Del Mar Hot List - July 31

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Friday, July 31, 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) I’m the Boss of Me makes her debut in a turf sprint for Miller, who excels in that kind of a race. She gets the nod here. (5) Cielo d’Oro makes her first start for Sadler and should be a threat. (1) Mandragora Seeker put in a blistering work for this race and might like turf. (2) Gravitron has been well-prepped for her debut. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-6.

4th race - (8) Kris’ Wild Kat had a wide trip last time and settled for third. Should be able to handle these off a class drop into a straight claimer. (1) Cajun Treasure also gets some class relief and should benefit from a rail trip. (2) Honos Man ships in from New York and could be competitive with these. (3) Descartes seems ready to take on open company. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-8. Doubles: 1-2-3-8 with 1-2-3-5.    

5th race – (5) Himiko (A) was a sharp second in his first try on dirt for Baffert and can take another step forward here. (3) Happier debuts for Baffert and seems ready for a big effort. (2) Last First Kiss looks to be what stands between Baffert and a 1-2-3 finish. (1) Via Angelica was third in both starts for Baffert and will be a threat with Smith and the rail.  Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-5.

7th race – (3) Brickyard Ride comes off a pair of wins in fast times; one on turf and one on dirt. He moves back to dirt here and should prevail if he can duplicate his last main track try. (7) Summer Fire makes his first start after the Miller claim and cannot be ignored. (4) Cali Dude makes his belated 2020 debut and will be formidable if there’s no rust. (5) Mr Paytience could bounce back with a nice try in this spot. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-7.

10th race – (6) Spanish Count returns in a claimer for his first start since January. He might need a race, but Baltas usually has them ready to run after long breaks. (2) Canadian Luck is also new to a claimer and should appreciate the shorter distance. (1) Tembo could make some noise here from the rail in his debut. (3) Exhort tackled MSW foes last time but fits better here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-6.

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