Del Mar Hotlist - August 30

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Sunday, August 30, 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 – (4) Heels Up has put in some quick gate works for Baffert and should be able to win in her first try. (5) Gravitron was second in her debut on turf and should handle dirt equally well. (3) Varda is another firster from Baffert who should not be ignored. (1) Moonlight d’Oro rallied for second in her debut and will welcome the added distance. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-5. Doubles: 1-3-4-5 with 1-4-6-8.

4th race – (4) Brittle and Yoo closed nicely for third in her turf debut and should move forward off that try. (8) Sugar Pickel nosed out the top pick and should be the main threat. (1) Miss Fraulein is worth a look on turf. (6) Queensbeccaandjane has speed and could be tough to catch. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-4-6-8.

6th race – (6) Bud Knight (C) dropped from 7-2 to 5-2 then was hurt by a wide trip when second last time. He should get the job done here. (8) City Rage had some trouble last time and could bounce back here. (7) Strike It Lucky may enjoy switching over to turf. (1) Rip City has not raced since January but will be dangerous if he can duplicate his last effort. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place.  Exacta box: 1-6-7-8.

9th race - (6) Brickyard Ride returns to turf and should lead from gate-to-wire. (4) Tilted Towers exits a sharp maiden win and looks like the one to fear. (2) Nero rallied nicely to win his last start and will benefit from a pace duel. (8) Thanks Mr. Eidson was third in his last try on turf and fits nicely here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-6-8.

11th race - (11) Awesome Ella rallied for third at Gulfstream Park and should find this course to her liking. (4) Vegas Palm was third in her last three starts and figures to  complete the exacta once again. (1) Ya Beauty adds blinkers and will be dangerous from the rail. (10) Nurse Goodbody should be a major force in the final furlong. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-10-11.