Del Mar Hotlist - August 29

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Saturday, August 29, 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.

3rd race – (5) Zucchera (A) closed fast despite a rocky trip. Was moved up to second through a DQ but can get the victory here. (1) Freedom Lass tired in the stretch against the top pick but may hang on better with a rail trip. (6) Hello Bubbles should fit in with this group. (7) Goodtingscominpink was DQ’d from second after bothering the top pick but cannot be ignored here. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5. Exactas: 1-5 over 6-7 and 6-7 over 1-5.

5th race - (5) Fierce for Sul tired abruptly late in her debut but may not look back on turf. (8) Transporter has been training nicely for her career debut with Sadler. (10) Chitu Me Too closed fast in her debut but may face a wide trip here. (6) Lilypop has put in four straight bullet works for her first start and merits plenty of attention. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-6-8-10.

8th race – (1) Microrithms (A) won sharply off a lengthy layoff and can make it two in a row here. (8) Surfing Star can be a threat if there’s no rust after a long layoff. (4) McKale may  bounce back after a mediocre try last time. (7) Desert Law should be dangerous after facing Grade 1 company.  Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-7-8. Doubles: 1-4-7-8 with 1-7-8-9. Pick 3: 1-4-7-8 with 1-7-8-9 with 1-5-6-7.

9th race – (1) Gregorian Chant missed second by a nose and should benefit from drawing the rail. (7) Untamed Domain probably needed his last start and figures to be more formidable here. (8) Brandothebartender will be a threat in the final furlong. (9) Border Town put in a fast work for this try and should be a major factor. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-7-8-9. Doubles: 1-7-8-9 with 1-5-6-7.

10th race – (5) C Z Rocket has taken some nice steps forward for Miller and could be his next big sprinter. (7) Giant Expectations has plenty of class but may need a start after being on the sidelines for nearly 10 months. (6) Vertical Threat comes off two lopsided wins and cannot be ignored. (1) Law Abidin Citizen will be a main contender from the rail. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6-7.