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Del Mar Scouting Report: August 22-25, 2024

by Jeremy Plonk

August 20, 2024

Key Races

Saturday | G2 Pat O’Brien (dirt sprint)

Sunday | G3 Rancho Bernardo (f/m dirt sprint)

Horsepower

Thursday: Justify-Stellar Wind second-timer Magnify (R3 maiden); G2 Whittinham winner Offlee Naughty, G3 La Jolla winner Maltese Falcon, Snow Chief winner Old Pal (R6 allowance);

Friday: G2 Eddie D winner Whamakessammyrun, G3 San Fran Mile winner Evening Sun (R2 claiming).

Saturday: G1 Bing Crosby winner The Chosen Vron, G1 Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador, G2 Triple Bend winner Happy Jack (probable G1 Pat O’Brien, draws Wednesday).

Sunday: G1 Beholder Mile winner Sweet Azteca (probable G2 Rancho Bernardo, draws Thursday)

Extra Incentives

Saturday | $10K-added Fun in the Sun Handicapping Tournament | last 5 races Saratoga, first 5 races Del Mar

Tracking the Trends

-- Favorites struggled at 10-for-35 on the week, and have gone 24%, 29% and 29% over the past 3 weeks.

-- The reliable spot for chalk has been in stakes, where favorites are 10-for-22 at the current Del Mar meet (45%) and an average stakes winner at just under 3-1 odds.

-- Jockey Kyle Frey led the way this week with his biggest stretch of the Del Mar season, winning 5 races (24%, + ROI). That was on the heels of a 1-29 week prior.

-- Jockey Hector Berrios also had a big week in the saddle with 4 wins (33%, + ROI). All 4 wins for Berrios were on turf (4-8 on grass), including 2 stakes scores.

-- Trainer Mark Glatt had his biggest week of summer going 7: 4-1-0. He produced 57% wins and a $3.89 ROI for every $1 bet with winners at $4, $10, $16, $22. Doug O’Neill was the only other barn with more than 2 wins (3-13, but a losing ROI).