Del Mar Hotlist - September 2

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Friday, Sept. 2, 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.

2nd race –  (8) Funkhouser drops into a claimer, building enthusiasm for his chances here. (9) Smiling Princess had some traffic issues last time and seems capable of a better try here. (6) Otter Pop is worth a look off the Wong claim. (4) Fast Investment is a firster who could be a contender here. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 4-6-8-9.

4th race – (1) Piroli returns to the main track and should be tough to beat on his best effort. (2) American Refugee might appreciate the stretchout to a mile. (6) Encode belongs in the exotics after a pair of third-place finishes. (8) Hero Status is overdue for a maiden win. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-6-8.

6th race – (5) See Through It (B) was shuffled back when he missed by a half-length. He can make amends for that setback here. (3) Grit and Curiosity will be the main threat in the stretch. (2) Fenestra has sharp early speed and could be tough to reel in. (4) Blameless drops in class and should be a main threat. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-3-4-5.

8th race – (8) Leggs Galore should be able to control the pace and reach the finish line first. (7) Stella Noir was hurt by a wide trip and deserves a second choice. (1) Sensible Cat may appreciate the shorter distance here (2) Aqua Seaform Shame will be a contender on her best try. Betting strategy: 8 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-7-8. Doubles: 1-2-7-8 with 2-6-7-8.

9th race – (2) Squillions was second in her first dirt race and should take a step forward today. (7) Princess Caterina promises to  be suited by the stretchout in this spot. (6) Parco might perk up in this field. (8) Worthiness could sneak into the picture at the end. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-7-8.