DEL MAR, Calif. — The SoCal racing scene has shifted to San Diego, and Del Mar has an impressive card Saturday, including the Grade 1 Bing Crosby.
The Corsby is a “win-and-in” for the Breeder’s Cup Dirt Sprint, which will also be held at Del Mar in November. The Grade 2 San Diego Handicap is just a few races earlier, and is the final prep for the Grade 1 Pacific Classic — the West Coast’s highest-regarded race. It’s a fun card.
Let’s meet the major contenders of the Grade 1 Bing Crosby, and try to hit the late Pick 4.
Race 10. Grade 1 Bing Crosby. Six Furlongs, Dirt. 3+up. $400,000.
1. Anarchist. 10/1. Jockey: Kazushi Kimura. Trainer: Doug O’Neill.
Anarchist is a live longshot in this field. He was a close second last year in this race; he followed it up with a win in the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien, also at Del Mar.
He threw in a clunker last out at Churchill Downs in the Kelly’s Landing. A return to the Del Mar surface should do him well, and I think he’ll be part of the equation at the end.
Comment: Live Longshot.
6. Closethegame Sugar. 5/1. Jockey: Umberto Rispoli. Trainer: Adam Rice.
Closethegame Sugar has shown an ability to sit just off of fast paces, and close in the stretch. He moved into stakes company in the Aristides at Churchill, topping a horse named Skelly, who will be the favorite in the Grade 1 Vanderbilt to be run Saturday at Saratoga.
He’s very live here, and I’m fascinated to see how he performs after the travel. While there are other very good runners in here, he’s as talented as any of them.
Comment: Include.
7. Happy Jack. 3/1. Jockey: Edwin Maldonado. Trainer: Doug O’Neill.
Happy Jack comes out of a win in the Grade 2 Triple Bend at Santa Anita. He’s super lightly raced, but has run very well in his last three races.
His last work was at Del Mar, so he’s at least had some time over the course. He’ll try to set the early pace, but in my estimation he isn’t face enough. I’ll go ahead and try to beat him in this spot.
Comment: First leave-out.
8. The Chosen Vron. 6/5. Jockey: Hector Berrios. Trainer: Eric Krujac.
The Chosen Vron is one of the coolest horses currently in training. Bred in California for $3,500, he has earned over $1.4M in his career.
Horse of a lifetime times a million. The Chosen Vron has won 18 of his 23 lifetime races, and has an obvious chance to win in this group.
He started by dominating Cal-bred company, and moved into this race last year, winning a tight finish over Anarchist. I think he’s the most likely winner here, all things considered.
Comment: Most likely winner.
9. Jackstown. 15/1. Jockey: Juan Hernandez. Trainer: Bob Baffert.
Another interesting longshot in this race is Jackstown, trained by SoCal legend Bob Baffert. He is an interesting entrant, as he ran and won on debut as a two year-old, then was put on the bench until this year, his four year-old campaign.
He’s a son of Speighstown, himself a fine sprinter. His last work at Del Mar was four furlongs in a scorching 46 seconds; this sets up as a Baffert special. I expect him to go off around 9/2 or 5/1. Major, major player here.
Comment: Must-include.
Del Mar Play: Late Pick 4, starts Race 8: 4 / 3,4,7,9,10 / 6,8,9 / 6,7,9,10 $.50 base = 30.
Good Luck with your wagers this weekend!
We’ll see you next week for the Grade 1 Hirsch — another Breeder’s Cup win-and-in.