by Brian W. Spencer
July 26, 2025
A trio of Saturday stakes align on what is Del Mar's biggest card so far this summer meet. Be sure to take advantage of 1/ST BET and Xpressbet's Bet $200, Get $20 offer this week when you bet at least $100 each on Saratoga and Del Mar the same day. Register for all promos to take part.
Del Mar - Race 8 - San Diego Stakes
#1 Midnight Mammoth: He's probably not in the next guy's league right now, but he's in the best form of his career and ran well behind a good one last time out. Needs his A++ game today, but maybe with a cozy trip.
#2 Nysos: His only loss came at the hands of a really nice one in one of the toughest races of the year, and he came out of that with another powerhouse score last out. The clear one to beat.
#7 Judge Miller: He landed a few shares in tough spots last year but is meeting a deeper crew here today. Think he's a bit of a reach for top honors, but he's capable of something obviously better than that last one.
Race Summary: Midnight Mammoth should offer a good price while in career form, and if Nysos somehow doesn't land this, 'Mammoth is as good as any of these right now.
Del Mar - Race 9 - Daisycutter Stakes
#2 Imaboutago: Speed comes back fresh in a spot that doesn't have a ton of serious frontrunners lined up. Could be in the frame from the first jump with Pushiness prompting the whole way
#10 Pushiness: She'll be a bit shorter number than the top choice, but she's a player while drawing a perfect attack post for her pace. She'll take it to the top choice early either way.
#7 Spicybug: She comes out of a pretty good Saratoga spot and might find a pretty good place to watch the top two settle the early score. Tactical enough to avoid having too much to do.
Race Summary: Imaboutago is quick enough to get in the mix early here, and she could find enough in the tank if she's able to shake free from Pushiness in the lane.
Del Mar - Race 11
#4 Rexford: There is actually some decent turf sprint form on his page, and he might settle into a perfect spot while tracking a couple of more committed forward players. Would love to see him watch that all unfold from about two
lengths back.
#2 Adios Cole: Considered him on top with this crew and think he's one of the more realistic ones today while getting some class relief. He can hit hard here with his baseline.
#1 Suchet: Would want him on the multi-race plays for this closeout leg, as the form is pretty reliable, and I like that he's got some recent form on his page, too.
Race Summary: Wouldn't argue too hard with anyone taking #6 Flyover here off a couple of sharp scores to open his career -- should be fun to watch him again up top.