Del Mar Hotlist - August 19

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Thursday, August 19, 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 4^th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

1st race – (7) For Love Not Money was third against MSW rivals and should thrive in a claimer. (4) Rev Rita also tries claimers for the first time and merits a look. (6) Esagerare will welcome a return to the claiming ranks. (3) Bowl of Cherries is equally formidable on dirt or turf and fits well here. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-7.

3rd race – (6) Deise Delight (C) was bet down from 7-2 to 5-2 then was bumped early and late while setting the pace and weakening late to finish third. Leads all the way today. (2) Plum Sexy should respond to the cutback in distance while debuting for Miller. (5) A G Indy looms a threat in the final furlong. (4) I’m the Boss of Me will be part of the early pace and may hang on for a share.  Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-5-6.

5th race – (5) Prance (B) closed nicely to miss by a head last time and will make amends today. (10) Basilia drops into a claimer and figures to be a major factor but must overcome a rough post. (4) Brittle and Yoo could be a threat off the Cerin claim. (7) Bestrella can perk up in this field. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-5-7-10. Doubles: 4-5-7-10 with 4-6-7-8. Pick 3: 4-5-7-10 with 4-6-7-8 with 1-5-6-7.

6th race – (4) Eddie’s New Dream (D) was bet down was bet down from 7-2 to 5-2 then didn’t fire in a stakes. Should rebound against this field. (8) Secret Square comes off a huge win but faces tougher here. (6) Gotta Be Lucky also exits a big win and deserves consideration. (7) Smoothlikebutter should be closing fast in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-7-8.

7th race – (6) K P All Systems  had a useful comeback after a nine-month layoff and should move forward off of it. (5) Ward ‘n Jerry gets Prat back and might emerge as the main rival. (7) Rijeka cannot be ignored in his debut for D’Amato. (1) Big Buzz will benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-7.