Del Mar Hotlist - July 31

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Saturday, July 31, 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) Defense Wins returns to a level where he missed by a neck and can make amends for that here. (8) Palaleo returns to a claimer and should be a main threat. (3) Ka’nah figures to  be closing in the final furlong. (1) Catbernay has speed and will benefit from an inside trip. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-8. Doubles: 1-2-3-8 with 1-5-6.

2nd race – (6) Grace Adler is a firster from Baffert who seems poised for a big effort. (5) Travel Smart could turn out to be a quick one. (1) Haute Lady put in a solid gate work for this. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-6.

4th race – (6) George Herman Ruth just might hit a home run in this field. (7) California Kook could  benefit from the surface switch. (1) Anitanewmercedes might be tough to run down while switching to the main track. (2) Appreciated should feel wanted in a claimer. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-7.

7th race – (9) Smiling Annie should appreciate the cutback to five furlong and notch her first victory of the year. (4) Capital Heat looks like the main rival after finishing no worse than third in seven of her last eight starts. (3) Alice Marble seeks a third straight win and is worth a close look while switching back to turf. (10) After Midnight will be well-suited by the distance. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-9-10.

10th race – (3) C Z Rocket found a mile beyond his range last time. Should prove best at six furlongs. (8) Dr. Schivel was a game winner off a long layoff and can take a step forward here. (6) Collusion Illusion makes a delayed 2021 debut but won this race last year and deserves respect. (7) Eight Rings can be dangerous on his best try. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-6-7-8.