Del Mar Hotlist - August 28

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Friday, August 28, 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.

1st race – (7) Mamba Queen moves over to turf and has a pedigree that bodes well for the change. (3) Investment Grade is a firster who might enjoy turf. (5) Maxim Strider should make her presence felt here. (9) Esperer seems to be bred for turf. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-7-9. Doubles: 3-5-7-9 with 1-2-6.

2nd race - (2) Himiko (B) is an expensive American Pharoah filly who was second in her last two tries. We’ll give her one more chance here. (6) Overwhelming Love could be a stretch threat here. (1) Last First Kiss belongs in the exotics, especially from the rail.  Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6.

6th race - (5) Afleet Diva was claimed out of a decisive debut win by Miller and could be a very nice acquisition. (3) Exchange Vows was a distant third in a Grade 2 stakes and is the one to fear. (6) Reign of Fire has also been facing stakes company and merits attention. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6. Doubles: 3-5-6 with 1-3-4-6. Pick 3: 3-5-6 with 1-3-4-6 with 1-2-5.

7th race – (1) Miss Costa Rica put in a bullet work for her debut and should prevail over this group. (6) Ready Jet Go had a useful debut and should move forward off it. (3) Brilliant Cut might welcome a switch to turf. (4) Pizzazz could shine in her career debut. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-6. Double: 1-3-4-6 with 1-2-5.

8th race – (2) Hang a Star has been racing in graded stakes and should enjoy the class relief here. (5) Message could make a statement against these off a nice freshening. (1) Zusha has also been facing some tough customers lately and fits better here. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5.