Free's Del Mar plays for Friday, August 4

Good news.

Sip One for Mom ($17.20) returned to her preferred grass surface and rallied to a decisive and somewhat predictable victory Thursday in race 7.

Now for the bad news. Morning-line favorite Burst of Light scratched, along with contenders Lady Truffles and Light and Magic.

Because of the defections, Sip One for Mom started at "only" 7-1. She failed to meet the minimum odds requirement of 9-1, and goes into the ledger as "no play." Considering the scratches, 7-1 was a square price.

In race 6, Halo Ms Lion provided a thrill to the quarter pole before she chucked it.

On to the Friday card.

Race 5

Splashof Panache pressed a hot pace last time and overpowered her rivals. She returns at the same class level for trainer Steve Knapp, who is heating up after a slow start. Splash of Panache's main rival (Axiomatic) was claimed last out by stable that is 0-for-21 this meet.

Splashof Panache is listed at 7-2, and worth a wager at 3-1. The truth is, she probably won't start that high. If she fails to meet the minimum odds, double the wager in race 7.

The bet: $25 win Splashof Panache (minimum odds 3-1).

Race 7

El Don drops out of a Grade 2 and is the right favorite in this Calbred turf stake. But he offers no value at 8-5. Meanwhile, 10-1 outsider Jack's Wild gets a key rider switch to Corey Nakatani, and even with the rails at 14 feet, he might mow them down late.

Jack's Wild is 10-1 on the line, worth a bet at a point less, and worth an exacta saver under the chalk.

The bet: $15 win Jack's Wild, and $10 exacta El Don with Jack's Wild (minimum odds 9-1 on Jack's Wild).

Note: If race-5 play Splashof Panache does not meet the odds requirement, double the wagers on race-8 Jack's Wild to $30 win, $20 exacta).

Back on Saturday.

Total wagers previous day: $25.
Total return previous day: $0.
Total win/loss Saturday: minus $25.

Total wagers for meet: $535.
Total return for meet: $0.
Total win/loss for meet: minus $535.