by Jeff Siegel
August 15, 2024
Del Mar 1st race – Post: 2:00 PT. Degree of confidence: B
Top Selection: 4-Pioneer Prince.
Other Contenders: 5-Uncle Reg; 1-Kid Azteca.
Forecast: Pioneer Prince looked quite sharp winning a restricted (nw-2) $32,000 claimer over this course and distance earlier this month and may prove to be a timely claim by D. O’Neill, who protects him today in a sign of confidence. This starter allowance field is tougher and more competitive than one he just handled convincingly but based on speed figures the four-year-old gelding should be quite competitive on the raise. He has good tactical speed and can be effective on the front end or from a stalking position, so regular pilot M. Smith can assess the situation leaving the gate and then pick his spot. There should be reasonable wagering value available at or near his morning line of 3-1.
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Del Mar 7th Race – Post: 5:00 PT. Degree of confidence: B+
Top Selection: 7-Diamond Bar Gal.
Other Contenders: 6-Irish Wahine; 2-Andiamo Ragazza.
Forecast: Diamond Bar Gal hasn’t been out in almost a year but the work tab should have her fit enough to fire a big shot off the bench, and if she returns as well as she left the four year old filly will absolutely be a major player in this first level allowance grass dash. She owns an affective stalking style and projects to always be within range in the second flight and then have her chance to mow down the leaders when the pressure is turned on. The daughter of Vronsky earned a solid number when graduating over this course and distance last year, retains top rider J. Hernandez, and is nicely priced at 4-1 on the morning line. She, along with the two other contenders listed above, comprise what should be a good gamble in the exactas, trifectas, and in rolling exotic play.