Del Mar Vulnerable Favorites, Live Longshots, and Spot Plays: August 15
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SPOT PLAYS AND LIVE LONGSHOTS
PEARL DE VERE (#9, 9-2) broke a bit slowly in her SoCal bow, made a big move to reach contention, and then flattened out to be third; Beyers in the 60s in three of her last four starts, with the except coming when she set a fast pace in a turf race; loves the Poly. - Byron King
ITALIAN MIRAGE (#1, 8-1) ran better than looked in his debut. He stood flat-footed when the gates opened, spotted his rivals many lengths, then finished with run to split the field. With a clean break second time out, he can be right there. - Brad Free
HOPE 'N PRAY (#8, 3-1) found straight maidens too tough here July 17 but that gives him a race over the track and now he takes the most significant drop in the game. He since posted a strong 5f work (:59.60 here Aug. 10) and high-percentage trainer Miyadi adds blinks. - Michael Hammersly
Del Mar Race 5, (7:10 ET) - LIVE LONGSHOT
Two favorable debut morsels in play with 1ster TOPPER'S GHOST (#7, 20-1). Debuts for 5X purchase price, & string of very suggestive drills buried way back in work pattern. - Marcus Hersh
To these eyes 4yo NOBILIS (#3, 9-2) has by far the most upside here. French form says she has ample class & stays the trip. US debut was solid enough. Blinkers on, rider change might produce something more like that. - Marcus Hersh
HARD PLAY (#11, 6-1) Poor start in Dmr debut cost this guy pretty much all chance, but now he's adding blinkers while coming well drawn to the outer and stands to give a far better showing. Agapito probably should allow Saint Leo to clear, and then let the stalking begin. Presence of the Baffert one-timer, Stormin Lute, should lend value to the rest of the field, including this one; major improvement over the last one fully expected. - Marty McGee
VULNERABLE FAVORITES
STORMIN LUTE (#3, 9-5) looks like a complete standout having run a strong 2nd in his debut vs. straight maidens at BHP May 11. But not only has he not been seen since but after such a good first run vs. straight maidens his connections are now willing to part with him for just $20K. Hey, they don't give anything away out here and that good first run and this drop add up to a very short price. - Michael Hammersly
Homebred STORMIN LUTE (#3, 9-5) debuts May 11 with very solid 2nd in MSW - and shows up three months later for a $20K tag. Very likely to be lower than 9-5 morning-line. Also likely to disappoint. - Marcus Hersh
