Hersh: Del Mar early pick five for Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018

Have to say the early pick five seemed more initially appealing than upon more granular appraisal, but I’ll take a swing at it nonetheless.

Race 1

Short field, but N2L claiming route seems ripe for a price with a pair of vulnerable favorites on negative drops. I’m pitching both entirely. Top Gallant (#1) and Zippy Groom (#3) from this perspective look like the best-meant two in here, and both will be a price. Those are the As. Two Bs in the play as well. If Hard Fought (#2) shakes loose early, I won’t be surprised if no one catches him. The second-after-layoff stretch-out for Midnight Soot (#6) would make more sense with a longer break between races.

Race 2

I’ll take a stand against Baffert first-timer Der Lu, who figures to be singled on many tickets. I know the work reports are glowing, but, all respect to a Derby winner, I tend to go in the other direction when I see Orb’s name as sire – especially at likely odds-on with no race experience. Keeper Ofthe Stars (#3) looks like she might’ve been prepped for this in a shorter debut sprint. She’s an A, as is second-timer Courteous (#1), who never got much of a run first time out. Vegas Strong Baby (#8) the lone B. Three DMR works after somewhat unusual CD debut for SoCal barn.

Race 3

River Boyne (#2) probably just wins this at odds-on as he’s proven better than this sort and on paper will get a fair setup. But Restrainedvengeance (#4) showed enough improvement last out and with encouraging subsequent work pattern that I have to include as the race’s lone backup.

Race 4

Just six remaining in this Cal-bred $50K MCL. Champagne Honey and Z Z Tiger always stop, and I’ll assume that trend holds. From that perspective, just two As ought to suffice, and I’ll gladly take a win from Sunrise Honey (#2) or Dislitleaglecanfly (#7).

Race 5

Bred-in-the-purple Rumpus Cat (#1) seems like he’ll enjoy the cutback to five panels and appears to be working like he’s ready to take advantage of more favorable circumstances. He’s an A, as is Young Hendrick (#7), who showed signs of late life after a poor start and traffic hindered overall performance in career debut and lone previous start. The field is soft enough that Sir Eddie (#3), who is used as a backup, might end his string of losses (three and counting, last two at odds-on) as the favorite. Or not. Deep bomber Magnum Maduro (#2) has turf all over pedigree and has yet to race on grass. FWIW has turned in a couple very fast drills at LA. Tossing in as a C.

Here is the play in DRF TicketMaker.

50-cent pick five, races 1-5
Cost: $70 including $1 all-A play

Race 1
A: 1,3
B: 2,6

Race 2
A: 1,3
B: 8

Race 3
A: 2
B: 4

Race 4
A: 2,7

Race 5
A: 1,7
B: 3
C: 2