Del Mar Hotlist - August 14

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Friday, August 14, 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 – (5) Stars of Bluegrass was second at this level last time and should graduate today. (4) Mucha Woman was fourth behind the top pick and might be closer today. (6) Big Mama Sue split the top two picks and should be in the picture here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-6. Doubles: 4-5-6 with 1-2-3-4.

3rd race - (2) Hot Rod Charlie (D) dropped down from 8-5 to 6-5 then was bumped at the start and endured a wide trip while finishing fourth. Can make amends here. (3) Harlan Estate is a firster who merits attention and could be a major factor. (4) Stratofortress is training sharply for his debut. (1) Run Snappy is a son of Runhappy who will be a threat from the rail. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-4.

5th race – (1) Strike At Dawn was hurt by a wide trip when sixth as the favorite. Should work out a better trip from the rail. (3) Raymundos Secret has sharp early and will tough to catch in her first race since October. (2) Love and Peace could benefit from a speed duel. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3.

7th race – (6) Mean Sophia should enjoy some class relief here in a claimer and looks like the one to beat (9) Sugar Pickel might perk up with a return to turf. (2) Brittle and Yoo ships in from Churchill Downs and cannot be ignored. (4) Majestic Gigi comes off a nice maiden win and merits respect. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-9.

9th race – (6) Whooping Jay was a strong second in a state-bred stakes and looks best here. (4) Sea of Liberty had a rough trip while finishing sixth and could emerge as the main competition. (7) Jetovator should be a threat in the final furlong. (3) Offshore Affair should be effective while stretching out to two turns. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-7.