Del Mar Hotlist - August 26

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Thursday, August 26, 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 – (2) Censorship (A) was second to the favorite last time and seems poised for a maiden win here. (3) I’m a Giraffe gained some ground while closing for third and should be the main rival. (7) Mitigation didn’t fire in her debut but could rebound here. (5) Haute Lady has some speed and could last for a share.  Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3. Exactas 2-3 over 5-7 and 5-7 over 2-3.

3rd race – (7) Awhitesportscoat steps up off a claim and finds a spot where he should be tough to beat. (6) Vander Kelen has been away for 10 months and is worth a look in this field. (1) Mr. Dougie Fresh could be a contender back in a claimer. (3) Bibleman might wake up for new connections. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-7. Exactas: 6-7 over 1-3 and 1-3 over 6-7.

5th race – (4) Catbernay has a nice turn of speed and could be tough to catch here. (1) Paint Me Lucky should be a threat from the rail. (3) Black Belt could be a factor while returning to a claimer. (7) Tribal War Chant seems to fit in well here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-7.

7th race – (9) Atomic Drop stretches out to two turns and may be tough to catch in this spot. (3) Pappy Boyington could perk up while returning to the main track. (8) Wilder Than Most exits a sharp maiden win and merits attention. (4) Wilson Monk figures to be a threat while stretching out. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-8-9.

8th race – (9) Chasingserendipity  (B) was a game third last time despite being bumped in the stretch and should notch a victory in her first start for a new barn. (3) Majestic Steps switches to Prat and merits  a close look. (4) Lady Emily drops in class and should be a factor in this field. (6) Agreetodisagree could be a threat in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-6-9.