Del Mar Hotlist - July 23

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Friday, July 23, 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 – (4) Man Friday drops in class and should welcome the shorter distance in this spot. (3) Capper comes off a narrow maiden win and can be a threat here. (1) Cumberland Avenue was shipped from Kentucky to California off the Glatt claim and should be a contender as he debuts on turf. (8) Optimistic Valor has speed and might be tough to catch. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-8.

4th race – (2) Bold Endeavor was second in his last four starts but finally seems to have found a field he can handle. (7) Taishan is another Kentucky shipper who should be a threat on his best try. (6) Azul Coast makes a belated 2021 debut and merits attention. (1) Order and Law could be tough to catch from the rail. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-7. Exactas: 2-7 over 1-6 and 1-6 over 2-7. Doubles: 1-2-6-7 with 1-6-8-9.

5th race – (8) Man On the Moon drops after being claimed at Churchill Downs and should prevail over this group. (6) Rookie Year didn’t fire when switched to turf and should be better on dirt. (9) Twilight Rider was a good second last time and should be primed for another solid effort. (1) Tacoflavoredkisses will welcome a return to the main track. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-6-8-9.

7th race – (1) Fi Fi Pharoah seeks a third straight win and looks like the one to beat in this spot. (3) Respectfully has enough speed to be dangerous here. (8) Teddy’s Barino will be formidable if she hands the switch to dirt. (2) Closing Remarks ran well despite a rough trip and cannot be ignored while moving over to the main track. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-8. Doubles: 1-2-3-8 with 5-7-8-12.

8th race – (5) Wilder Than Most had a useful comeback try and should take a step forward while adding Prat for this trip. (7) Harbor Sky had a rough trip in a sprint and will appreciate the added distance. (8) Eagle in the Sky tired after a long layoff last time and should be fit for this try. (12) Really Big News has a rough post but has enough ability to make her presence felt. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 5-7-8-12.