Del Mar Babies for Saturday, Aug. 23

Race 6

Maiden Claiming $50,000

Statebred 2-Year-Old Colts and Geldings

5 1/2 Furlongs, Polytrack

Purse: $38,000

Key Contenders

5) Outthink’em

After a less-than-stellar debut, this son of Bushwacker took a major step forward in his second career start here at Del Mar on Aug. 7. Although he was no match for the winner that day, it should be noted that he was clear of the third-place finisher that day and was finishing with interest. He’s obviously a player in here based on his prior race experience, and if he takes a step forward off the latest he’s a serious contender.

FORMULATOR FACT: Dam Catchthecat won 3 of her 10 career starts and her offspring have combined to win 20 of their 146 starts, including 3 of 38 on synthetic.

4) Fifty Federales

The latest four-furlong gate drill by this son of Stormin Fever would lead one to believe he will be ready to roll from the start for his debut. He will go out for a trainer who is well known for his work with 2-year-old runners, and it’s safe to assume this one has some ability if Rafael Bejarano takes the mount. Fifty Federales is just one half of a potent one-two combo trainer Peter Miller sends out in this spot.

FORMULATOR FACT: Sire Stormin Fever’s juveniles have gone 11 for 70 over the past five years in synthetic sprints.

2) Fight Thru

This is the other half of the Peter Miller duo, and his bloodlines would suggest he’s more than capable of delivering at first asking. Sire Kafwain’s juveniles have gone 13 for 103 over the past five years in synthetic sprints, and dam Astor Park was a solid runner herself (3 for 10 lifetime, $103,000 in career earnings). Add in the fact that he will debut for Peter Miller and you have got a strong recipe for success.

FORMULATOR FACT: Trainer Peter Miller is 18 for 61 (32 ITM, $2.70 ROI) over the past five years with 2-year-olds debuting in maiden claiming events.

The Strategy

I like Outthink’em a bit here, and I will look to play him to win; I will also box him with both of the Miller entrants, Fifty Federales and Fight Thru, in exactas. Here are the plays:

WIN wager on 5) Outthink’em at odds of 5-1 or greater

EXACTA BOX of 2, 4, 5