Hammersly: Del Mar pick three play for Friday, July 25

The potential for Lady Asano be your linchpin in race 5 gives you the opportunity to spread in surrounding races 4 and 6 for the chance for a nice payoff.

Race 4

A mishmash of maidens forces your hand. You have to spread here since the firsters are obviously unknowns and the experienced hands aren’t overwhelming.

MIKE’S LION (A) showed good speed in his dirt bow July 4 (finished 3rd) and drops. ONE MORE ROLL (A) had a similar first run at Los Alamitos July 6 (pressed the pace, ran 4th) and takes the same hugely important class drop (straight maiden to maiden claiming) as does MIKE’S LION. AARON’S THUNDER (B) looks headed the right way. He was fifth, less than a half-length behind MIKE’S LION in that July 4 race. JOSHIE HIT A HOMER (B), PAPA G (B) and MR. COUNT ON ME (B) have all worked decently for their debuts for trainers who fire first out.

A’s) 8,10
B’s) 2, 3, 4, 7
C’s) none

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Race 5

LADY ASANO (A) is the key to this ticket. She was a troubled 4th on turf at Santa Anita June 22. She moves to synthetic (won over this track last year), gets Bejarano and showed her readiness with a super six-furlong bullet work here July 19 (1:12.40).

If you’re a little skittish to put all your eggs in one basket here, HEAT DU JOUR (B) comes here sharp, and being by Unusual Heat figures to love the synthetic going. FANTASTIC MIZZ (B) was claimed for $40K by Canani May 23 and came back to duel and run 3rd for $50K on turf there June 14. He brings her back without a tag attached today as she moves to the main track, Talamo stays and there’s a fine five-furlong work (59.40) July 19 to indicate she’s feeling spry.

A’s) 8
B’s) 4, 6
C’s) none

Race 6

Like in race 4 contention runs deep here, meaning a spread is probably the healthiest way to go about your pick three - and maybe you run into a nice number.

INTOXICATING MOVE (A) was a fine 2nd down the hill at Santa Anita to next-out winner Could Be Trouble May 23 and was claimed. She’s been off and returns with good works and no tag attached. NATALIE PAIGE (A) is 2 for 2, both coming on turf, so she merits much respect. TARN (B) hasn’t run in over a year and makes her first start in the U.S. after making her first two starts in Ireland. She flashed talent there and has been working splendidly for her Hall of Fame trainer, who can fire off the bench. YES SHE’S UNUSUAL (B) has shown turf quality and has been freshened since dueling and fading down the hill at Santa Anita May 23. UNBEAT MOOD (C) has dangerous speed and LEMON DE ORO (C) drops after trying Grade 3 foes.

A’s) 8, 10
B’s) 6, 7
C’s) 11, 12