We head out of the cold and damp weather and head to Del Mar for today’s race. We have Cal-bred fillies and mares going six furlongs in this optional claiming test.
Del Mar Race 7 – Optional Claiming
Favored in today’s race is the 2 Wishtheyallcouldbe (9/5 morning line). She is back after an almost three-month layoff which may have been injury related since she was claimed last time out but the claim was voided. She will be close to the pace here looking for her fifth win lifetime here at Del Mar.
The 3 Nene Diamond (6/1 ML) changed trainers since her win at Santa Anita last month on the turf. She returns to the dirt for the first time since her debut win in February 2023. She appears that she could stalk the pace if she is able to go from turf to dirt here.
Like Nene Diamond, Andiamo Ragazza (#6, 6/1 ML) comes into today’s race off of a race on the turf. She was in a Cal-bred stakes race where she closed to finish fourth on the tricky hillside course. She cold be near the pace like she was in her dirt debut at Los Al, or further back like she was on the turf here at Del Mar.
He 8 Just Is (10/1 ML) closed well two back here at Del Mar back in August and then held on for third at Santa Anita last month. She will be close to the pace where that outside post may help her stalk the pace.
Joe’s Pick
I’m trying to find a way to beat the favorite here, and I just cannot find it here today. If she does lose, we might be able to blame this on the layoff that she had. But I think we just eat some chalk here and move on to tomorrow’s races.
Let’s call this race 2-6-8-3 and my play is $20 to win on the 2. Best of luck everyone and see ya in the winner’s circle!
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