Del Mar Hotlist - August 12

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Friday, Aug. 12, 2022

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 –  (3) Court Snot looks like a runner who should appreciate stretching out to a mile. (2) Loyal to a Fault could wake up on turf. (5) Forest Acclamation has an interesting pedigree for turf. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5.

3rd race – (4) Noble Hearted has been freshened and should thrive in a claimer. (7) Anna Volante has early speed and could hang on against this field. (3) Rvalentina seems well-spotted in this field. (6) Consternation looms a stretch threat in this spot. Betting strategy: 4  to win, place. Exacta box: 4-7. Exactas: 4-7 over 3-6 and 3-6 over 4-7.

5th race – (4) Briefcase Girl displayed a nice closing kick in her debut and should post a maiden win here. (7) Decade of Dreams looks like the one they will have to catch. (1) Izzy Em will benefit from a rail trip. (2) Automax is working quickly for her debut and merits attention. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-7. Doubles: 1-2-4-7 with 2-6-8-9.

6th race – (2) The Big Wam (C) took plenty of money in dropping from 4-5 to 2-5 and won nicely after shipping in from Kentucky. Can make it two in a row here. (6) Hacking It Up looks like the one to fear. (8) Good N Thirsty should be forwardly placed and could last for a share. (9) Straighten Up was a sharp debut winner and should not be overlooked. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-8-9.

8th race – (9) Gold Rush Candy returns to Baffert’s barn and recent works indicate he’s on edge for an improved performance. (2) Quick Finish was claimed in his last two starts and should be a contender here. (6) The Little H Man will be a factor if he can duplicate his last try. (1) Next Flight could fly while returning to the main track. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-9.