Del Mar Hot List - July 17

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Friday, July 17, 2020

By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman

Hot List Key:     

A : A preferred horse to watch              B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches in the final 3 minutes and finished 1st through 3rd 
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4^th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more. 

2nd race – (6) Big Time Grammy has been away since December but recent works indicate she’s ready for a strong effort. (7) Bella Chica might appreciate the stretchout to a mile. (9) Rockie Causeway had a useful debut and could move forward here. (3) Ride Sally Ride could take home part of the purse. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-9. 

4th race - (1) Cassie Belle should appreciate a ground-saving trip while stretching out to two turns. Gets a narrow nod in a competitive field. (2) On Mars deserves top billing but has been second at low odds in her last two starts and may not want to get her picture taken this time, either. (3) Cheerful Charm had some trouble in his career debut and deserves a second chance. (9) Empress of Fire is worth a look on turf. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-9.    

6th race – (8) Pretty Point should have enough late kick to handle the distance and this field. (7) Kookie Gal returns to turf and might turn in an improved effort. (3) Woodfin is a Kentucky shipper who is worth a look. (2) Unicorn was third in his first try at this level and may enjoy the softer fractions at this distance.  Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-8. 

8th race – (4) Border Town had a wide trip in a stakes and wasn’t badly beaten. Should thrive here in an allowance race. (6) Gregorian Chant had a rough trip when seventh and then was gelded. Look for a better try today. (1) Mesut had a nice comeback race in a sprint and will welcome more distance. (5) Irish Heatwave should be a factor in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6. Exactas: 4-6 over 1-5 and 1-5 over 4-6. Doubles: 1-4-5-6 with 2-4-6-7.

9th race – (2) South Beach Gal was competitive enough against MSW rivals in her debut that she should be able to handle claimers here. (4) Approved for Flyby seems well-suited for turf and fits in well with claimers. (6) Too Hot for Curlin merits attention while tackling claimers for the first time. (7) Hot Chicken could prove to be a little too spicy for this field while moving into a claimer. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-7.

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