True Valor: Pond crossers in their first race in the states are always tough, and this is no exception. 'Numbers wise' I always subtract 4 to 5 to see where they fit as a general rule. That means this one should be right there. Jock and trainer travel. Very interesting.
Next Shares: Deep closing sort that hits the board in big races. Can he break through and win a big one? The Del Mar turf will be going against him as closers are struggling.
Flamboyant: This millionaire winning horse has certainly had his moments. Now, as a 7YO, the clock is creeping up on him. Not without a chance, just prefer others.
Bowies Hero: Loves this track and is a major contender. Nakatani will bring a winner home sometime this meet, and this may well be the first. He and the
Next Shares have a bit of a rivalry going. He is looking to even the score over the last 3.
Sharp Samurai: As good as any in here. 2 for 3 at the track and 6 for 8 on the green stuff. Incredibly difficult to exclude from any ticket. Different name, and different connections, he may well be the 9/5 choice.
Catapult: Against this kind of company, he is always the bridesmaid. Hard to find a scenario in which he could end up on top. He'll run hard, and maybe get into the picture at the finish, but is strictly an exotics play.
Hunt: He can beat everybody in the field, and his 3 wins at this track have to be respected. I'll look to keep him off every ticket as he just doesn't seem to fit for me.
Multiplier: His newfound turf career is off to a reasonably decent start. The G1 Manhattan was just a massively tough race last out, and the waters are quite a bit more shalllow here. The 20/1 ML will likely drop a bit, and if at 12/1 or better, he could be a solid play. As a 4YO with this being his 3rd career start on the green stuff, he is still figuring things out. He might figure it out at a price.
Itsinthepost: Quite simply, he just doesn't ever run a bad race. However, he is 0 for 9 at Del Mar. Very much looking to beat this likely post time favorite.
Prime Attraction: His Native Dancer romp 4 back at this venue was fantastic. Problem is, it isn't November, and this race is on turf. Maybe not an on top kind of play, but I've seen much worse potential 50/1 shots and would not exclude from any exotic ticket.
Fashion Business: Not without a chance, and has run in the same company as the
and
. Likely exotics bound, but in his 3rd start as a 4YO, he could still pop. Likes this track, and is a tough exclude from 'Picks' tickets.
SUMMARY: After you sit back and suck it all in, there is a serious lack of speed in this field. Got a feeling that somebody like the
Bowies Hero could inherit the lead and never give it up. Odd field in which nothing really sticks out.
