Del Mar kicks off a fresh racing week with an 8-race card where all 3 of my key plays today come on the turf.

Del Mar - Race 2

#9 Avocado Lake: Take a look at this one on the tote and track ahead of this, but she's bred to like the short trip and may be ready enough to give the likely chalk a battle.

#6 Shady Stripes: Forward player gets blinkers while moving to the turf off a good debut try when taking cash at 6/5, and any upside from there would make her a handful. Might drill these.

#11 Donde Esta Jefe: She's another first-timer with some appeal on paper, so check her out. I like the draw to potentially try to attack from out here if she has any pace.

Race Summary: Avocado Lake goes first out in a race with a formidable likely chalk in Shady Stripes, so demand a fair and midrange price.


Del Mar - Race 6

#7 Baldoro: He tends to settle for a lot of good underneath shares, but I think this is the right group for him to get over the top against. Reliable form fits from close range.

#9 Russells Hustle: He comes back fresh for the new team with some back form that probably keeps him in the frame with these, and he has done some pretty good work over the local turf in the past.

#1 Promissio: He woke up a bit in that last one when getting back over the local footing, and he might be able to find a decent spot while saving ground from off the pace from the fence.

Race Summary: Baldoro has plenty of appeal with honest form against this kind and another good tactical trip looming today. Think he'll handle this bunch.


Del Mar - Race 8

#2 Blue Oasis: She has just failed to stay in those last two, but she looks like the controlling pace again today and may be able to see this one out if she doesn't take any real heat from the spying types.

#10 Ms Brightside: Spying speed should find a great spot to watch the top choice set the tempo, and she's got pretty reliable form that stacks up well here. Wouldn't argue too hard with you.

#7 Lady of Power: She might appreciate this lighter crew after a decent run last time out, and that one might leave her with some upside in the second start of the summer.

Race Summary Blue Oasis has committed pace in a spot where the other forward players all seem happy to sit just a bit off her pace, and she could be long gone if she shakes free on the far turn.