Del Mar Hotlist - August 16

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Sunday, Aug. 16, 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.

1st race – (3) Nuturing is nicely bred and has workouts that make her an interesting possibility in a small field. (1) Basilia rallied for fourth last time and should benefit from a switch to Smith. (6) Embodied is another firster who has the potential to be a factor. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6. Doubles: 1-3-6 with 3-4-5.

2nd race - (3) Qahira has not raced in nearly a year but Baffert should have her ready for a strong effort here. (4) Morning Cynn has speed and could be tough to catch in this spot. (5) First Star could perk up here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exactas: 3 over 4-5 and 4-5 over 3.

6th race – (8) Factorial tired in a route but should welcome a return to a sprint. He looks like the one to  beat. (2) Summer Fire returns to turf and should turn in an improved effort. (9) Mantaray Island should be well-suited for turf. (3) Brix exits a sharp maiden win and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-8-9.

8th race – (8) Nice Ice (B) was claimed by O’Neill out of a promising runner-up finish an now returns a the same level and should prevail. (10) Warrior’s Moon has a nice late kick and should be a main factor. (7) Harper’s Gallop stretches out after failing to fire in a sprint and will be a big threat against these. (3) Magnificent Q T was a game third last time and merits respect here. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-7-8-10. Doubles: 3-7-8-10 with 1-3-4-6.

9th race – (1) Defunded is working quickly for his career debut for Baffert and should be hard to catch. (3) North Pole is another firster who seems poised for a big effort. (4) Bolu could be a main factor in this group. (6) Man Friday is another Baffert firster with excellent credentials. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3. Exactas: 1-3 over 4-6 and 4-6 over 1-3.