We head west to Del Mar for the final weekend of their summer meet, and we will look at their second race on the card. We have California-bred juveniles going six furlongs on the main track. Post time is set for 6:30 pm Eastern time.
Del Mar Race 2 – I’m Smokin’ Stakes
Favored in tonight’s race is R Heisman (6/5 morning line). She comes into this race after winning the Graduation Stakes last month here at Del Mar. If he runs the same race as before, he will be not for off the pace, and given the short field, he could be on the lead here.
If she is on the lead here, she will be challenged by the 5 Style Cat (4/1 ML). He broke her maiden last month at Del Mar going five and a half furlongs on the main track. He progresses to the six furlong distance where he should be on the lead again.
To the inside of the favorite is the 1 Shea Brennan (9/5 ML). He was impressive in winning his maiden special weight debut. He started off slowly but was full of run in the stretch to power by everyone in the stretch by two lengths. He might be closer to the pace today, but who knows, he might have learned to settle behind the leaders after the issue at the start of last race.
The 6 Bodacious (6/1 ML) is a horse that would benefit from a cleaner trip and the outside gate this evening. He was bounced around at the start of the race and then had to check at the half mile pole. He was done as he turned for home after taking a very wide turn. There will be less traffic in this race and less horseflesh, so hopefully he gets a drama free trip.
There is a fair amount of speed in this race, and I expect a few horses gunning for the lead. It is very possible that we have a closer here picking up the pieces. Even the 4 The Gypsy Cowboy could pick up the pieces, even with that 20/1 morning line. He closed to finish fourth in that Graduation Stakes race here at Del Mar and could do the same here as well.
Finally, I hate to say that a horse has no chance in this race. But I think the 3 Timty (15/1 ML) might be going in the wrong direction right now as he showed nothing in the Graduation Stakes. He was bumped around as well, but he needs a huge jump in his performance to win, which I do not see.
I’m looking for a horse to close in this fairly short field. To me, it is about what 1 Shea Brennan and the 6 Bodacious do. I’ll take a swing at Bodacious to have a cleaner trip here and win this race. Let’s call this 6-1-2-4 and my play is $20 to win on the 6.
Best of luck everyone, and see you tomorrow on Also Eligible as we will look at some of the stakes races back at Kentucky Downs.
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