Free: How I'd play Del Mar for Saturday, July 18

DEL MAR, Calif. – Wagering value arrives late on Saturday at Del Mar.

High-odds contenders in races 8 and 9 are keys on a recommended pick three play (races 8-10) that will “insist” on a win by one or the other.

Race 8

NASHOBA’S GOLD (11) has undergone corrective surgery to fix a throat/breathing problem. The Smart Strike filly, half to Grade 1 winner Nashoba’s Key and a graded winner one year ago, is qualified to upset this restricted stakes. She is a “single.”

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The second ticket, with a single in the following race, will include Nashoba’s Gold and four others. Trouble-prone ELEKTRUM (3) is logical, dropping after another troubled trip in a Grade 1. GAS TOTAL (12) drew poorly, but her form is solid. ISTANFORD (7) was a terror here last summer, winning two stakes in daylight fashion. PERSONAL DIARY (10) returns to Del Mar, where she won the Grade 1 Oaks last summer.

Race 9

LOTTA ATTITUDE (1) is qualified to upset this first-level optional $40k claiming sprint. She is a four-time winner whose third-place finish last out was better than it looks. Her best race is fast enough. She is a “single.”

The second ticket, with a single in the preceding race, will include Lotta Attitude and four others. Program favorite STEALTH DRONE (3) figures for a good trip; YANA (7) has been freshened; PATTITUDE (4) is z Churchill Downs shipper making her California debut for winning connections. SHAKEITUPBETTY (6) is first-time tag at a giant price.

Race 10

THE GOMPER (7) is solid. He drops to a first-level allowance for 3-year-olds and likely to mow them down as the favorite. CHIROPRACTOR (1) could upset. He raced greenly in his overpowering maiden win last out at Delaware Park. He is well-bred, with loads of upside. The pick three will use both; The Gomper will be used as a single on saver tickets.

$1 pick three (races 8-10), first ticket = $10

Race 8 (first leg): 11

Race 9 (second leg): 1, 3, 4, 6, 7

Race 10 (third leg): 1, 7

$1 pick three (races 8-10), second ticket = $10

Race 8 (first leg): 3, 7, 10, 11, 12

Race 9 (second leg): 1

Race 10 (third leg): 1, 7

Total cost above is $20, with a chance to hit twice. Saver tickets with The Gomper as a single in race 10, would insist on a win by either Nashoba’s Key or Lotta Attitude and including others not listed. That adds $12, and gives a bettor a chance to hit four times.

$1 pick three (races 8-10), “saver” ticket = $4

Race 8 (first leg): 11

Race 9 (second leg): 2, 5, 8, 11

Race 10 (third leg): 7

$1 pick three (races 8-10), “saver” ticket = $8

Race 8 (first leg): 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11

Race 9 (second leg): 1

Race 10 (third leg): 7