Free: How I'd play Del Mar on Sunday, July 19
DEL MAR, Calif. – A surprise July rainstorm Saturday at Del Mar creates uncertainty into the Sunday card. Will races scheduled for turf stay on turf? Will the main track be fast? Who knows?
Wagering strategy outlined here is subject to change, pending course/track conditions. In the meantime, this is the preliminary “how to play” plan for Sunday. It’s a day that will test one’s discipline. Many plays might instead become a “pass.”
Race 2 is a first-level allowance turf sprint for fillies and mares. If the race stays on turf, the plan is to play against modestly talented favorite DESERT STEEL and instead back the second and third choices, CODACIOUS and SUMMER WINE.
A cozy trip is predicted for Codacious, who has the rail and speed to tuck in third behind the speed. She is the second choice. The debut by Summer Wine last month at Golden Gate Fields was outstanding. She is the third choice. Looks like an exacta box with Codacious and Summer Wine, but only if the favorite, Desert Steel, stays in. Otherwise, it’s a pass.
Race 5 is another turf race, a first-level allowance at a mile. SOMETHINGS UNUSUAL is worth a straight play at his 7-2 program price. He “won” last time but was disqualified. He runs long or short and figures for a ground-saving trip from the No. 1 hole. If the race is moved to dirt, it’s a pass.
Race 7 is a dirt sprint second-level allowance, and CHERUBIM will be a deserving favorite, though 6 1/2 furlongs is a challenge. Comebacker TOP FORTITUDE runs well fresh, has run big figures, and has trained well. He is listed at 6-1. That is a betting number. Anything less, it’s a pass.
Race 8 is the Grade 2 San Clemente, a one-mile turf race for 3-year-old fillies. SUNSET GLOW and HER EMMYNENCY are graded stakes-proven, but the sharpest filly in the field might be allowance winner PAULINA’S LOVE. She set/pressed fast fractions and won two straight since adding blinkers for her new trainer. At 8-1, she is worth a play. Anything less, it’s a pass.
The wet weather at Del Mar is strange. It will pass, along with many of the plays listed above.