Free's Del Mar plays for Monday, August 7
The price was right on second-time starter Masterful Lass in race 9 on Sunday at Del Mar. The daughter of Mizzen Mast went to post at a generous 6-1 after a better-than-looked debut.
Unfortunately for Masterful Lass and bettors who took 6-1, she ran smack into the most impressive 2-year-old filly of the meet. First-time starter Jump On In blazed to a five and one-quarter length victory in a sizzling 1:03.65, while Masterful Lass finished a distant third ($50 loss).
John Sadler trains Jump On In, and her romping win suddenly makes the Southern California filly division a two-horse race between Jump On In and maiden winner Point Ashley. Good luck to Sorrento Stakes winner Untouched Talent when she hooks that pair Sept. 4 in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante.
On to the Monday card, still trying to get an overlay home on the last day of week 3.
Race 5
Trainer Marty Jones won 10 races last summer at Del Mar, and three of them were not-so-obvious second-time starters ($8.20 was the lowest price). If the pattern repeats, it could be in this $50,000 maiden-claimer in which Jones starts Daisyifido (12-1 on the morning line).
She will have to beat the most likely winner Sugar Doll (improving first off the claim by Ron Ellis), and dropper Am I Tan. Daisyifido showed just enough run in her fourth-place debut to suggest improvement is forthcoming. It is a worthy gamble, at 9-1 or higher.
The bet: $25 win Daisyifido (minimum odds 9-1; minimum odds 6-1 if either Sugar Doll or Am I Tan scratch).
Race 6
This is a very weak first-level allowance for California-bred sprinters, and Northern California shipper Fantastic Event has been sharpened for his turnback to a sprint.
A consistent gelding that might not be good enough, he faces a field that is filled with holes. Best of all, Fantastic Event is listed at 6-1, and because of his modest speed figures, that price may be right. Settle for 4-1 or higher.
The bet: $25 win Fantastic Event (minimum odds 4-1).
Tuesday is beach day. Back on Wednesday.
Total wagers previous day: $50.
Total return previous day: $0.
Total win/loss previous day: minus $50.
Total wagers for meet: $610.
Total return for meet: $0.
Total win/loss for meet: minus $610.