Del Mar Hotlist - July 17

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Saturday, July 17, 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 – (1) Poseidon’s Kid was second in both career starts but may work out a winning trip from the rail. (8) By Moonlight might appreciate a switch from synthetics to dirt. (2) Head for Business missed by a neck and looms a major threat. (5) Gerlach’s is worth a look off the class bump and a claim by O’Neill. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-8.

4th race – (10) Fantail turned in an improved effort last time when stretched out to a mile. Hangs on here. (2) Lalic seeks a fourth straight win and will be the main rival. (1) Ellerslie Lace should benefit from the added distance and a ground-saving trip. (5) California Kook had a nice prep for this and seems ready for a good effort. Betting strategy: 10 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-10. Doubles: 1-2-5-10 with 1-3-5-8.

5th race – (5) Censorship had a rough trip at 6-5 in her debut for Baffert. Can rebound with a winning effort here. (3) Smash Ticket was a game second in her first start and should be the main rival. (8) Desert Dawn seems on edge for a big effort in her debut. (1) Ruby Ray gets a jockey switch and may be tough to catch from the rail. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-8.

7th race – (5) Luck of the Draw is part of Maker’s West Coast string this summer and might wake up while switching over to turf. (12) Tizona will welcome a return to turf but has a rough post. (2) Antarctic has sharp early speed and could put this race on ice. (6) Storm the Bastille should be charging at the end. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-12.

10th race – (1) Rushie cuts back to a distance that’s ideal for him and should be able to work out a winning trip from the rail. (4) Royal Ship is the class of the field and the one to fear the most. (7) Magic On Tap was sharpened in a Grade 2 sprint and can make his presence felt here. (5) Express Train usually brings home a check and cannot be overlooked. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-5-7.