Del Mar's closing weekend gets underway with an 8-race card that features the I'm Smokin Stakes for Cal-breds in Race 7. Just 3 cards remain on the season, including today.

Del Mar - Race 4

#8 Potito: Expected something a touch better from him last time out, but I still think there might be another small step forward in him while making just his fourth start back off the long layoff. Not a ton of upside, but maybe just enough.

#9 Case Hit: Speedy type has just failed to stay late in the last two turf sprints, but he figures to be in another good spot turning for home and seems as likely as any to land it from there.

#10 Midnite Musket: Wanted better last time around, but he also has some room to come forward off that run while making his second start of the summer. Some midrange price appeal with his best stuff.

Race Summary: Thought Potito was sitting on a winning run last time out, but that also looks enough like the case again today. Hoping the price will be similar to what he offered last time out.


Del Mar - Race 6

#6 Counterbalance: She showed a bit of mild interest last out in that dirt run, but the pedigree suggests there may be some upside in the second career start while moving over to the turf. Think she can hit hard today.

#9 Olivia: Spent some time considering this one on top, and she'd be no surprise in here while going second out. She can probably sustain that pace better here with that route debut under her belt, but I worry about some forward stretchout players making the front just a touch too inhospitable today.

#11 Hypergamy: Honestly looks like nothing but upside on all counts here -- the pedigree says yes to added ground and the debut run gave her plenty to build on. Wouldn't argue too hard, just worry the price will get a touch too short.

Race Summary Counterbalance outran her price at first asking, and the turf route might work in her favor to find a great spying trip behind what might be a fair pace.


Del Mar - Race 8

#6 French Moonlight: Think she's coming out of an OK race when second last time out, and I like the way she keeps heading in the right direction. Small step forward today would do the trick.

#12 Warm Reception: She took a step back last time out after the solid two-back run, but that leaves her some room to bounce back with something better today for a piece of this.

#1 We The Hobby: Reliable underneath type typically runs her race, but she also keeps finding one or two horses just a bit too tough for her each time she runs. Wouldn't be a shock to see a similar outcome here.

Race Summary: French Moonlight is moving the right way, and she caught a decent winner last time out in her first try over the local course. Lots to like today.