Del Mar's 8-race Friday card on Pacific Classic Eve alternates turf and dirt races throughout with grass on the odds and dirt on the evens. Turf sprinters clash in a Race 7 allowance for the day's featured race and that will be one of my key plays.

Del Mar - Race 2

#4 Seattle Surf: He has had a lot of chances already, but his pace feels dangerous enough in a spot like this while coming off a race that might do the trick against a bunch of horses who seem to be trying to find any way to wake up right now.

#5 Unique Power: Nothing to write home about on his page, but his only dirt sprint was the best effort of his three lifetime tries, and there are a couple of pretty huge names in his company lines. I guess.

#7 Grinnell: He's another with some huge names in the company lines and looks like a good fit with this crew. Wouldn't be any surprise to see him spy and land this.

Race Summary: Seattle Surf turned in a good one last time out that might handle this crew -- will hope he runs back to it. But also, check out how oddly deep the company lines are for some of these horses now in a $32,000 maiden claimer. Big stakes names like Journalism, Citizen Bull, and Freedom's Not Free all make appearances.


Del Mar - Race 5

#4 Unrivaled Time: Get a look at him on the tote and track ahead of this one, but he feels like a solid lean for me on paper. The barn is capable with this kind, and the top side of his pedigree is win early on any footing. Guessing he's ready.

#9 No Joke Antares: He'll stretch out on turf for the first time today, but he has been kind of one-paced through two dirt sprints so far. Could easily see there being enough upside to take this one.

#3 Flashy Fritz: I never thought he was going to be a star, but I definitely expected a bit better from him than what we've seen so far. Maybe the distance and surface switch shakes him up?

Race Summary: Unrivaled Time goes first out in a race that doesn't feel like it has any obvious standouts on paper, and he's got a win-early pedigree that suggests he'll like this trip.


Del Mar - Race 7

#1 Lovin' On the Run: She didn't have the cleanest run of things when missing by just a length at 33/1 in stakes company last time out, and I like how reliable her form has become over the last few months. Can handle these.

#8 Barbara T: Dropper couldn't hang in Grade II company last time out, but she's quick and should be in the picture from the start. Threat if she likes the new footing.

#9 Miss Roberts: She and #5 The Wild Grazer have similar profiles where their runs outside of stakes company have all been pretty solid, and she stacks up OK with this bunch right back off the score last out.

Race Summary: Lovin' On the Run gets a little class relief while still landing in a pretty deep spot -- but that might help keep the price just playable enough after a solid try in stakes company last time out.