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Del Mar 4th Race – Post: 5:30 PT. Degree of confidence: A-
Top Selection: 8-Normandy Queen.
Other Contenders: 9-Vibez.

Forecast: We were quite impressed with the debut performance by Normandy Queen in mid-June at Santa Anita when the gifted daughter of Omaha Beach finished third behind the stakes-quality Hope Road in a fast, highly rated sprint for older fillies and mares. We thoroughly expect a significant forward move based on her sharp workout pattern since that race, and with the stretch out to two turns the M. Glatt-trained sophomore looks ready to graduate. The barn has powerful stats with the second times starter angle, and in a field without much early zip she could easily inherit the role as the controlling speed and never look back. We have her as the 5/2 morning line favorite despite the likelihood that Vibez will receive plenty of play, and at or near that price she’ll offer excellent wagering value.


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Del Mar 7th race – Post: 7:00 ET. Degree of confidence: B+
Top Selection: 2-Helga Brandt (Ire)
Other Contenders: none.

Forecast: English invader Helga Brandt (Ire) makes her U.S. debut in this maiden special weight turf miler for older fillies and mares and based on her European form she appears more than capable of handling this assignment. A first time Lasix user with three prior runs overseas – she was in the frame in her last pair – this lengthy filly with plenty of scope has good tactical speed and a decent turn of foot that should translate her all-weather form to the firm ground that Del Mar offers. Nicely drawn inside for trainer Carla Gaines, the daughter of Mehmas projects to settle behind the leaders and then blast home when the opportunity presents itself. We’ll make her a strong win play and rolling exotic single.