Del Mar Vulnerable Favorites, Live Longshots, and Spot Plays: July 20

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SPOT PLAYS/LIVE LONGSHOTS

Del Mar Race 4, 6:40 ET

EAST SKY (#3, 5-2) looked super blasting starter allowance foes on synthetic footing at BHP April 25 and was then a sharp 3rd on turf there May 26 at this level. Has been freshened by a trainer who's strong with this move and there's a sharp 3f work (:36.40) to signal he handles this track just fine -Michael Hammersly

Del Mar Race 5, 7:10 ET

Ship-ins to Southern California won 5 of the first 18 races at DMR; shipper CLOSING RANGE (#4, 12-1) is worth a longshot look on the “stranger” angle. A graded stakes winner in the East, she had a recent prep and will finish at a big price. -Brad Free

Del Mar Race 9, 9:12 ET

WOULD YOU (#3, 7-2) Came from the Midwest and in his first try on synthetic at BHP May 23 stalked the pace and finished a game 2nd. Not only did he lose narrowly (a neck) but he finished well clear of the rest. He’s been working steadily since and looks well spotted to get that elusive 5th win. -Michael Hammersly

Del Mar Race 10, 9:40 ET

Ellis 2nd-timers tend to improve substantially, as evidenced by the trainer’s terrific win strike and ROI in that particular category. THRILLS AND CHILLS (#12, 6-1) was no match for $50k types at HollyPark but now drops and comes very well-drawn to the outer while getting first Lasix; has all the makings of a sudden wakeup in this get-out spot. – Marty McGee

VULNERABLE FAVORITES

Del Mar Race 8, 8:42 ET

At age 7, it seems JERANIMO(#4, 7-2) (pre-scratch odds) has lost a step. A millionaire Grade 1 winner, he does not face a killer field in the Eddie Read, but in two most-recent races he finished next to last, and last. -Brad Free

Del Mar Race 10, 9:40 ET

PATRIOTIC LION's (#5, 7-2) recent speed figures tower over most of these, but this 4yo gelding is 0 for 25 with eight seconds; will not be included at all in P4 ticket.- Chuck Kuehhas