Free's Del Mar plays for Monday, August 14

It has been a really swell summer for this wagering column. Swell, that is, if you enjoy pari-mutuel torture.

Sunday was more of the same.

Slow N Easy (race 2) was the best bet on the card, at the fat win price of 7-2. The gelding rallied three-wide into the lane, hit the front a furlong out, then staggered to the wire racing on his wrong lead and finished second by a head. The $25 win bet was a loss.

Bit of Folly (race 9) started at the square price of 14-1, and when she made a big looping wide move on the far turn of the turf route, it looked good. But she completely fell apart at the furlong pole and finished fifth. The $20 win bet was a loss; the $5 exacta was scrapped when early favorite Papillon Rouge scratched.

There is only one play Monday; the price is right.

Race 8

Capture the Cat ran better than the line shows in her debut. A speedster in morning works, she broke dead last first out. Kept behind horses most of the race, she was never seriously urged, and split the field. Capture the Cat drops one notch for her second start, she worked well between races, should show more speed, and is eligible to pop at a price.

Listed at 8-1 on morning line, she can be played at 4-1 or higher.

The bet: $50 win Capture the Cat (minimum odds 4-1).

Tuesday is beach day. Back on Wednesday.

Total wagers previous day: $45.

Total return previous day: $0.

Total win/loss previous day: minus $45.

Total wagers for meet: $850.

Total return for meet: $0.

Total win/loss for meet: minus $850.