Del Mar Hotlist - July 31

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Sunday, July 31, 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.

1st race –  (3) Jackstown makes his career debut for Baffert off a sharp bullet work and will be hard to deny. (8) Abeliefinthislivin closed nicely for second in his debut and seems like the main threat. (6) Massimo is another Baffert firster with bullet works who merits respect. (5) Giovinazzo might benefit from the addition of blinkers. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-8. Doubles: 3-5-6-8 with 1-3-4.

2nd race – (3) Laurel River turned in a huge winning effort at this meet last year. Hasn’t run since then but is working quickly for Baffert for his comeback. (4) Elector disappointed last time but can bounce back here. (1) American Admiral may find smooth sailing from the rail. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4.

5th race – (1) Perfectible Lady was second or third in her last three starts and should triumph while dropping into a claimer. (10) Dear Beau should also benefit from a class drop. (5) The Ginger Queen had a curious trip last time and deserves a second chance. (12) Lookintogeteven is 0-for-19 and seems overdue for a win. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-5-10-12.

7th race – (3) Ma France won her U.S. debut for D’Amato and can make it two in a row here. (11) Ellie Arroway has been no worse than second and merits a close look despite the post. (4) Buzz of New York could make some noise in this field. (5) Split the Double should fare better at this shorter distance. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4-5-11.

9th race – (3) Beyond Brilliant has keen early speed and may not look back here. (7) King Cause ships in from the East for Maker and could pull off a surprise. (8) Homer Screen had a troubled start and a wide trip and still finished second. Cannot be ignored. (2) Cash Equity could be a valuable pick in this field. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-7-8.