing The Dream will be forwardly placed in a race without much speed; Nice Ice moves up in class following an upset vs. statebreds; Dulce Ride drops from a Grade 2; and Highland Lass stretches out for the first time with top turf rider Flavien Prat.
Picks: Pursuing The Dream (2), Nice Ice (7), Dulce Ride (9), Highland Lass (10)
Race 10
Handsome John is the favorite. However, Hey Sal is listed at appealing 8-1 odds for his second start after a better-than-it-looked debut in which he trailed early, made a little move, and went evenly late. Hey Sal adds blinkers, he worked well since raced, and is a longshot single to cap off the pick three.
Pick: Hey Sal (10)
The play: $1 pick three, races 8-10
2, 4, 5, 7 with 2, 7, 9, 10 with 10 = $16


