Del Mar Hot List - July 25

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Saturday, July 25, 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.

1st race – (6) Caisson is a firster from Mandella who is working quickly and seems to be the one to beat. (2) Gone Rogue didn’t fire on turf but may prefer turf. (7) Flint Stroll rallied belatedly in his debut and could get rolling sooner here and be a major factor. (5) Big Talker is another firster who deserves attention here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-7. Doubles: 2-5-6-7 with 3-4-5.

2nd race - (3) Ragtime Blues was a clear second in a graded stakes and should prove best in a minor stakes. (5) Howbeit will welcome a return to the main track. (4) Vertical Threat was an impressive maiden winner and could be a factor. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5.

5th race – (7) Pretty Point should have enough late kick to handle the distance and this field. (2) Kookie Gal returns to turf and might turn in an improved effort. (3) Woodfin is a Kentucky shipper who is worth a look. (1) Unicorn was third in his first try at this level and may enjoy the softer fractions at this distance.  Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-7.

9th race – (6) Cheermeister flopped on the main track and should revert to top form back on turf. (1) She’s So Special should be well-suited by the stretchout to two turns. (5) Croughavouke has a strong late kick and will be closing quickly at the end. (3) Laura’s Light won a grade 3 stakes last time and will be dangerous if she duplicates that effort. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-6. Doubles: 1-3-5-6 with 1-5-6.

10th race – (5) Maximum Security has been at the center of change since he was last seen winning the $20 million Saudi Cup. He’s now in a great hands with Baffert and still has to be considered the best horse in training until proven otherwise. (1) Higher Power bounced back from a weak try in the Pegasus with a second in the Gold Cup. He loves this track and should be the main threat. (6) Midcourt didn’t fire in the Gold Cup but figures to bounce back here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6.

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