Del Mar Hotlist - August 20

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Friday, August 20, 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 – (3) First Premio was claimed for a second straight race after finishing third while racing wide. Gets the nod here. (2) Dubby Dubbie has been away for a year but will be dangerous if there’s no rust from the layoff. (5) Stage Ready has won two in a row for Maker and cannot be overlooked. (7) Fuente drops in class and fits nicely here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3. Exactas: 2-3 over 5-7 and 5-7 over 2-3. Doubles: 2-3-5-7 with 1-2-6.

2nd race – (1) Zero Tolerance (A) missed by a nose in a solid debut effort. Moves to the main track here  but deserves top billing. (6) M Is for Magic might perk up moving over to the dirt course. (2) Socially Smart was second last time and should not be ignored. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6.

5th race – (6) Man Friday rallied for second last time when he was claimed by Maker. Seems to have found a winning spot here. (7) Rookie Year steps up off a huge win and could be the main rival. (2) Gates of Heaven should be a threat in the final furlong. (3) Vantage Point has some speed and could be tough to catch. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6-7.

7th race – (2) Thanks Mr. Eidson (C) dropped all the way from 8-1 to 9-2 and finished a game second. Makes amends for that setback here. (9) Commander rallied for fourth and could take a step forward here. (8) Distant Vista had a useful comeback race after a lengthy layoff and should benefit from that trip. (5) Torosay won his last start and will be a threat here. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-8-9. Doubles: 2-5-8-9 with 1-2-3-10.

8th race – (10) Big Switch is working sharply for her debut and can win at first asking for Sadler. (3) Don’t Ju Forget was third in both starts and should be the main foe. (2) Varick put in a quick gate work and can make her presence felt. (1) Preskitt was an improved second last and merits a long look. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-10.