We head out west to Del Mar for today’s QPW, and we will take a look at today’s seventh race which is the CTT and TOC Stakes going a mile and three-eighths on the turf course. Post time for these fillies and mares is set for approximately 9:02 pm Eastern time.
Del Mar Race 7 – CTT and TOC Stakes
Favored in tonight’s race is the 2 Linda’s Gift (4/5 morning line). She last ran two months ago at Santa Anita, winning fairly easily near the front in the Pleasantly Perfect. She appears to be playing catch me if you can in this race as there is no other speed in this race.
The 8 Musical Rhapsody (9/2 ML) also ran last in the Pleasantly Perfect at Santa Anita in June and returns here today at Del Mar. She was off a bit slow last time out. She did finish second with the help of a rail trip, but she is on the outside for this race. She will have to get near the rail in this three-turn turf event. But she has won going longer, having won going a mile and a half in May in the Santa Barbara.
The 1 Sunset Glory (5/1 ML) has progressed nicely since coming to North America in 2022. She had an 18-month layoff after her debut, but she is two for two in 2024 breaking her maiden and then an allowance optional claiming race last month here at Del Mar. This is the logical next step for this filly who is facing stakes company for the first time tonight.
The 5 Federalist Papers (15/1 ML) is an interesting entrant here tonight at Del Mar. She returns to the races after an almost yearlong layoff. She is now under the care of Phil D’Amato who wins 21% of his races with horses running under him for the first time, and 22% with horses with layoffs longer than 180 days. I’m expecting her to run well here though I think she will need this race before she steps back onto the track next.
It’s one thing when you have a heavy favorite. It’s another when you have a heavy favorite that is going to be lone speed in a race. This race is screaming take the heavy favorite and move on to the Friday finale. But I do like the upside of the 1 Sunset Glory. She made her winning move last time on the turn and drew off.
I am going to try to beat the favorite here with Sunset Glory. I think the fact that she has the race over the Del Mar turf is important as well. I think she will catch the favorite in deep stretch to win this race. I’ll call this 1-2-8-5 and my play is $20 to win on the 1. Good luck everyone!
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