Del Mar gets its 4-day racing week off to a start with an 8-race card today. My key plays all come in the late pick 4 sequence.

Del Mar - Race 5

#2 Potito: That last one says there might still be something in the tank here after he turned in a flat two-back run off the 15-month break. Another small step forward lands this, but he's in the frame with something like the last one anyway.

#5 Midnite Musket: Versatile type has some pace to play early, but he can also shut off a bit and finish if the race flow calls for it. Could be a midrange price player in a fun race.

#8 Cullen J: He and the guy just outside of him both have some dangerous attacking pace from good outside draws that could help determine how quick they go early. This guy can relax a touch if needed, so slight edge for me in this third
spot.

Race Summary: Potito came back with a flat effort, but his last run suggests the barn might have brought him back for a good reason. Let's see what he's got today -- I'd be more than interested at anything like the 6/1 ML price.

Del Mar - Race 7

#7 Atia: She was a better fit back with this kind of company last time out after the milder Grade III try in May, and I think her better stuff makes her interesting with this group at what should be an OK enough price.

#6 Thebestisyettobe: Tactical type has been pretty tough when outside of stakes company, and she earned this step up after landing a couple races with softer after returning from a serious break. Might have some fun with this one.

#3 Eternal Reign: Wouldn't argue too hard with anyone landing here as a horse to lean on in hopes that his solid baseline effort would be enough, but I worry that he can come up short again after looking similarly formidable in a few recent starts with similar. Not for me today, but I wouldn't get worked up over it.

Race Summary: Atia has some form that might be a tiny touch better than it looks at first glance, and I'm hoping she'll make a similar grab for the top at some point and just sustain it better.

Del Mar - Race 8

#3 Friends with Fidel: That last one was OK and makes him a good fit with this group. Thinking he finds a perfect first-jump kind of trip from here if some outside pace crosses over. In the frame throughout.

#5 Regarding Harry: Felt like just a bit too much of a reach to have him on top, but I think he's interesting here. He drops after a dull turf try with special weight company here last out, but there are a couple of dirt tries on his page that weren't....terrible? Could see him showing up with much better today.

#8 Tapit Dynasty: He makes a lot of sense here after a good run while facing some of these last time out, and you might get a better price on him this time around with a serious enough looking dropper drawn just inside of hm.

Race Summary: Friends of Fidel should be in line for a good run while getting around two turns for the first time. Think that he and Regarding Harry wouldn't be the worst try at a two-deep shot to end the day on at least a mild price note.