Del Mar Horse Racing Picks for Friday 8/14/20
It's a great time to dive into horse racing, and FanDuel Racing gives you the chance to do just that.
Starting at 5:00 p.m. EST, we have nine races at Del Mar Racetrack. Using our numberFire projections as a guide, here are some of the best bets.
As always, check the program for scratches and changes.
(I will reference Equibase's Speed Figure in selected races, which tells you how fast a horse has been running in each of its races -- adjusted for track, distances, and conditions).
Run Snappy and Ready Jet Go, Race 3
FanDuel Racing Odds: 6/1 and 10/1
Race 3 is a Maiden Special Weight with 2-year-olds sprinting 5 ½ furlongs on the turf.
If you want to learn more about racing and get insightful information you can bet on, then follow Top Race Reports (TRR). That will lead you to some handicapping information and wouldn’t you like to know that Run Snappy (6/1), sired by Run Happy, is out of the seventh foal of a dam that has produced 4-of-6 winners on debut? That’s rare, and this MSW field of 8 is super deep with legitimate runners. Also, numberFire picks Run Snappy on top of Stratofortress (7/2), with leading jockey Umberto Rispoli taking the mount and leading the Del Mar meet with a 27% win rate.
The handicapping report (WCHR) of Top Race Reports notes that Run Snappy trainer Jon Sadler has a consistent work pattern of quick works followed by slow training, telling those in the know Sadler needs nothing more from his juvenile runner as he's ready for his debut.
Also include longshot Ready Jet Go (10/1) on debut for leading trainer and EPO conditioner Peter Miller. Other notes from WCHR show Commander Khai (6/1) very well bred and working super for EPO trainer Richard Baltas with jockey Heriberto Figueroa given many live mounts of late. Get Her Number (5/1) is not hard to find with top jock Flavien Prat also riding for Peter Miller.
Jewel Thief, Race 7
FanDuel Racing Odds: 5/2
Race 7 is a 5 furlong sprint on the turf for 3-year-old fillies. This Claiming race has 9 runners and the top pick of numberFire and Top Race Reports is Jewel Thief (5/2). She'll get bet down further as she's finished first or second in all six starts, including runner-up in her Del Mar debut last month off a layoff. She held the lead into the stretch as a strong favorite and now has added solid works in place for EPO trainer Phil D'Amato. A relaxed stalk-and-pounce trip to the winners circle expected.
Sugar Pickel (6/1) strings races together and is spotted well on the outside No. 9 post with Prat riding. A viable option to hit the board at a better price.
Bench Judge and Jetovator, Race 9
FanDuel Racing Odds: 12/1 and 6/1
The closing race Friday where the “Turf Meets the Surf” is an Optional Claiming Allowance Race for state-breds racing 1 1/16 miles on the turf. Top Race Reports again directs us to value and an overlay with Bench Judge (12/1) along with Jetovator (6/1) with Flavien Prat riding for trainer Peter Eurton.
Bench Judge stretches out, and while no proven class like some of his rivals, we project improvement in third start to challenge. Jetovator has shown improvement, hitting triple-digit speed figures in two recent starts just behind Golden Doughnut (6/1) and out of the money last month. Rider change to Prat is positive for a better off the pace run to the finish.
Whooping Jay (5/2) is the favorite and top pick of numberFire while Daily Horse Picks selects Sea of Liberty (3/1) and leading jockey Rispoli over the favorite and Offshore Affair (7/2). Whooping Jay strings races together, showing good health with a win and two runner-up finishes since May. That includes a career-best 107 speed figure last out in a minor stakes at long odds and just missing from off the pace against the favorite. He's worth inclusion and a payoff with the two choices.
