Del Mar Hotlist - August 19

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Friday, Aug. 19, 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 –  (1) Xmas Surprise (A) had to come outside for room and closed fast to take second. Makes amends for that loss here. (2) After Midnight had a nice winning effort after a layoff. Looks like the main threat. (4) Brandon’smylawyer will welcome a return to turf. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4. Doubles: 1-2-4 with 1-2-6-9.

2nd race – (9) Danzigs Star Storm adds blinkers after a rough trip and could work out a winning trip. (1) It’s Saul Right was second last time and is the one to fear. (6) The Reign Song should perk up in a claimer. (2) Grazed My Heart might appreciate dirt. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-9.

4th race – (4) Today Matters had some trouble last time but can rebound with a big effort here. (3) Durante might respond to a turf to dirt move. (7) Maxim Moment belongs in the exotics here. (2) Butkus seems ready to tackle this field. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4. Exactas: 3-4 over 2-7 and 2-7 over 3-4.

7th race – (3) Neige Blanche seeks a third straight win and looks well-spotted here. (5) Macadamia rallied nicely for third and looks like the main threat. (4) Almost a Factor could spring a big race in her third try after the layoff. (6) Sister Otoole ships in from the East Coast and seems well-meant. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-6. Doubles: 3-4-5-6 with 1-2-4-10.

8th race – (10) Erebus had a troubled journey last time and should respond to a class drop. (1) Chris Fix should benefit from a rail trip. (4) Mongolian Kingdom missed by a neck the last two times and cannot be ignored. (2) Armaveer has enough speed to a factor in this field. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-10.