Welp, another great Traver's Day is in the books, and unfortunately we gotta turn the page back to a 'normal' day of racing.
But with each new day comes a new opportunity, right?
While there are a couple of Stakes at Saratoga and Del Mar, this 7th at Del Mar looks to be the most intriguing and toughest of the day.
Caray: First time turfer has never ran this short in his career, but does possess some speed. This will be his 2019 debut, but has been working well coming in here. 20/1 ML is deserved, but this guy isn't without a chance.
Stop the Violence: Lightly raced 4YO will be running twice in a month for the first time in his career. Really nice race 2 back, but wasn't all that competitive in his last, and a peer he ran against as chalk in that one shows up here. Needs a great break to be competitive in here in my opinion.
General Interest: Nice closing kick in his turf debut last out at 14/1 odds. However, that was OC$20 State Breds and the waters get much deeper here. Should be coming late, but will all the front end collapse like they did in his last? Not likely.
Psycho Dar: Stepped up to this class level last out, and nearly got it done in wire to wire fashion. Ran a :20 and 4 split at first call 2 back, and looks to be the speed of the speed in here. Wire to wire candidate should be tough.
Wildman Jack: Fantastic maiden win in his debut, and a bit surprised O'Neill throws him in here and not against tougher. Fractions were a bit light, and that is likely why we find him here today. Can obviously get better in his 2nd career race. A must consideration.
Musawaat: Really, really interesting entry. He was last seen in Dubai getting spanked by Coal Front in a $1.5 Million race. Blinkers come off, gets 1st time Lasix, gets back to turf, and cuts back to one turn while coming off a 4 month rest after crossing the pond. Is that enough changes for you? In his 15th career race, this may well be the easiest competition he has ever faced. Works aren't all that special, but is an absolute must tote watch. That 7F turf win at Newmarket in August of '17 is appetizing.
Lil Milo: Has mainly been running against State Breds. Won impressively last out going down the hill in March. Front-runner that will likely find the pace in here a bit hotter than he'll like. Can he sit 4th or 5th to close against better after the layoff? I'll take a swing against the likely favorite.
Factorial: Another one taking a cut back in distance that couldn't get the job done on the front end his last 3 races at a mile. Baltas and DVD are very very tough to look past, but I gotta let this guy beat me.
Castle: He is a turf sprinter. This is what he does and he is 7 3-0-2 in doing as such. At every opportunity this horse could be claimed, the locals have jumped on him. Should sit a good trip, but the concern is DVD on his inside who is his regular rider while new jock Geovanni Franco climbs on his back. Maybe not on top, but a must consideration in all exotic wagers.
Hardcore Troubador: Gotta love the name of this guy. Sure, he switches from the Quarter Horse racing and to turf for the first time, but he should also obviously bring some speed to the table with him. Was more than competitive in Dec/Jan running at Los Al, Sunland, and Turf Paradise in 5 to 5.5 furlong races. Abel Cedillo is making a name for himself this meet at Del Mar, and if he takes to the turf at first asking he could be very tough.
Restless Rambler: AE should draw in as the
is an early scratch. Fresh off the claim for Mark Glatt and rolls in from Churchill Downs. Very solid works including a :35 and 3 bullet on the 17th. Glatt is 23% off the claim, and draws Flavor Flav to ride. A huge entry that has 16 career wins including 4 at this very distance and surface. Contender.
SUMMARY: This is on tough race that I need to think about quite a bit more.
