Though I did say yesterday that I would be looking at Saratoga today, with the rain that they received overnight, I made the executive decision to pivot away from The Spa today and head to Del Mar for today’s fifth race on their card. Today’s race is an optional claiming race on the turf going five furlongs.
Also note that the rail is out 24 feet on the turf course at Del Mar today, which narrows the course but ultimately protects the inner portions of the track for when the biggest turf races occur as the season moves forward.
Favored in today’s race at Del Mar is the 4 Baby Kristen (5/2 morning line) and this mare will be going for the lead. Most of her races lately have been on the tapeta at now closed Golden Gate Fields. She hasn’t shown much on the turf or at this distance, so she could be beatable here.
She could have company on the front end with the 7 O Mandy (10/1 ML). She broke her maiden last time out on the dirt at Santa Anita, but she has run well on the turf, finishing third twice. But if she goes for the front, can she keep up?
The 9 Sassy Prancelot (7/2 ML) will be on the outside barring any of the also eligible horses drawing into the field. She will be stalking the leaders and looking to pounce when they turn for home. She broke her maiden in her 2024 debut at Santa Anita and should be able to handle shortening up a furlong and a half here on the Del Mar green.
The 1 Quick Kate (9/2 ML) draws the rail for this race and she will be closing here if she can get the room in the stretch. She lost by a nose last time out at Santa Anita and should be doing the same thing here. The only question will be will she have the room to maximize her closing ability.
Also keep an eye on the 2 Giant Kid (5/1 ML). She has run well on the tapeta at Golden Gate and on the dirt at Pleasanton. She might be better suited going a shorter distance on the grass and is worthy of a look here.
We do have four also eligible entries in this race: the 10 Sing a Happy Song (20/1), the 11 Diamond Bar Gal (6/1 ML), 12 Long Mayshe Reign (15/1 ML) and the 13 Flame McGoon (20/1). The only distaffer that draws my interest here is the 11 Diamond Bar Gal who broke her maiden last August at Del Mar at today’s distance, but she disappeared after that. She has had quite a few workouts for today, but she might have to wait another day if she cannot draw in. If she does, she might have that stalking trip that I mentioned that the 9 Sassy Prancelot could have.
With the rail out 24 feet, it will be tougher for the closers to close here. But we do have a potential of the favorite going for the lead who does not hold the lead at the end. The possibility of being lone speed is enticing, but I will try to beat her with the 1 Quick Kate.
The only concern I have as I mentioned before is the trip that she will have. Does she get boxed in? Will she have room to get off the rail if that’s the winning move? Will the rail open up? Something will happen here as these are not world beaters, and Quick Kate will get up at the wire. I will call this 1-9-4-2 and my play is $20 to win on the 1. Good luck everyone!
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