Specifically designed for the rolling exotic player, Jeff Siegel’s Daily Del Mar Handicapping Analysis, Wagering Strategies, and Workout Commentary identify those horses that should be included in daily doubles, pick-3s, pick-4s, pick-5s, and the pick-6.
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For additional commentary, follow us on twitter @jsiegelracing.
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Grade Descriptions:
Grade A=Highest degree of confidence
Grade B=Solid Play.
Grade C=Least preferred or pass
Grade X=probable winner but likely at odds too short to play

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RACE 1: Post: 1:30 PT Grade: B+
Main ticket: (in order of preference): 8-Tapalo
Backups/Savers/Underneath: none.

Editor’s Note: We’re on assignment this weekend, so we’re presenting a mini version of our usual analysis, highlighting our two Best Plays of the day plus our wagering strategies for the remainder of the program. We’ll resume our full-card race-by-race commentary on Friday at Del Mar.

Forecast: The known element is ordinary so let’s latch on to a fresh face in this maiden $80,000 claiming sprint for juveniles. Tapalo has done some very good local work for John Sadler and appears to have the kind of speed and ability to win a race at this level. Bred for speed (Tapiture), he smoked a quarter mile in :21 flat at the OBS March sale without undue pressure, and from his lovely outside draw he should be able to secure a soft pace pressing trip or perhaps even establish the running and go on from it from there. He’s listed at 3-1 on the morning line and would offer excellent value in the win pool and in the various rolling exotics at or near that price.

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RACE 2: Post: 2:05 PT Grade: C+
Main ticket: (in order of preference): 1-Ghost of Midnight
Backups/Savers/Underneath: 9-Snapp Daddy.

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RACE 3: Post: 2:37 PT Grade: C+
Main ticket (in order of preference): 8-Stotland; 7-Papale
Backups/savers/Underneath: none.

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RACE 4: Post: 3:08 PT Grade: B
Main ticket (in order of preference): 11-South Coast Route
Backups/Savers/Underneath: 8-Mt. Zeror.

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RACE 5: Post: 3:38 PT Grade: X
Main ticket (in order of preference): 5-Fun to Dream; 4-Yuki.
Backups/Savers/Underneath: none.

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RACE 6: Post: 4:10 PT Grade: B
Main ticket (in order of preference): 8-Excel Calculator
Backups/Savers/Underneath: 5-Arrowthegreat.

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RACE 7: Post: 4:40 PT Grade: B
Main ticket (in order of preference): 2-Katerini
Backups/Savers/Underneath: 9-Sareeha.

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RACE 8: Post: 5:10 PT Grade: B+
Main ticket (in order of preference): 5-Catmansue
Backups/Savers/Underneath: none.

Forecast: Though he is listed at 10-1 on the morning line, we seriously doubt that the first time starter Catmansue will leave at anywhere near that price in this maiden special weight sprint for state-bred 2-year-olds. A $100,000 OBS March sale by Cat Burglar, he’s the most expensive offspring of his sire and may winding up well worth that price based on his sizzling :09 4/5 breeze during the preview session in which he displayed excellent speed without being knocked about. His local drills for trainer Jeff Mullins have been visually pleasing as well, so if this promising colt performs up to expectations he’ll win at first asking as win play and rolling exotic single.

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RACE 9: Post: 5:40 PT Grade: B
Main ticket (in order of preference): Legislator; 4-Watsonville
Backups/Savers/Underneath: none.

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RACE 10: Post: 6:10 PT Grade: B+
Main ticket: (in order of preference): 1-Crazy Hot
Backups/savers: none.

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RACE 11: Post: 6:40 PT Grade: B-
Main ticket: (in order of preference): 5-Tiz Plus; 6-Give Me the Lute
Backups/savers: none.

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