Skip to main content

Del Mar Recap for Wednesday (11-3-21)

Fast main track and firm turf course. One front running winner at 8f on dirt. Two stalkers (6f, 6.5f) and a closing FTS (5.5f) won the other three dirt sprints. On the turf course, a closer won at 8f, a last-to-first closer tallied in a compact field at 8f, a front runner scored at one mile, and another closer took the flat mile finale (rail at 30 feet).

Juan Hernandez booted home a pair.

Del Mar Stakes Recaps for 11-3-21

My top choice Moonlight d’Oro was making her first start since Feb. 6 in the Seashell Stakes at one mile on dirt, and she ran well but could not reel in Livingmybestlife. The latter scampered away early from the outside post and always held a safe margin. She won by a length and a half and stopped the clock in 1:36.53. Moonlight d’Oro was clearly second best and should move forward next time. Clockstrikestwelve was up for the show and Paige Anne and Miss Fia trailed.

The 20 cent Rainbow 6 pool was $98,140, and multiple tickets with six winners paid $17,476,64. The jackpot carryover stands at $22,470.

Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Wednesday (11-3-21)
DMR 1 STARSHIP CHEWBACCA ($5.60)
DMR 2 Sparkle Blue/Miss Bellatrix Exacta ($26.20), Trifecta ($80.60)
Double (races 1-2, $19.20)
DMR 5 NEXT REVOLT (DMR Best Bet #2, $4.40), Quinella ($7.80)
Double (races 5-6, $45.60)

*Full card highlights based on $2 wagers unless otherwise noted.

————–

Del Mar Recap for Thursday (11-4-21)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two front running sprint winners on dirt (6f, 6.5f). The other two dirt winners pounced from 2nd. On the turf course, a closer won the 8f opener, a front runner scored at 5f, a midpack stalker won at 8f, and a stalker captured the restricted Let It Ride Stakes at 8f (rail at 30 feet).

Doug O’Neill saddled two winners.

Del Mar Stakes Recaps for 11-4-21

Competitive renewal of the Let It Ride Stakes for sophomore turf routers went to Team Merchants ($12.40). Doug O’Neill’s Nyquist colt stalked, got first run, and was clear by a length and a half when the dust settled. Nerves of Steel stalked and landed the place at 44-1 odds, and Coulthard (IRE) sat in midpack and plugged away for 3rd. Lincoln Hawk (IRE) rallied from last to complete the superfecta. Crew Dragon, Sonic Brees, my disappointing top choice Man Friday, Pretuchio, and Coastal Kid also ran. The final time for the flat mile turf affair on firm ground was 1:34.42.

Nov. 4 Claims: Race 2 – Defense Wins ($16k, Dean Pederson). Race 3 – Kneedeepinsnow ($80k, Mike Maker). Race 8 – Royal Blend ($16k, Matthew Fales).

The 20 cent Rainbow 6 pool was $136,437, and multiple tickets with six winners paid $2,046.30. The jackpot carryover stands at $53,708.

Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Thursday (11-4-21)
DMR 4 RISK AND REWARD ($2.40)
Double (races 3-4, $15.60)
Pick 3 (races 2-4, $75.20)
DMR 5 Tezzaray/Very Scary Exacta ($48.60)
Double (races 4-5, $12.00)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $77.80)
50 cent Early Pick 4 (races 2-5, $89.80)
Pick 3 (races 4-6, $111.00)

*Full card highlights based on $2 wagers unless otherwise noted.

————–

Del Mar Recap for BC Friday (11-5-21)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two front running winners in the BC Juvenile Fillies and Juvenile at 8.5f on dirt. On the turf course, a stalker won at 8f, a stalker tallied at 5f, a front runner scored at 5f, a closer won at 8f, and a a midpack stalker took the flat mile finale.

Irad Ortiz Jr. and Joel Rosario both booted home a pair. Bob Baffert saddled two winners.

Nov. 5 Claims: Race 1 – Fratelli ($40k, Ron Ellis), Silver Moon Road ($40k, Edwin Alvarez).

Del Mar Stakes Recaps for 11-5-21

Golden Mile (8T – 1:35.37) – Astronomer ($62.60) pulled off a big upset here. He stalked from the inside post and skimmed the hedge under Ryan Moore. The Simon Callaghan trainee definitely had the best trip. Optimising (IRE) stalked, led, and held 2nd over Degree of Risk and Boise. Beaten favorite Ready to Purrform never fired.

Golden State Juvenile Fillies (7f, 1:22.39) – Big Switch ($8.60) stalked, pounced, and outkicked Big Novel to win by 2+ lengths, and the runner-up was 6+ clear of show finisher Vivacious Vanessa. Irad Ortiz Jr. was the winning pilot and the two two were both trained by John Sadler.

Senator Ken Maddy (5T, 56.71) – A G Indy ($15.40) stalked inside for Rispoli/O’Neill, and he held off Time Limit to win by a neck, but show finisher Hear My Prayer was probably best. The latter figured to attend the pace from the rail, but he stumbled at the start and rallied outside to miss by less than a length under Juan Hernandez.

Golden State Juvenile (7f – 1:23.00) – My top choice Finneus ($10.00) stalked wide from post 12 and wore down stalked Slow Down Andy to win by a half-length. Fast Draw Munnings set the pace and weakened late to finish a clear 3rd at 11-1 odds. Joel Rosario rode the winning son of Stay Thirsty for Walther Solis.

G2 BC Juvenile Turf Sprint (5T – 57.00) – Speed was the name of the game here and my top choice Twilight Gleaming-IRE ($12.40) was quick early under Ortiz Jr., and the race was over early. She ran them off their feet and scored by a half-length over closer Go Bears Go (IRE). Kaufymaker was up for 3rd and Derrynane and Averly Jane rounded out the top five. Wesley Ward saddled the winner and show finisher.

G1 BC Juvenile Fillies (8.5f – 1:42.24) – A field of six here and my top choice Echo Zulu ($3.60) looked like a slam dunk in the paper race. She went straight to the front as expected and was much the best in a 5+ length tally for Rosario/Asmussen. She is the 2yo filly champ after easily winning this and the Frizette (G1). Juju’s Map edged Tarabi for the place, and it was a long way back to Hidden Connection, Sequist, and Desert Dawn.

G1 BC Juvenile Fillies Turf (8T – 1:35.36) – Pizza Bianca ($21.80) sat a nice closing trip from the inside post in this field of 14. Racing luck was on her side and weaved through traffic and the holes opened up at the right time. Nice ride by Jose Ortiz aboard the Christophe Clement trainee. Malvath (IRE) from post 12 and my top choice Haughty from post 11 finished 2nd and 3rd, and Cachet (IRE) set the pace and weakened to 4th. Hello You (IRE) edged Consumer Spending to round out the Super High 5.

G1 BC Juvenile (8.5f – 1:42.50) – Morning line favorite Jack Christopher scratched and the race shape changed dramatically. Corniche ($4.80) suddenly became the controlling speed and new favorite, and he easily made the lead from the outside post under Mike Smith and stayed clear throughout to win by a bit less than two lengths. Pappacap stalked and was second best, and sat in midpack, made a nice wide run, and flattened out in a clear show finish. My top pick Commandperformance got the wrong ride. He was expected to close but ended up stalking wide in 3rd and stayed on for 4th under Ortiz Jr. The maiden ran a quality race in his two turn debut. Oviatt Class and Pinehurst finished in a dead-heat for 5th. Bob Baffert saddled the winner and he locked up the 2yo championship in this spot.

G1 BC Juvenile Turf (8T – 1:34.72) – This was a complete gate blunder. Albahr (GB) flipped in the gate and scratched, and they somehow removed his stablemate Modern Games (IRE) from the wagering board as well. Oops! Modern Games was allowed to run for purse money only but the damage to the bettors could not be undone, and you just knew he would win after this. Not only did he win as expected, he dominated from a midpack stalking position. He surged to score by an easy length and a half as my top choice. The crowd booed in unison but obviously meant no disrespect to the deserving winner. William Buick guided him home for Charles Appleby. For betting purposes, runner-up Tiz the Bomb ($17.60) was considered the winner, and behind him were Mackinnon, Grafton Street, Dakota Gold, and Slipstream.

Del Mar Full Card Highlights for BC Friday (11-5-21)
DMR 3 Big Switch/Big Novel Exacta ($21.40)
DMR 5 FINNEUS ($10.00), Exacta ($23.80)
Double (races 4-5, $97.80)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $287.20)
DMR 6 TWILIGHT GLEAMING ($12.40) – BC Juvenile Turf Sprint
Double (races 5-6, $61.00)
Pick 3 (races 4-6, $480.80)
DMR 7 ECHO ZULU ($3.60) – BC Juvenile Fillies
Double (races 6-7, $31.60)
Pick 3 (races 5-7, $127.80)
Pick 4 (races 4-7, $1,004.80)
Double (races 7-8, $44.40)
Pick 3 (races 6-8, $217.20)
Pick 3 (races 7-9, $98.00)
DMR 10 MODERN GAMES (purse money only)
Consolation Double (races 9-10, $5.40)
Consolation Pick 3 (races 8-10, $53.60)

*Full card highlights based on $2 wagers unless otherwise noted.

————–

Del Mar Recap for BC Saturday (11-6-21)

Fast main track and firm turf course. Two front running winners in BC races on dirt (8f, 10f). On the turf course, a stalked won the 8.5f opener, a midpack stalker won at 8f, a front runner won the BC Turf sprint at 5f, a stalked won the BC F&M Turf at 11f, a stalker won the BC Mile at 8f, and a closer won the BC Turf at 12f.

Irad Ortiz Jr. and Flavien Prat both booted home a pair. William Buick, Charles Appleby, and Godolphin teamed up for two BC turf wins. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi saddled two BC winners.

Del Mar Stakes Recaps for 11-6-21

G2 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (13f – 2:42.61) – Post time favorite Tizamagician tried to sneak away and steal this but morning line favorite Lone Rock ($5.00) chased from 2nd and never let him shake loose. The latter got the lead in the lane and scored by a length and a half. Smart ride by Ramon Vazquez. Tizamagician did not quit when passed and found hard throughout inn a clear runner-up finish. Cupid’s Claws was miles clear of the rest.

G2 Goldikova (8T – 1:34.57) – Going Global-IRE ($7.60) stalked in midpack, moved out, and rumbled down the lane to score by a length and a half for Prat/D’Amato. My top choice Zofelle (IRE) chased from the inside post and earned the place over front running favorite Princess Grace.

G1 BC F&M Sprint (7f – 1:21.00) – I picked Ce Ce ($14.40) on top because I thought the two favorites would battled on the pace and set the table for the multiple G1 winner. That is how it played out. Overwhelming favorite Gamine was going for a repeat and she was pressured throughout by classy sophomore filly Bella Sofia. She was softened up and Ce Ce went on by to win by 2+ lengths for Victor Espinoza and Michael McCarthy. Edgeway stalked and got past Gamine for the runner-up spot. Bella Sofia weakened to 4th and Around Emma trailed throughout.

G1 BC Turf Sprint (5T – 55.22) – Just the the BC Juvenile Turf Sprint on Friday, Wesley Ward did it again with front runner Golden Pal ($7.00). He was quickly clear under Ortiz Jr. and this one was over before it started. My top choice Lieutenant Dan chased valiantly from 2nd and ran a winning race, but Golden Pal was just too fleet and held safe by a length and a quarter. The top two dominated from start to finish. Charmaine’s Mia was up for 3rd at 28-1 odds.

G1 BC Dirt Mile (8f – 1:34.12) – Life Is Good ($3.40) was the most visually impressive winner of BC weekend for Todd Pletcher. He carved out strong fractions under Ortiz Jr. and was a streak of lightning in this heat. He went 21.88, 44.94, and 1:08.76, and was up a length at that stage. He just poured it on from there and crossed the line 5+ in front of midpack stalker Ginobili. Restrainedvengence was up for 3rd at 40-1 odds and Eight Rings chased from the outside post and finished an okay 4th. Silver State got pace help but never fired in a flat 5th place finish.

G1 BC F&M Turf (11T – 2:13.87) – Japan is on the board after a smart stalk and surge victory by Loves Only You-JPN ($10.60) for Kawada/Yahagi. My Sister Nat (FR) was up for 2nd for Chad Brown at 29-1 odds. Race favorite War Like Goddess closed, led, and was out finished in an okay show finish. Love (IRE) and Audarya (FR) completed the Top 5.

G1 BC Sprint (6f – 1:08.49) – Race favorite Jackie’s Warrior was quick early but Special Reserve was breathing down his neck, and my top choice Dr. Schivel was in a great stalking spot from the outside post. He surged to the lead and looked home free, but Aloha West ($24.60) rolled late and won by a nose. That was a well-timed ride by Jose Ortiz and the winning trainer was Wayne Catalano. Tough loss for Dr. Schivel. He did everything right under Prat. Following Sea stalked from the rail and landed the show. Special Reserve weakened to 4th and Matera Sky was 5th at 73-1. Jackie’s Warrior, C Z Rocket, Firenze Fire, and Lexitonian completed the order of finish.

G1 BC Mile (8T – 1:34.01) – Space Blues-IRE ($6.20) was the best horse and he definitely got the best trip for Buick/Appleby. He saved ground chasing loose front runner Smooth Like Strait, and his class prevailed by a half-length. The latter held 2nd under Rispoli, and Ivar (BRZ) rallied from post 14 to complete the trifecta. Raging Bull (FR) sat in midpack and stayed on for 4th, and Got Stormy was an even 5th from post 11. My top choice Mo Forza was roughed up early and his race was over before it started. He ended up last under Prat.

G1 BC Distaff (9f – 1:47.67) – Japan strikes again! The pace melted down after Private Mission and Letruska hooked early early, and their gooses were cooked. The Top 5 finishers came from the back five positions, and Marche Lorraine-JPN ($101.80) made a big move to the lead in the lane, pushed clear, and held on by a nose over Dunbar Road. Malathaat edged Clairiere for 3rd and my top choice Royal Flag made a strong wide bid before flattening out and settling for 5th. Shedaresthedevil ran much better than any of the other early early runners. She chased wide from 3rd, remained wide, and finished 10+ clear of the other forwardly placed runners. Oisin Murphy rode the winner for trainer Yoshito Yahagi.

G1 BC Turf (12T – 2:25.90) – The pace fell apart in this turf marathon and sophomore gelding Yibir-GB ($19.00) finished full of run to score for Buick/Appleby. Broome (IRE) rallied wide, led, and settled for the place, and my 9-1 top choice Teona (IRE) checked in 3rd. Japan (GB) was 4th and Channel Maker held best of the early runners to complete the Top 5.

G1 BC Classic (10f – 1:59.57) – The expected pace battle failed to materialize. The pace completely fell apart in the Distaff and the riders in this race seemingly wanted no part of an early confrontation. Knicks Go ($8.40) and jockey Joel Rosario loved the race shape on the front end. They were handed a gift lead and coasted along from the outset with mild pressure from Art Collector. Knicks Go put away the latter with ease, opened up, and coasted home by a bit less than three lengths. Medina Spirit stalked from the outside post and held off Essential Quality for runner-up honors. The latter was the only closer making up any ground in a better than appears effort. Hot Rod Charlie was an even 4th and was followed by Stilleto Boy, Art Collector, Tripoli, and Max Player. Brad Cox saddled the winner and show finisher.

Del Mar Full Card Highlights for BC Saturday (11-6-21)
DMR 3 Going Global/Zofelle Exacta ($48.20)
DMR 4 CE CE ($14.40) – BC F&M Sprint
Double (races 3-4, $72.80)
Pick 3 (races 2-4, $164.80)
DMR 5 Golden Pal/Lieutenant Dan Exacta ($32.00) – BC Turf Sprint
Double (races 4-5, $74.00)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $376.40)
DMR 6 – Life Is Good/Ginobili/Restrainedvengence/Eight Rings Superfecta ($489.00) – BC Dirt Mile
Pick 3 (races 4-6, $220.20)
DMR 7 Loves Only You/My Sister Nat Exacta ($312.60) – BC F&M Turf
DMR Pick 4 (races 4-7, $1,092.80)

*Full card highlights based on $2 wagers unless otherwise noted.

————–

Del Mar Recap for Sunday (11-7-21)

Fast main track and firm turf course. One front running winner at 5.5f on dirt. Pressers and stalkers won the other three main track races. On the turf course, the closing favorite came from last in the 11f opener, a presser scored in a 4-horse field at 5f, a closer won at 8.5f, a midpack stalker scored at one mile, and a front running juvenile took the flat mile finale.

Flavien Prat and Umberto Rispoli both booted home a pair. George Papaprodromou saddled two winners.

Del Mar Stakes Recaps for 11-7-21

The Betty Grable Stakes was my Horse of the Day video, and my top choice Bella Vita ($3.20) got the jump on Warren’s Showtime as expected, and turned the tables on that rival on the surface switch in this seven panel event. She tracked the pace, got first run, and won by a comfortable length and a half for Prat/Callaghan. Warren’s Showtime was plugging away in the lane in a clear runner-up finish. She is better on turf. Big Sweep set the pace and was best of the rest in 3rd. Smoothlikebuttah rounded out the Superfecta, and Fi Fi Pharoah and Harper’s Gallop also ran. The final time was 1:22.23.

The 20 cent Rainbow 6 pool was $212,491, and multiple tickets with six winners paid $2,415.32. The jackpot carryover stands at $102,360.

Del Mar Full Card Highlights for Sunday (11-7-21)
DMR 3 BEER CAN MAN ($3.20), Exacta ($4.60)
Double (races 3-4, $21.80)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $245.20)
DMR 6 Lunatic/Red Panty Night/Dorita’s Happy Trifecta (DMR Best Bet #2, $126.60)
DMR 8 BELLA VITA ($3.20), Exacta ($8.20), Trifecta ($14.60)
Double (races 8-9, $18.60)
BEL 9 Rockefeller/Cooke Creek Exacta ($20.40)

*Full card highlights based on $2 wagers unless otherwise noted.

Article by Jarrod Horak

Jarrod Horak

Jarrod Horak posts stakes recaps from Del Mar and Santa Anita Park, along with full card recaps and free stakes picks from Southern and/or Northern California.