Del Mar Update: August 30th

Juvenile filly Softly Singing ($2.60) easily captured the special weight opener for Rosario/Hollendorfer.

Scottish Diamond ($4.40) was the popular wire job opener in the 2nd, and the chalk fest continued in the grass 3rd with Box Office Queen ($4.40). Wide open 4th was captured by Cigar Man ($12). Bejarano rode the latter for Vlad Cerin.

Tough Pick 6 sequence began in the 5th, and we’re 1-for-1 after Dream Now ($8.40) rallied for the victory under Bejarano. Julio Canani saddled the grass winner.

Make that two straight as Headache ($5.40) ran to his odds in stalk and pounce victory.

Tried to beat the fav because of the poor trainer stats with 2nd timers in the 7rh, but Runaway Bandido ($6) bested my single Twenty Hawks by almost three lengths.

Del Mar Handicap time, and I thought I was home free with 11-1 Sir Dave, but Spring House ($7.60) caught me one the line in a frustrating outcome. Cost me the win bet and trifecta on my Horse Racing Nation play of the day. Did nab the $4 quinella on my POD, but that was a small conso prize.

High Note ($52.80) rallied for the upset in the 9th, and my degree of difficulty assessment is coming to fruition.

Another late running upset in the finale has sealed the carryover fate. Garrett Gomez piloted Mobilized ($28) for Gary Mandella.

Three straight runner-up finishes after nailing first two legs. Could only manage 4th in the finale. The Wednesday carryover is $168,634, and with the Del Mar meet winding down, the timing is right to bring one home!

I will try to get the Pick 6 analysis and tickets up by later in the day Monday, so please check back early.