Del Mar Vulnerable Favorites, Live Longshots, and Spot Plays: July 27
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SPOT PLAYS/LIVE LONGSHOTS
TRIBAL PEACE (#2, 8-1) has made steady progress with each start this year, and swooped past the field to win going away in an allowance at Hollywood July 14; seven furlongs suits this closer, and the pace should be lively for a long sprint. – Byron King
PATIENCEISAVIRTUE (#3, 8-1) Brand new face on the SoCal circuit comes off some decent races over the Tapeta in Pa. and figures to be a major pace presence when stretching out for her new connections. Comes favorably drawn with underrated veteran to ride, and could be a danger if permitted to walk the dog. Lots of the opposition are on quiet drops of desperation, so tab at a square price. – Marty McGee
BAS (#9, 5-2) may be a brand new horse. It took a while but it looks as though he put it all together when moved to a route at BHP July 4 as he laughed at maidens, leading all the way and winning geared down. The runner-up was another 7 1/2 lengths clear of the others. It's first time vs. winners but that may help your price. - Michael Hammersly
One year ago, AMERICAN TANKER (#4, 8-1 pre-scratch morning line) sprang an 11-1 upset on the Del Mar turf. Now he makes his second start back from a layoff, and should improve. The course profile favors his closing style. -Brad Free
SWIFT EAGLE (#7, 7-2) appears to be sitting on a win. He comes off 2 smart outings on the BHP sod, using different tactics so he has versatility. Bejarano stays and his only prior run on this course resulted in a win last year. His price may be buoyed some if the fans flock to big maiden winner Tom's Tribute. - Michael Hammersly
PEARL DE VERE (#2, 6-1) was claimed at Churchill Downs for $30,000 and was brought west and now seeks to capitalize with the shipping to Dmr bonus; has natural speed and already crossed the wire first in a miaden race on Polytrack, only to be disqualified for interference. - Byron King
VULNERABLE FAVORITES
HOLIDAY N NEWPORT (#6, 6-5) was a perfect-trip winner of a weak renewal of the Hollywood Oaks, leading throughout after setting a slow pace; razor sharp, having won three in a row, but now switches tracks and is cut back in distance to sprint seven furlongs. – Byron King
TOM'S TRIBUTE (#2, 5-2 pre-scratch odds) A big maiden sprint winner last out, the son of Lion Heart has raw ability. But this N1X turf route presents many challenges – first-time long, first-time turf and first time vs. winners. It is a lot to ask at a short price. - Brad Free
TOM’S TRIBUTE (#2, 5-2) has the top figure in the race, but that was on the main track and don't really love the turf breeding; feel this is a pretty wide open AN1X, so no need to take the chalk. - Chuck Kuehhas
