Del Mar Hotlist - August 23

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Sunday, August 23, 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) Querelle got off to an awkward start and then rallied from last to finish second. Can make amends with a smooth trip here. (2) Holly Hundy didn’t fire in the stretch in her last two starts but may rebound after a freshening. (1) Éclair may be well-suited by a cutback to a sprint. (6) Gypsy Blu usually takes home a check and deserves respect. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-7. Doubles: 1-2-6-7 with 2-3-4-5.

3rd race – (2) As Time Goes By is a well-bred firster from Baffert who should prevail in this spot. (5) La V. was third in her debut and figures to benefit from that experience. (3) Acting Out seems ready for a sharp effort in her debut. (4) Flat Out Joy was second in her last two starts and cannot be ignored. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place.  Exacta box: 2-5. Exactas: 2-5 over 3-4 and 3-4 over 2-5.

5th race – (4) Gypsy Spirit has been quite competitive in her three U.S. starts and seems ready for a winning effort here. (6) Kookie Gal returns to a distance that should suit her. (8) Muchly will be gaining ground at the end and could emerge as a main factor. (9) Sassyserb comes off a nice win and fits well here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place.  Exacta box: 4-6-8-9.

9th race - (6) Sharp Samurai was second in his last start and second in this race a year ago. Seems ready for a big effort in his third start of 2020. (4) Mo Forza is a Grade 1 winner with plenty of back class but may need a race in his first try since January. (1) The Black Album is worth a close look in his first start for new connections. (7) Royal Ship merits attention in his U.S. debut. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-7.

11th race - (2) Summer Fun gives a turf claimer a try for the first time and should be able to make his presence felt against this group. (10) Huge Bigly had a slow start in his debut but can take a step forward here. (5) Jack Spout could perk up against claimers. (9) Perseverance might appreciate the dirt-to-turf switch. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-9-10.