Del Mar Hotlist - August 21

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Friday, August 21, 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 – (7) Dripping Sauce (A) was a game second for a slightly higher price tag and should prevail here. (5) Promise Nothing was right behind the top pick and should complete the exacta. (1) Tizhotndusty may appreciate the switch to the main track and the drop into a claimer. (4) Hidden Promise might wake up in this spot. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-7. Doubles: 1-4-5-7 with 2-3-5.

3rd race - (5) Jasikan makes his first start for Hronis/Sadler and seems poised for a big effort. (3) Big Score looks like the one to fear in the final furlong. (2) Murad Khan is a big threat here.  Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5.

7th race - (1) Sharp Speaker has been rallying belatedly in sprints and might enjoy a route race, especially from the rail. (6) Tiger’s Song might roar at this class level. (10) Street Behavior may also fare better at a longer distance. (9) World Affairs was third at this level last time and should benefit from that try. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-9-10.   

9th race – (8) Unique Factor raced sneaky well in a Grade 1 stakes and could prove best here. (1) Gingham should be a major player from the rail for Baffert. (5) Sneaking Out comes off a sharp Grade 2 stakes win at Loa Al and will be a major force. (6) Amuse should appreciate a turf to dirt switch. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-8. Double: 1-5-6-8 with 1-2-4-8.

10th race – (1) Rockie Causeway improved in her second career start and seems ready to graduate. (2) Nina En Fuego rallied mildly after an awkward start in her debut and could take a step forward here. (4) Eddie’s Sister has an interesting pedigree for turf. (8) Ride Sally Ride has enough late speed to merit attention. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-8.