Hammersly: Del Mar pick three play for Saturday, Aug. 23
I’ll look at the first pick three, which may give you some options and help you bankroll the rest of the program.
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Race 1
TIM’S GO GIRL comes here riding high and may be ready for more. She was a strong winner for $16K here July 27, was claimed by Doug O’Neill who promptly moves her up two levels, a most encouraging sign. At this level you’re not handicapping talent so much as you’re handicapping condition. Well, this gal showed July 27 she’s got it, and while she’s up in price she looks ready to take on that challenge.
OSCILLATOR is an interesting option as she plummets in class. That being said, they don’t give anything away out here. It’s also her first start since March 15 so that type of long layoff, coupled with the big drop, is cause for pause. Still, she’s run well here and is not one to take lightly.
NOTHING TO HIDE comes off two straight wins, on Santa Anita dirt and Los Alamitos dirt. Remember, though, she flashed talent on Golden Gate's synthetic track in the winter and spring.
A’s) 2, 7
B’s) 4
C’s) 5
Race 2
SPRING ACTION comes off a couple solid turf routes, the first at Churchill and then one here after a couple months off. He can benefit from that Aug. 9 outing as it may set him up well for a top try. OPSEC showed talent in his dirt debut at Los Alamito July 5 but was no factor in his first synthetic track try here Aug. 3. Having a couple outings under his belt helps and that Aug. 3 run came routing, so he now has a feel for this trip. While it’s first time on turf, pedigree-wise there’s no reason he shouldn’t handle it.
A’s) 1, 3
B’s) 4, 8
C’s) 6
Race 3
JEDI MIND TRICK found $50K foes too much to handle here July 30. Not only does that give him a race over the track, but he drops. He has speed, and note two big efforts here a year ago, including a stakes win. JOHNS JOURNEY comes off a game win on Los Alamitos dirt July 5. He returns to synthetic, on which he has been off the board in three tries. DALLON’S GOLD comes off a very game win for $18K here Aug. 3 as he dueled from the start and doggedly prevailed. He’s up in price and that speaks of confidence.
A’s) 1, 3
B’s) 4
C’s) 2, 6, 8