Del Mar Vulnerable Favorites, Live Longshots, and Spot Plays: August 2
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SPOT PLAYS/LIVE LONGSHOTS
First-time starter BOSTON CHARLEY (#4, 6-1) is by terrific debut sire Rocky Bar, whose have won 23 percent first out (14 for 61) according to Thoro-Graph. Trainer Bob Hess Jr. can get the rookies ready to roll. - Brad Free
HALFAPONDEROSA (#3, 8-1) blew the start and was left with far too much to do in a spot like this here July 18, but to her credit ran on well passing a number of rivals. Pender saw fit to claim her, her form prior was smart and she's won here before. A better start may be all it takes to get back on track. - Michael Hammersly
The turf rails are moved to the outermost 14-foot setting for this card. That may benefit front-running longshots NOISE OF THE CROWD (#2, 6-1) and ROSES FOR JONI (#5, 12-1). - Brad Free
ZANBO (#1, 3-1) Been a rude awakening at Dmr for the Puype barn after that hellacious Hollypark meet, but a good man can't be kept down forever. Six works since this bay filly last raced should allow Bejarano to have her in prime stalking position, and then finally she can follow through on what she's been promising, and that's getting through this first state-bred condition by going long on the grass. – Marty McGee
KRAZYPAPAYA (#6, 4-1) was left with much to do when fifth of six early in a slow-paced turf race, and came on strongly late to grab second; good form this year, and the price should be inflated a bit by cold connections in her corner. – Byron King
No sign of main-track speed bias 7/31, & fair track + presence of several speeds means TIZ A MINISTER (#2, 5-2) a strong single in late multi-races. Can't imagine we'll see 5-2 m/l odds, but win-playable at that price. - Marcus Hersh
HARD PLAY (#7, 7-2) showed good speed vs. tougher at BHP this spring. He last dueled before fading to 5th for $62,500 there June 13 but that was a strong hear (only 2 to exit it so far came back to romp in their next starts), he's been freshened, takes a significant drop and has worked solidly since. - Michael Hammersly
VULNERABLE FAVORITES
TOP KNOT (#9, 2-1)
Outside draw no bargain for a gray filly who might be a little shaky at this distance to begin with. Was the 8-5 choice when getting first Lasix and blinks when on a favorable turn-back last out, all to no avail. Jock been in a bit of a struggle since final week of Hollypark meet and might find himself having a tough trip from this far-out post, despite what looks like relatively light competition. – Marty McGee
ZANBO (#1, 3-1) is just 1 for 8, and is a filly that has often come up even paced in the late stages of her races, resulting in her settling for minor awards; best underneath in the exotics an played against in the win pool. - Byron King
