(For additional commentary, follow us on twitter @jsiegelracing).

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DEL MAR SPOTLIGHT RACES:

First Race – Post: 2:00 PT
Top Pick: 4-Multi Platinum (3-1)
Though he finished far, far back in his debut when facing an infinitely tougher group of maiden special weight foes, this 3-year-old colt should be set to produce a form reversal in this modest maiden claiming sprint for older horses. A really nice recent gate work (see below) tells us this son of Runhappy has sufficient ability to win race at this level, so if he breaks cleanly he should be able to put on display his true ability. With the switch to top rider Juan Hernandez, the Bob Baffert-trained colt is worth a good gamble at or near his morning line of 3-1.

Tenth Race: Post: 6:34 PT
Top Pick: 8-None Above the Law (4-1)
Launches a comeback and has trained like he’s fit and ready (see below) for this year’s renewal of the California Dreamin’ Stakes, so at 4-1 on the morning line he warrants a play in the win pool and in the various rolling exotics. Winner of the Del Mar Derby-G2 over the local lawn less than a year ago, the Peter Miller-trained gelding has been faced with a few stiff tasks since then, but this is a group that should be within his wheelhouse. With good racing luck, the son of Karakontie will have every chance to regain his winning edge from a second flight, stalking position. Exotic players should consider including 2-Carmelita’s Man and 10-The Chosen Vron somewhere on your ticket.

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DEL MAR RECOMMENDED ROLLING EXOTIC STRATEGIES:

(Races 1-5)
1st race: 4-Multi Platinum
2nd race: 10-See Through It; 9-Chaos Theory; 6-Newpark; 2-Encroachment
3rd race: 6-Lexington Humor; 3-Taming the Tigress
4th race: 4-Novella; 8-Kuora; 9-Above All Names; 1-Lady Jae
5th race: 6-Carmel Road; 4-Dr. Soulfire; 3-Mister Iceman

(Races 6-11)
6th race: 10-Airkita; 11-Smiling Molly; 8-Vasco
7th race: 8-Carnivore; 6-Economical; 7-Egomania
8th race: 4-Deise Delight; 10-Frazzled
9th race: 3-Desert Dawn; 5-Shedaresthedevil; 4-Private Mission; 7-Blue Stripe
10th race: 8-None Above the Law; 2-Carmelita’s Man; 10-The Chosen Vron
11th race: 7-Dutch Bus; 12-Big Spin; 5-Mourvedre


DEL MAR WORKOUT ANALYSIS AND COMMENTARY:

FIRST RACE:

Multi Platinum (July 28, Del Mar, 5f, :59hg). Grade: B
Went a bit slower than given in team gate drill outside Western Cape (same time) for B. Baffert but still turned in decent drill, splits of :23.4, :35 flat, :47.2 and :59.4 on our watches, about a half-length in front at the conclusion of the drill, under some restraint most of the way. Was far back in his debut in a hot race at Santa Anita; certainly can improve big time with a class drop.
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FIFTH RACE:

Dr. Soulfire (July 31, Del Mar, 4f, :48.2hg). Grade: B+
Went faster than given while proving much best over Girl Ranger (4f, :48.4hg) and Bye Bye Buggsy (4f, :49.2hg) for M. McCarthy, splits of :23.3, :34.4 and :47 flat before galloping out a full five furlongs in :59 and small change, nice drill while being ridden in the final stages. Definitely can run some and should be a live item first time out vs. juveniles.
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Carmel Road (July 31, Del Mar, 5f, :59hg). Grade: B
Ridden a bit most of the way but turned in very nice work outside Cave Rock (same time) for B. Baffert, slightly best in the closing stages, splits of :23.4, :35 flat, :46.4 and :59.3 on our watches, a few ticks slower than given but reasonably impressive. Appears cranked up pretty hard for his debut, certainly has to be more than fit. Will get plenty of play in upcoming debut.
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Hawker (July 29, Del Mar, 5f, 1:00.3hg). Grade: B-
Hard held early while stride-for-stride with Lalic (4f, :47.4hg) for a half, then was asked to quicken and finished out well enough, splits of :24.2, :35.4, :48.2 and 1:01.1 on our watches, a few ticks slower than given, okay drill for J. Sadler. Justify colt isn’t a speed type; we suspect he’ll show his best form eventually over a distance of ground.
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Nullarbor (July 30, Del Mar, 5f, 1:00hg). Grade: B-
Hard held early, was ridden late, and wound up slightly second best inside Gandolfini (same time) while going slower than given, splits of :24.3, :36.1, :48.3 and 1:01.2 on our watches. Down the road type.
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NINTH RACE:

Soothsay (August 1, Del Mar, 5f, :59.2h). Grade: B+
Caught her from the quarter pole to the 7/8 pole in :23.1 and :35.4, strong work for comebacker in R. Mandella barn. Always a very good worker and looks fit, though she is picking a tough spot for her first race back.
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Desert Dawn (July 31, Del Mar, 5f, :59h). Grade: A-
Terrific work for Santa Anita Oaks winner, breaking off behind Ole Silver (5f, 1:00.4h) and Flint Stroll (5f, 1:01h) and inhaling that pair through the lane with a superb display of late speed, :12.1, :35.3 and :47.2 on our watches from the 3/8 pole to the 7/8 without need of urging. Coming up to the Clement L. Hirsch S.-G1 in terrific form and should produce a career top performance based on this drill.
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Private Mission (July 30, Del Mar, 5f, :59.2h). Grade: B+
Solo work for B. Baffert, splits of :23.3, :47.2 and :59.3 on our watches from the half mile pole out to the 7/8 pole, under a pull early and not asked much late. Has all of her speed, can be tough on the front end but doesn’t need to the lead to win.
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Blue Stripe (July 22, Del Mar, 5f, :59.2h). Grade: B+
Quite sharp, final half mile in :23.2 and :47 flat, strong in the final stages while strictly on her own. Best when held up and allowed to blast home.
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TENTH RACE:

None Above the Law (July 28, Del Mar, 6f, 1:14.2h TC DU). Grade: A-
Broke off a couple of lengths in front of Samurai Charm (6f, 1:14.1h TC DU) and maintained that margin to the end while under restraint throughout and able to go much faster if permitted (workmate was asked pretty good in the lane but made no impression). Been away since December but appears to be coming back better than he left and should fire a huge shot fresh.
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The Chosen Vron (July 28, Del Mar, 5f, :50h TC DU). Grade: B
Solo breeze around dogs on turf, mild coaxing through the lane while finishing in good style. Been away since November but is returning in good form. Handles any distance and is bred to step forward big on grass (has yet to race on turf).
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ELEVENTH RACE:

Dutch Bus (July 30, Del Mar, 4f, :47.3h). Grade: B-
Official work tab had these times reversed, with ‘Bus breaking off a few lengths in front and then finishing stride-for-stride to the wire with <b (4f, :48.2h, should have gotten the faster clocking), with neither asked much in the final stages (‘Pass perhaps a bit stronger galloping out). ‘Bus is a long-time maiden but is in good shape and should find a claiming field he can beat eventually.
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Big Spin (July 24, Del Mar, 5f, 1:00hg). Grade: B-
Went slow in the opening stages, then picked it up a bit without undue pressure while coming from the wire out to the 5/8 pole in a solid :36 flat to appear a bit the best with Upstart Yankee (same time) for T. McCanna, not bad for a maiden claiming type. Seems fit, may have a bit of a look in a real soft race.
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