Del Mar Hotlist - August 29

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

2nd race – (6) Kitten’s Kid (A) got off to a bumpy start in her debut and still finished a game second. Should prevail over this group. (4) Delta Wind returns to dirt and should turn in an improved effort. (2) So Very Smart rallied for second in a claimer and will appreciate the added distance. (7) Piazzetta is a firster who deserves attention. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6. Exactas: 4-6 over 2-7 and 2-7 over 4-6.

5th race – (3) Warfront Fighter had many chances to break his maiden in New York but should appreciate the shorter distance and finally earn his diploma. (1) Careless Kitten will be a major threat from the rail. (8) Try to Capture is a firster who can contend here. (2) Lord M is another first with the credentials to be a factor here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-8.

7th race – (1) Livingmybestlife has speed and the rail and could be tough to catch after chasing some fast fractions. (6) Bella Vita adds Prat and cannot be ignored. (4) Queengol has some late kick and will be a stretch threat. (8) Tiz a Master was victorious off a layoff and can make it two in a row here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6-8.

9th race – (2) Medina Spirit returns to the races here while the sport still awaits a final ruling on whether he should be disqualified from his Kentucky Derby victory for having banned substance in his system. He hasn’t raced since the Preakness but recent works give off the impression he’s ready for a big effort here. (3) Rock Your World also returns from a layoff in an ungraded stakes that attracted two grade 1 winners. There should be a lively battle on the front end between him and Medina Spirit with a slight edge going to Medina Spirit. (5) The Great One has not raced since fading in the Santa Anita Derby but is a threat on his best try. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-5. Doubles: 2-3-5 with 1-2-6-7.

10th race – (7)  Surplus was a game third last time and should benefit from a rider switch. (6) Sottocapo is an interesting first-time starter in this spot. (2) Crash Corrigan was second in his last three starts and belongs in the exotics. (1) Mount Olympic returned from a layoff with a good second and will be a factor from the rail. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-7.