The first day of the final month of 2024 also coincides with closing day at Del Mar as we will look at the Grade 1 Matriarch Stakes. We have fillies and mares going a mile on the turf course. Today is one last time that the attendees will get the here “Where the Turf Meets the Surf” until next July at the seaside oval.
Del Mar Race 7 – Matriarch Stakes (Grade 1)
Favored in the closing day feature is the 11 Gina Romantica (8/5 ML). The five-year-old will make her final start here today looking to add another Grade 1 win to her resume. She won’t be too far off the lead here which should help her with the short stretch that Del Mar has.
The 3 Ag Bullet (3/1 ML) will be on the front end like she usually is. Did not get the lead early in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint here at Del Mar, but she briefly got the lead in a race against the boys before finishing third by a neck in a blanket finish. She won at this distance at Del Mar at the opening of the summer meet in July as well.
Challenging Ag Bullet on the front end should be Kehoe Beach (10/1 ML). She consistently goes for the lead in her seven race career. I would not be surprised if she wins on the front end, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if she and Ag Bullet get caught in the stretch.
The 1 Sacred Wish (12/1 ML) could be a house that picks up the pieces here. She is second race off of a layoff finishing third on the Breeders’ Cup undercard at Del Mar. Last time out she was boxed in on the final turn with nowhere to go and finally found a way out. She could have that issue again here today drawing the rail in this race.
The 12 Nadette (15/1 ML) should be flying on the outside. The outside post is not ideal, but she has an opportunity to get closer to the rail going into the first turn. Once again, if the leaders do duel on the front end, this is another mare with a chance to upset.
Joe’s Pick
This race is all about Gina Romantica. She will go out a winner her in her final race before retirement. She will have the perfect trip to take over to win the Matriach. I’ll call this race 11-1-12-3 and my play is $20 to win. Best of luck to everyone!
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