Quills Picks Winners – Saturday 8/22 – Del Mar Races 10 & 11
Our spotlight on Del Mar continues and we have two more races that we are going to look at here today. We will look at the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile which is the finale of today’s 11-race card. But we will start with the main event of the day and probably the Del Mar summer season.
A field of 11 horses will go a mile and a quarter in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic, with an invite to the Breeders’ Cup Classic on the line. Let’s start there with that race
Del Mar Race 10 – Pacific Classic (Grade 1)
Favored in the Paciifc Classic is the 11 Knightsbridge (5/2 morning line). He passed the two-turn test to win the Monmouth Cup at Monmouth Park easily last month. He has the pedigree to go long, but that was the first time that he went two turns in a race. He has a bad post, but he has plenty of time to get as close to the rail as he can in this race. Some will argue he could bounce here, but he loved finally showing off what he can do in a long race.
The 9 Navajo Warrior (8/1 ML) comes in from Prairie Meadows where he won the Cornhusker Handicap last month with an impressive gate to wire romp. He probably goes for the lead here, but he has won from off the pace as well.
The 6 Original Sin (15/1 ML) tired in the Suburban at Saratoga last month but did win the Grade 3 Blame Stakes in his previous start at the end of May at Churchill Downs. He took over on the turn in the Blame Stakes and held on for the win. If he gets a similar trip, he has a chance here today.
The 7 Hit Show (6/1 ML) finished second to a runaway winner in the Suburban last month at Saratoga. He has run well in his races stateside this year and could be making a move late as well here today.
Joe’s Pacific Classic Pick
I’m looking at this race and I am intrigued with the favorite Knightsbirdge. He finally got to show off his pedigree at Monmouth Park and now he gets to take on Grade 1 company at Del Mar. The distance will not be an issue and he will take this field gate to wire for the win.
I’m calling this race 11-6-7-9 and my play is $20 to win on the 11.
Del Mar Race 11 – Del Mar Mile (Grade 2)
We have a field of twelve horses entered in today’s finale which is the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile Stakes. This field will go one mile on the turf course.
Favored in the Del Mar Mile is the 12 El Potente (7/2 ML). He closed well back in March and just missed in the Grade 2 Kilroe Mile. He returns today with some strong works on the turf course for today’s race. This horse has the misfortune of drawing the outside, but he has the speed here to put himself in good position here.
The 10 Flyover (10/1 ML) will be challenging the favorite on the front end today. He appears to be even faster but did tire in an optional claiming sprint race here in on the grass last month. He has had success going a mile on the grass, but this is a massive jump in class today.
The 5 Detain (10/1 ML) closed well in an optional claiming race here at Del Mar last month winning that race. He steps up in class here, but he ran in some classy races in Europe last year. Look for him to be closing late today.
The 9 King of Gosford (5/1 ML) won the Wickerr Stakes here at Del Mar last month on the front end, but he does not need to be on the lead. If he is amongst the lead he might not be there at the end. Running like he did in the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile at Santa Anita in May will be the more prudent as he ran mid-pack and finished third in that race.
Joe’s Del Mar Mile Pick
We do have several horses that will go for the lead here and should set up nicely for the closers. King of Gosford will probably be sitting right off the leaders, but I think that Detain will get to show his closing kick to get up late to win this race.
I’m calling this race 5-9-12-10 and my play is $20 to win on the 5. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
