Free's Del Mar plays for Saturday, August 12

It was a good bet, but a bad result. Decisive Blow caught every break in race 1, a turf route in which she scraped paint, made the lead on the far turn and into the lane, battled back through the lane ? and got beat at odds of 5.50-1.

When favorite Late Date blew past Decisive Blow in deep stretch, the $40 that was bet to win on Decisive Blow, along with $10 in exactas, became valueless bookmarks.

On to the Saturday card.

Race 5

Second-time starters trained by Mike Mitchell have done amazing things his week.

Master James won a Calbred maiden race by more than 10 lengths Wednesday in 1:08.95. He earned a 103 Beyer Figure.

Stock Split looked like he was about to be eased in race 5 on Friday. Racing about 10 paths off the rail on the backstretch, while trailing the field, he found renewed energy on the turn and rallied from last to first to win the $32,000 maiden-claiming going away.

If the trend continues, second-time starter Run Forest Run might be a "good thing" Saturday in race 5. The Mitchell-trained son of Forest Camp broke slow and finished sixth in his debut. He worked well since, and if he follows the Mitchell pattern, should improve a ton.

Run Forest Run must beat morning-line favorite Miura Bull (7-2), but the discrepancy in odds means that Run Forest Run (6-1) is the better play. Hold out for 4-1.

The bet: $50 win Run Forest Run (minimum odds 4-1).

If Run Forest Run gets hammered below fair odds, pass on him and instead back the top choice, Miura Bull. Hold out for the same 4-1 minimum odds.

Alternate bet: $50 win Miura Bull (minimum odds 4-1).

Back on Sunday.

Total wagers previous day: $50.
Total return previous day: $0.
Total win/loss previous day: minus $50.

Total wagers for meet: $755.
Total return for meet: $0.
Total win/loss for meet: minus $755.