Del Mar Hotlist - August 6

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Friday, August 6, 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 – (8) Gregory’s Pride was third in his first two starts but should prevail here thanks to the cutback in distance. (9) Sai Con had a dismal debut in November. Might be better prepared for today’s race. (1) Kazuhiko is worth a look in his U.S. debut. (3) Cali Bay has been away since April but is working sharply. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-8-9.

3rd race – (6) Bobby Bo was second to a stablemate last time but should get the job done here. (7) Me B Bubba T might appreciate a switch to dirt. (1) Fenway has a nice burst and speed and will be a main threat from the rail. (2) Magnificent was a distant second in his dirt debut but is capable of being closer at the finish this time. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 6-7. Exactas: 6-7 over 1-2 and 1-2 over 6-7.

5th race – (9) Connie Swingle closed nicely for second in her debut and should break her maiden here. (2) Infinite Love might welcome some added distance. (5) Big Novel is a firster who might have some talent. (6) Run Auntie T Run was second against claimers which gave her some useful racing experience.  Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-9.

7th race – (2) Smash Ticket (C) was bet down from 3-2 to even money and rolled by five lengths. Can make it two straight wins here. (3) Eda missed by a nose in her debut but Baffert does quite well with maidens in 2-year-old stakes. (9) Elm Drive was a powerful debut winner and cannot be ignored. (7) Sax his a high note in a Churchill Downs win last time and fits in nicely with this group. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-9. Doubles: 2-3-7-9 with 2-3-7-9.

8th race – (2) Lady O’Prado was sharpened in a sprint and should be on edge for a solid performance here at a mile. (7) Zahra won powerfully last time and will be a contender in her first try against winners. (9) Katla has sharp early speed and may be tough to catch. (3) Info’s Treasure could sneak into the picture at the very end. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-9.