The Runaway Horse: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club

Showing posts with label Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Show all posts

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Eddie Read Stakes 2026 Analysis (7-26-26)

The Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes is the feature race at Del Mar on Sunday, July 26, with a $250,000 purse for three-year-olds and up going 1 1/8 miles on the turf course.

Race Overview

Race: Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes
Track: Del Mar
Distance: 1 1/8 miles (turf)
Purse: $250,000
Post Time: 9:10 p.m. ET

Pace Analysis

Cabo Spirit projects as the lone confirmed front-runner and could find himself on an uncontested lead under Mike Smith.

Post time favorite Formidable Man can be placed anywhere and figures to chase moderate fractions.

Mondego is capable of working out a forwardly placed trip from an inner post.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

#1 Astronomer (20-1)

Astronomer has not won a race since the Golden Mile at Del Mar in 2021 and his winless streak stands at 20 races.

He is capable of getting into a forward position from the inside post but he probably won’t be around at the end.

#2 Mondego (8-1)

Mondego enters off a victory in the Grade 2 Charles Whittingham (May 2), and he captured the Grade 3 San Marcos in February.

Although those wins came at longer distances, his positional speed gives him a chance to make an impact if he handles the cutback.

Saturday, July 25, 2026

Bing Crosby Stakes 2026 Analysis (7-25-26)

The Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes headlines Saturday’s card at Del Mar, serving as Race 10 with a $400,000 purse for three-year-olds and up. The six-furlong sprint has attracted a talented and evenly matched field, making it one of the most competitive races of the weekend.

Race Overview

Race 10: Bing Crosby Stakes (Grade 1)
Track: Del Mar
Distance: 6 furlongs
Purse: $400,000
Post Time: 9:40 p.m. ET

Pace Projection

The Bing Crosby should feature an aggressive early pace.

Maximum Bourbon, Listenupshance, Cornucopian, and Mad House all possess early speed, while Stronghold figures to settle just behind the leaders in a stalking position.

If the pace becomes contested, horses like Dr. Venkman and Moonlight could find themselves closing into a tiring field. Still, the tactical runners appear to hold the advantage.

Field Analysis

#1 Maximum Bourbon (7-2)

Maximum Bourbon enters in excellent form after an impressive victory as my top choice in the St. Matthews Stakes at Churchill Downs. His speed figures have steadily improved with each recent start, and he owns four wins from six career races.

The primary concern is the rail draw. From the inside post, he’ll likely need to leave the gate quickly to secure position against several other speed horses. While talented enough to contend, the trip could prove more difficult than it was in his most recent victory.

#2 Listenupshance (8-1)

Listenupshance has been competitive in graded company throughout the season. He finished second in the Grade 3 San Carlos behind Cornucopian before recording another solid effort in the Grade 3 True North at Saratoga.

He has enough early speed to stay involved from the outset and could be a factor if he secures a favorable stalking trip.

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Del Mar Analysis & Pick 6 Carryover (7-23-26)

Del Mar’s Thursday card features eight competitive races and an attractive Pick 6 carryover beginning in Race 3. After reviewing the fields, pace scenarios, class levels, and projected speed figures, here are my race-by-race selections and betting thoughts.

Race 1 – $16,000 Claiming (5½ Furlongs)

The morning-line favorite SendIt Mo owns strong projected speed figures, but the drop from a $32,000 claim to $16,000 in just his second start for the new barn raises concerns.

Top Pick: #3 Uecker (4-1)

Uecker drops in class while switching back to dirt. His turf speed figures compare favorably with this field, and he previously ran well over the main track, finishing a close second with a competitive speed figure. If he transfers his turf form to dirt, he offers solid value.

Contenders

#3 Uecker
#2 SendIt Mo
#1 Joker Went Wild

Race 2 – Maiden Special Weight (5 Furlongs Turf)

Top Pick: #8 Captain Shreve (7-2)

Captain Shreve has faced tougher competition on dirt and now makes an intriguing move to the turf course. George Papaprodromou’s sophomore gelding reunites with jockey Umberto Rispoli, who guided him to a runner-up finish in his debut late last year. If he handles the surface switch, he should be a major player.

Thursday, July 16, 2026

San Diego Handicap 2026 Video Picks (7-18-26)

Video analysis of the Grade 2, $300,000 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar (7-18-26).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Race Competition Levels: Today's Racing Digest Video Series

My latest how to use Today's Racing Digest video focuses on Race Competition Levels (class ratings) and how to best use them in your daily handicapping.

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.