Del Mar Hotlist - July 24

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Sunday, July 24, 2022

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.

3rd race –  (3) Sol Del Sur (C) was bet down from 8-5 t0 6-5 and finished second at Keeneland. Was claimed by Diodoro and rates the nod here. (5) Bottle of Smoke might wake up at this level. (6) Allaboutthemoney was second in his last two starts and belongs in the exotics. (1) Proverb will benefit from a rail trip. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-6. Doubles: 1-3-5-6 with 3-5-7-9.

4th race – (7) Havnameltdown debuts for Baffert and should win at first asking. (5) January Magic makes his first start for Hollendorfer and merits respect. (3) Happy Tears is another firster with a license to land in the winner’s circle. (9) Pure Fire should benefit from his first start and be a factor here. Betting strategy: 7 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-7-9.

7th race – (3) Shadow Sphinx seeks a third straight win and should be hard to beat in this spot. (7) Neptune’s Storm looks like the one to fear in a claimer. (6) Gold Phoenix has never been worse than second and should be in the picture once again. (1) Gregdar should appreciate some class relief here. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-6-7.

9th race – (12) Smooth Like Strait has been running in Grade 1 stakes and has too much class for this field. (4) Gregorian Chant may appreciate the stretchout in this spot. (10) Majestic Eagle could be a stretch threat here. (2) Tesoro will welcome a return to turf. Betting strategy: 12 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-4-10-12

11th race – (5) Annie’s Song is worth a long look off the Sadler claim. (1) Miss Mattie B had rough start last time and should fare better with a ground-saving trip from the rail. (2) Isola Mia exits a nice maiden win and deserves attention. (12) Ballet Dancing drew a rough post but has some talent. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-12.