Eight races kick off Week 5 at Del Mar and we’ll alternate turf heats in the odd races and dirt races in the even. A trio of turf sprints are among the offerings. First post is 5 pm ET / 2 pm PT.

Each day this summer at Del Mar, I’ll be handicapping the action with my top plays on the card – including full-card selections for a featured program each week (this week’s full-card will be Saturday).

Del Mar: Race 1 | 5:00 pm ET
#1 Iriseach (3-1 morning line odds) was completely pace-compromised in the Oceanside when they ran a super-slow :48-4/5 middle half-mile. Return rival Mr. A.P. benefitted from that and still couldn’t finish; likely overbet here. Iriseach is proven over the course last fall and adds Lasix for the first time Thursday for a Phil D’Amato barn that was sharp on point last week. Win bet #1. Picks 1-5-4

Del Mar: Race 6 | 7:34 pm ET
#9 Dazzle Comm (7-2 morning line odds) extends in trip for the first time off 2 initial sprints, an excellent form cycle and catches a field that appears to lack significant early pace. Faced significantly better in prior starts, a well-meant 6/5 debut winner last out and vs. Matt At Five in the debut, a horse who since has 2 allowance wins since. Win bet #9. Exactas 9 with 5,6. Daily Double 9-6. Picks 9-5-6

Del Mar: Race 7 | 8:05 pm ET
#6 Lee’s Baby Girl (5-1 morning line odds) is 5: 3-2-0 in turf sprints with both losses by a neck. Rock-solid and trustworthy in this spot and moves up by the fact that Carla Gaines’ horses have been running very well again in recent days at Del Mar. Win bet #6. Exacta key-box 6 with 3,5,4. Picks 6-3-5