Friday's Del Mar first post is 3 pm PT / 6 pm ET with an 8-race card that includes 5 maiden races. I'll approach it early and late with my keys to the day.

Del Mar - Race 1

#5 Honey Jo: She needs better than we've seen so far, but there is some upside while moving around two turns against this softer crew. Wouldn't be a surprise to see her form wake up quickly here.

#2 Goatski: She's back quick for this one while dropping out of an OK effort with better, but I worry that she's going to get bet pretty hard and could be vulnerable again late.

#7 Big Whoosh: The baseline form is within reach in this one, and she has a couple back turf efforts that would make her interesting enough today. Not a ton of enthusiasm for me here, but I wouldn't be shocked....

Race Summary: Honey Jo exits a race I liked a bit, and she has some room to come forward today with the added ground. Once you get past Goatski on paper, there's not a whole lot to worry about in here.


Del Mar - Race 3

#4 B G Bullet: He was pretty one-paced at first asking, but he might be capable of something better with a bit cleaner trip this time around. Seems like one of the ones.

#1 Cactus Charlie: He flashed some pace and faded in the debut run, but he has room to improve off that try and should be able to show some speed from the fence today. Tough call.

#8 L Rankin: He ran OK at Los Al in the debut try before catching a sharp winner last time out, and now he'll get a chance on the new footing with a versatile kind of pedigree in tow.

Race Summary: B G Bullet can improve with that debut run under his belt, and there isn't a ton of super sharp form on paper lined up today.


Del Mar - Race 8

#4 Heartfull of Joy: That pace and fade run here last year wasn't all bad when only fading late, and that kind of effort might play better against this group while dropping fresh off the bench.

#9 Perfect Smile: The form fits well enough here, but she has already had a couple chances at lower claiming levels and may take a bit too much cash again today.

#11 Ponytail Pete: She's another with a bit of outside prompting pace that can be dangerous, but like the one listed above, she's not super reliable in the late stages of her races.

Race Summary: Heartfull of Joy has some speed and figures to have a little bit of company, but I wonder if this first start against claiming company may help her move forward enough to stay.