Del Mar features a pick 6 carrryover of $57,980 that gets underway in Race 5. My Saturday keys plays all are in that sequence, including the featured Pat O'Brien Stakes in Race 9.

Del Mar - Race 6

#8 Keep Dancin Nick: He has had some chances and is a bit short on excuses, but he owns a couple decent lines that would play well here, and there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of on paper in this crew. Tactical type gets a decent lean for me today.

#1 Big Bill: Suppose he's one of the main ones after turning in that good effort last out behind an easy winner, but I worry that he's the default choice in a modest race and will get overbet.

#5 Fight Back: Reliable enough finisher has also had plenty of chances along the way, but his better stuff keeps him in the frame today at what might be a just playable enough price.

Race Summary: Keep Dancin Nick has a couple competitive tries on his page, and I just think he's going to be in the right spot into the far turn in a race without any real standouts. Says 'come and get me' turning in?


Del Mar - Race 9

#6 Stronghold: He returns off the bench after the flat Pegasus try, but there are a handful of tough customers in his company lines and performances that would keep him in the frame here.

#1 Dr. Venkman: Could get an OK price here with a couple flashier players lined up, and I'm hoping we'll see a bounce-back effort today for this guy as the important part of the season rolls around. Best stuff would do.

#4 Maymun: Speed was sharp in the sprint score before backing it up with the route tally, but this is a much tougher cast than he has seen to date. Talent may be there.

Race Summary: Stronghold ran well at this trip at Santa Anita in last year's Malibu, and there are a lot of question marks for me in this bunch today, especially from the Baffert contingent.


Del Mar - Race 10

#2 Nothing Is Forever: I liked her run last time out and think she's capable of something better on the turf than she showed in that Santa Anita try in May. Price should be OK to give her a look.

#4 Hello Kid O Kid O: She finally got over the top last out, but the form had been competitive and reliable prior to that, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see her hold that through to something competitive in this first run with winners.

#10 Lavender Love: She looked good in the easy graduation run last time out, and this doesn't feel like the deepest spot for the local level. Could rise to score right back.

Race Summary: Nothing Is Forever has a bit of appeal while moving back to the turf, and I'm hoping that one of her better efforts would put her in the frame with a couple talented risers.