Del Mar Hotlist - September 5

Today’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Monday, Sept. 5, 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 –  (1) Tall Boy had a troubled, wide trip in his debut but should respond to a drop into claimers. (5) Pat’s Paddock Pick was second last time and should be the main rival. (6) Prayforourcountry rallied for third and figures to be fine with the added ground. (3) Crowning Gold could rule in this spot. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-5-6.

3rd race – (6) Virat (A) rallied strongly for second last time and should make amends here. (2) To Speight Her showed some speed in his debut and can be a main threat. (7) Picota has been away since January but is training sharply. (9) Sai Con could be tough to catch here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-6-7-9.

5th race – (2) Niles Channel never got much of a chance to run last time and should benefit from the switch to a veteran rider. (8) Alvaaro was second in his last two starts and can complete the exacta again. (9) Tom’s Surprise will benefit from some class relief here after racing in a stakes. (7) Respect the Hustle fits in well with this group. Betting strategy: 2 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-7-8-9.

7th race – (4) Velvet Slippers is back with Baffert and seems poised for a strong try. (3) Teddy’s Barino seeks a third straight win and merits respect. (6) Samurai Charm can make her presence felt in this field. (7) Bye Bye Bertie might wake up with a turf to dirt move. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-4. Exactas: 3-4 over 6-7 and 6-7 over 3-4.

10th race – (11) Smuggler’s Run returns to turf and might turn in a solid effort despite the post. (5) Handy Dandy was third the last three times and could wind up there one more time. (6) Seven Wonders rallied nicely to win last time and cannot be overlooked. (3) Almanera received a freshening and appears capable of being a factor in this group. Betting strategy: 11 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-6-11.