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Keeneland Select

Del Mar Hotlist - August 12

August 11, 2021

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Thursday, August 12, 2021

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 4th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

1st race – (2) Raisebeforetheflop was hurt by a wide trip last time and should take a step forward in a claimer. (1) Gone Rogue may turn in a better effort on dirt in a claimer. (5) Mongolian Ford could perk up in a claimer. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5. Doubles: 1-2-5 with 2-3-6.

2nd race – (2) Barristan The Bold has been not been racing much lately but was a competitive fifth in a stakes five months ago and should be a main contender here. (3) Ian Glass has been in a good form cycle  and won his last start at this claiming level. (6) Grit and Curiosity should be effective at this level. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6.

4th race – (6) Dendera moves to turf and should appreciate the switch. (1) Abhita could work out a good trip from the rail. (8) Ball Lass is worth a look in her career debut. (5) Peacehaven might be a factor in this field. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-8.

6th race – (4) Rain Diva has plenty of speed and might go gate-to-wire here. (6) Super Game was second last time and should be a threat at the end. (5) D’s Lovely Sophia could perk up against this bunch. (8) Acai has enough speed to be a factor here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6-8.

8th race – (5) War Machine exits a sharp win at Woodbine and may have found a winning spot here. (2) Crew Dragon just missed in a stakes last time and is the one to fear. (9) The Hulk can make his presence felt here in his second U.S. start. (4) Laker Mamba should turn in an improved effort back on turf. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-9