Del Mar Hotlist - August 15

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Saturday, August 15, 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 – (1) Seiche is a firster from Baffert whose works indicate he will not be a maiden for long. (2) Direct Line is also working in promising fashion for his debut and may be the one to fear. (6) Midnight Mystery was a game second last time and cannot be ignored here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6. Doubles: 1-2-6 with 3-5-6-8

3rd race - (5) Much More Halo (B) is overdue for a maiden win and should finally get it today after dealing with some traffic issues last time. (6) Graziano is working like he’ll be a factor here in his debut. (3) Cem Sultan is another firster who seems poised for a big effort. (8) Tilted Towers had a useful comeback effort after a long layoff and should be more formidable here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-8.    

5th race – (1) Eagle in the Sky was second in two tries on dirt and seems nicely bred to break his maiden on turf. (4) Caisson lacked a strong late rally as the favorite in his debut and may move forward here. (3) Zoffa could be a threat in his career debut. (6) Raisebeforetheflop may respond positively to a switch to turf and a stretchout to two turns. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4. Exactas: 1-4 over 3-6 and 3-6 over 1-4.

9th race – (4) Mucho Unusual has been racing in Grade 1 stakes and should thrive in a stakes for Cal-breds where she deserves top billing. (2) Cordiality has a high turn of early speed and looks like the one to fear. (7) Kitty Boom Boom is working forwardly for her first start since February. (1) Sedamar will be dangerous from the rail. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4. Exactas: 2-4 over 1-7 and 1-7 over 2-4.

11th race – (7) Acker returns to turf and should perk up with a big effort. (4) Contagion is in sharp form after closing for second against cheaper company and fits in nicely with this group. (1) Mr. Roary will benefit from a ground-saving rail trip. (8) Move Over makes his third start after a layoff and could take a step forward here. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-7-8.