HORSE RACING

Del Mar Horse Racing Picks for Saturday 8/22/20

There are 11 races on Saturday at Del Mar, including the $500,000 Grade 1 Pacific Classic. Which horses should you bet on at FanDuel Racing?

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 11 races at Del Mar Racetrack. Using numberFire's 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.)

Harvest Moon, Race 4

FanDuel Racing Odds: 2/1

Race 4 is the $100,000 Grade 3 Torrey Pines Stakes for 3-year-old fillies racing 1-mile. We follow the lead of Top Race Reports, and the WCHR notes that Harvest Moon (2/1) is two-for-two routing on the main track and a potential superstar with her physical qualities. Improved speed rating and pointing towards this race. Top jockey Flavien Prat rides.

Secret Keeper (7/2) is the main rival for quality horseman Cliff Sise Jr. and top pick of numberFire. Few runners for Sise but three-for-eight at the meet, and he has a good one in here too but not as talented as top choice.

Seven Charms and Comradery, Race 5

FanDuel Racing Odds: 15/1 and 15/1

A Maiden Special Weight at 1-mile on the turf. Top Race Reports offers some learning and lessons in the WCHR. Seven Charms (15/1) makes his career debut at age 3. Selective placement and patience by trainer Mike McCarthy, knowing his horse is prepared well and can handle the longer assignment at first asking.

Comradery (15/1) has hit the board in two starts and showed well off a layoff going a distance last month. Expecting both these runners to outrun their odds.

Not discounting Lane Way (5/2) or Divine Armor (5/1), but shooting for a score and under-the radar runners with more value.

United and Red King, Race 7

FanDuel Racing Odds: 8/5 and 8/1

Race 7 is the $200,000 Del Mar Handicap at 1 3/8 miles. A field of 11 will race with the winner earning a spot into the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Longines Turf on November 7th at Keeneland.

Daily Horse Picks has United (8/5) on top with leading jockey Flavien Prat followed by Oscar Dominguez (6/1) with top jockey Drayden Van Dyke riding for EPO trainer Richard Baltas.

United has won three in a row, all this year with speed figures above 117 in those three graded stakes races. Top Race Reports notes the long and efficient stride and breeding to run all day. Trainer Richard Mandella’s recent morning work pattern for United suggests another top effort.

Same with Red King (8/1), who’s included with another leading jockey, Umberto Rispoli, riding for EPO trainer Phil D’Amato. Red King is off his first graded stakes win two months ago at a marathon distance. He posted a 102 speed figure and has super sharp morning works ready for his return.

Sharp Samurai and Maximum Security, Race 10

FanDuel Racing Odds: 8/1 and 1/1

Race 10 is the $500,000 Grade 1 Pacific Classic. The winner earns a fees-paid entry into the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on November 7th at Keeneland. The 1 1/4 mile Pacific Classic drew just six runners, and Maximum Security (1/1) is the heavy favorite and top choice of numberFire and Guaranteed Tip Sheet. Maximum Security will benefit from the distance and has the early pace and energy balance required to win, as a deeper dive uncovered.