Free: How I'll play Del Mar on Saturday, Aug. 5

DEL MAR, Calif. – Are you betting Del Mar on Saturday? Of course you are.

But take heed – the main track changed on Friday. Several winners rallied three and four wide. That rarely happens here. The majority of dirt races at this meet have been won by horses who saved ground on the turn and into the lane.

It is possible that Friday was a one-shot occurrence caused by a late post (4 p.m.). Maybe the above-normal humidity caused the outside lanes to produce more winners, or maybe the racing surface needs more water. Horsemen are becoming increasingly vocal regarding the main track.

Regardless of the reason, horseplayers betting Del Mar must be aware that the main track changed Friday. Who knows what will happen Saturday?

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As for grass, the turf course continues to play fair, which means that blast-home closers are winning with regularity. That does not mean that a good speed horse is compromised by the profile. It only means a good closer will have every chance.

And the main track that produced rally-wide winners on Friday also produced rail-skimming winners later on Friday.

What is the point? Be careful Saturday. The “how to” is simple. Only two plays, both on turf.

Race 3

Unusual Meeting (6) and Wood Machine (1) are closers in this turf-route starter allowance. The one-two preferences benefit from the closers-friendly profile.

But a 15-1 longshot lurks with an opposite style. Front-runner/presser Runasaurus Rex (5) was claimed last out by a trainer having a big year, he has worked super since then, and has a shot to outrun his price. The longshot will be an exacta key.

$2 exacta box: Wood Machine (1) and Runasaurus Rex (5) = $4
$2 exacta box: Unusual Meeting (6) and Runasaurus Rex (5) = $4
$2 win Runasaurus Rex = $2
Race 3 total = $10

Race 4

Getoffmyback (1) originally looked like the most probable winner on the card. He still does. But do you really want to back a 2-1 favorite from a stable that has lost with its last 12 favorites? Pass.

Race 5

Mai Tai (5) and Peach Cove (7) are proper favorites in this turf allowance for fillies and mares. But two others offer greater value.

G Q Covergirl (6) is 5-1, stretching out with big works for a trainer whose stretch-outs tend to run super. Cordiality (11) scored an impressive comeback win and is making just her second start of the season. She is on her way up.

The play is to key the higher-odds runners in the exacta, on top only. If the favorites win, did you really miss anything? No.

$2 exacta
G Q Covergirl (6) and Cordiality (11)
with
Mai Tai (5), G Q Covergirl (6), Peach Cove (7), and Cordiality (11)
Race 5 total = $12

That is a wrap for Saturday. The plays are simple due to uncertain conditions.

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