Not many times do you see a day in which the Del Mar card is better than Saratoga.
Well, we may well have one this Friday. Hard to decide between the 5th and 7th, but the 7th will get enough hype, and I'll take on the tougher of the two.
Dr. Troutman: Big Pappa and Martin hook up with this colt. Blinkers come off, and the class drop should help, but the real question is if this IS a class drop? Martin has rode the last two, and he has shown nothing. Inside post could spark something, but really hard to see even in the money.
Popular Kid: The fighting Desourmeaux's team up here on a likley live entry that finished a hard-beaten 2nd last out here at Del Mar. Gate to wire may not be the mode this time around as the Blinks come off. Should be full on effort, but I don't like it.
Accountability: Puts blinks on for the first time. Hasn't beaten anybody of note, but always seems to run his race. Bet healthily last time at DM. Doubtful he gets the same backing again. If you liked him last out, you should like his odds this time. Money burner at a price would be interesting.
Packin Heat: Off of 2 straight bullet works, including one at this very track on 8/6. Was nary a factor on 7/19 last out, and hard to see in this one. The 15-1-0-1 record screams no chance.
Ibon: Broke his Maiden a 1st chance at a mere 39/1. Interestingly enough, he beat the
which will likely take more money than him again. Connections are tough to get by, but this guy closed like a champ in his lone race. Should be an interesting board on this one.
Dano's Dream: Board-hitter will be a shot. Has run some races that look to be very competitive here. Hasn't raced since February, and off of a recent solid work is shipped to Del Mar. Seems like an Exotics play at best.
The Big Train: 2nditis a bit, but not without a real chance. Overbet, and a money burner type sort could get some tote board love the other side. Would need a violent early pace, and that likely won't be good enough.
Start a Runnin: Ultimate equipment change recently had. If recent geldings is your thing, then this is your guy. Should be up front, and has had some success here. Is the UEC the "ultimate" move to win this one?
Kings River King: Just broke his Maiden, but he has been running against solid stock. Will need to beat the
who steamrolled him 2 back. Baze hasn't had a solid couple of days, and Black isn't comforting. Will be a major player, but seems like he'll finish outside the top 3 to me.
Jen's Journey: Second race as a true 3YO. Last wasn't awful as he came out of nowhereville to beat nearly half the field Came out of the race firing a bullet. Dangerous, dangerous entry.
Elegant Journey: Last 3 have been more than solid enough to compete in here. Needs more ground, just not sure 1 mile is what is needed. 2 turns will be hard to see.
Plate Side: Already referred to this one a couple of times, and thus is a very intriguing entry. 8/1 ML is notable, as is Super Mario who is starting to heat up. Was put Down The Hill at Santa for his 2 best efforts, so going longer on a real turf course going 2 turns is tough to bet.
SUMMARY: I'm likely to be all over the
. Gotta figure out the
