Del Mar Hotlist - August 8

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Sunday, August 8, 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 – (2) Surplus moves back to turf and should appreciate the shorter distance. (6) Zip Now is a first who deserves attention in this field. (7) So Cal Memory is another firster who can be a factor here. (4) Hot Spot rallied belatedly in his debut and could sneak into the picture here.  Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6. Exactas: 2-6 over 4-7 and 4-7 over 2-6. Doubles: 2-4-6-7 with 2-3-6-7.

2nd race – (6) Defunded missed by a nose in a Grade 3 stakes and will be tough to beat to here. (2) Beyond Brilliant didn’t fire while racing wide but can wake up here. (7) Betito has a nice turn of speed and can last for a share of the purse. (3) Truth Seeker won nicely last time and can be a threat here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6. Exactas: 2-6 over 3-7 and 3-7 over 2-6.

5th race – (8) Spanish Channel gets back on turf and should prevail at this shorter distance. (9) Big Summer was a good third in her debut and can take a step forward here. (6) Youonlylivetwice should benefit for her debut and be contender here. (4) Shout It Out will appreciate the return to turf.  Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-8-9.

7th race – (2) Bad Beat Brian was claimed by Maker out of a third-place finish at this level and seems capable of a better effort here. (4) Jamming Eddy was claimed out of the same race after finishing eighth while racing wide. (1) Superman Shaq can be a threat from the rail against this bunch. (5) Tigerhorn is an interesting entrant making his U.S. debut. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4. Exactas: 2-4 over 1-5 and 1-5 over 2-4.

9th race – (3) Hudson Ridge seeks a third straight win for Baffert and should find it here. (2) Wyfire was fourth after a rough trip and should rebound today. (6) Sword Zorro has been away since May but is dangerous on his best try. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-6.