Quills Picks Winners – Friday 7/17 – Del Mar Race 8

It is opening day “Where the Turf Meets the Surf” at Del Mar, and the traditional opening day feature today is the Oceanside Handicap. Three-year-olds will go one mile on the turf course.

The conditions of the race have changed, especially going from a stakes race to a handicap, but this race is still for three-year-olds. But the tradition of this race continues as California racing shifts down to the San Diego area.

Del Mar Race 8 – Oceanside Handicap

Favored in today’s featured race is the 5 Bust Out (4/1 morning line). He returns to the west coast after finishing fourth in the American Derby at Churchill Downs. His best races have been not far off the pace and he will be making his best move late.

The 6 Mr. A. P. (5/1 ML) races on the turf for the first time this afternoon after last racing here in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile here last Halloween. He does have hints from his pedigree that he could take to the turf.

The 11 Jordi Bear (12/1 ML) closed willingly to finish second in his American debut in May going six furlongs. He is bred on both sides to run on the turf and could surprise here. The only downside is the 11-hole for today’s race.

The 1 Irisearch (8/1 ML) stalked the pace in the Cinema Stakes and could not get by Bust Out in May. That was a four-horse race, but he should be further back and look to make a late move here today.

Joe’s Pick

There is no Captain Obvious horse that will go for the lead here which will make this race interesting. Though I might have talked you away from this horse a few paragraphs above, I’ll take Jordi Bear here. If he can get near the rail by the first turn, he should be in good position to win this race this evening.

I’m calling this race 11-1-5-6 and my play is $20 to win on the 11. Best of luck and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!