McGee: How I'll play Del Mar on Saturday, July 29

I’ll play a couple of $1 pick-three tickets starting with Race 5, which also happens to start the $2 pick six. The cost of melding these tickets together into a pick six might be a bit pricey for some ($160, to be exact), which is why I’ve gone with this option (although, feel free to …).

I’ll start by singling TEQUILA SUNRISE (3) in Race 5. She’s a 2-year-old filly who exits a very encouraging dirt-sprint debut and now gets what her pedigree (by Lemon Drop Kid and out of an Empire Maker mare) fairly begs for: long on the turf. She’s well drawn in an inside post with Corey Nakatani up for Richard Baltas.

:: Christmas in July! Take 20% off PPs, Clocker Reports, and more

In Race 6, I’ll rely again on Baltas when using only his uncoupled duo of DELITEFULL LADY (3) and SHEZACATTYCAT (7). The former returns from a lengthy layoff following an eye-catching maiden win and should be extra sharp when fresh, while the latter will have Nakatani aboard as the outside speed while turning back from a longer race in which she was outclassed.

In Race 7, one of the deepest on the card, I’ll spread with five horses who all rate decent chances for various reasons: SCANDAL (3), DOMESTIC VINTAGE (4), CAUSEFORCOMMOTION (5), LADY MAMBA (6), and ROBIN’S LOVE (7).

Here’s the DRF TicketMaker link for that first $1 pick-three play, which costs $10.

In the last available pick three of the day (races 8-10), I’ll be relying on just two trainers, Peter Miller and Bill Morey Jr.

In Race 8, the uncoupled Miller duo of SUTTON IMPACT (10) and BIG LEAGUE (11) both are well drawn in outside posts, with the former likely to show big speed when returning from a layoff after being gelded; the latter can settle into a clear stalking position when starting for his first tag.

In Race 9, the Grade 1 Bing Crosby, I’ll take a stand against Drefong as he’s likely to be overbet when warming up for later events, and I’ll go all in with Miller again. He’s represented by the uncoupled pair of ST. JOE BAY (3) and ROY H (8), both capable of ripping through a triple-digit Beyer Speed Figure after being honed to a fine edge.

In the Race 10 finale, Morey has a couple who look as good as any in POPYHOWUSPELCUPCAKE (2) and UBER STAR (3). The former is a new private purchase who adds blinkers after a nice series of works, and the latter made a huge move in winning his latest in his first start under Morey’s care.

Here’s the DRF TicketMaker link to that second $1 pick-three play, which costs $8.