Del Mar Hotlist - July 24

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Saturday, July 24, 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) Rhythm and Grace had a rough post and tired late at a longer distance. Should prevail here from the rail. (5) Buzz of New York is worth a look in her US debut. (7) Norma Jean B. rallied fast to just miss and will be a force here. (8) High Con might welcome a return to turf. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-7-8.

3rd race – (2) Sea Dreamer was a game second as the favorite in her debut. Makes amends here. (5) Velvet Slippers was second in her debut for Baffert and looks like the main rival for the top choice. (1) For Love Not Money might fare better on turf. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5. Doubles: 1-2-5  with 1-3-6-7.

4th race – (1) Dicey Mo Chara turned in an improved effort last time and can land in the winner’s circle here. (7) Barbwire tired in his debut on turf but may not look back here. (6) Just About Enough rallied belatedly in his debut and should move forward off it. (3) Hollywoodhellraisr missed by a head and should not be overlooked. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-7.

7th race – (1) Mirasol is a well-bred firster from Baffert who seems best in this spot. (2) Mitigation is another first who is working sharpy toward her debut. (5) Honor It is another firster who should be ready for a strong effort. (4) Brimage was second in her debut and that experience may payoff here. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-4-5. Doubles: 1-2-4-5 with 2-3-4-6.

8th race – (6) Smooth Like Strait is in great form and can lead throughout in this spot. (4) Count Again should be a big threat in the stretch. (2) United can bounce back here after a disappointing try. (3) Say the Word rarely turns in a bad effort and can make his presence felt. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-6.