Del Mar Saturday: Bing Crosy Stakes, San Diego Handicap Analysis

Saturday’s racing action from Del Mar features 2 graded stakes. The Bing Crosby caries extra gravitas as a “Win and You’re in” for the Breeders’ Cup this fall.

Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby, the legendary entertainer and crooner of the mid-20th century, left an indelible mark not only in the world of music and film but also in the realm of horse racing. A lifelong passion for the sport, combined with his visionary spirit, made Crosby a pivotal figure in shaping the modern landscape of horse racing.

Founding Del Mar

In the 1930s, Bing Crosby was already a well-established Hollywood star when he co-founded the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, California. Along with his friends and fellow actors, Pat O’Brien and Oliver Hardy, Crosby invested his time, energy, and money into transforming a former Army Air Corps training facility into a premier race track.

Del Mar swiftly became a trendy and highly coveted spot for both horse racing enthusiasts and celebrities in Southern California.

Crosby’s Vision

Crosby’s vision for Del Mar was centered around creating a unique and enjoyable experience for all visitors. He wanted the track to be more than just a gambling venue; he aimed to provide a family-friendly atmosphere that offered high-quality entertainment, fine dining, and top-notch racing. To this day, Del Mar continues to uphold Crosby’s original vision, drawing large crowds with its lively social scene and top-tier racing events.

Hollywood Gold Cup

Beyond Del Mar, Crosby’s impact extended to horse racing on a national level. In 1946, he played a significant role in the creation of the Hollywood Gold Cup, a prestigious race that became one of the highlights of the racing calendar. His involvement further showcased his commitment to elevating the sport and attracting attention from the public and media.

Growing the Game

In addition to his impact on race tracks, Crosby’s influence extended to the realm of broadcasting, where he played a crucial part in bringing horse racing to a larger audience. Co-founding the American Horse Racing Broadcasting Company in the 1940s, he spearheaded the groundbreaking initiative of televising horse races nationwide. This endeavor successfully brought the thrill of horse racing into homes across the country, contributing significantly to the sport’s popularity and its firm establishment within American culture.

Bing Crosby’s dedication to horse racing left an enduring legacy that continues to shape the sport today. His contributions to the establishment of Del Mar and his efforts to promote horse racing on a broader scale have had a lasting impact on the industry’s growth and popularity.

Crosby’s Lasting Legacy

Crosby, beyond being a legendary entertainer, will always be revered as a fervent supporter and influential figure in the realm of horse racing. This Saturday, the track he established will pay tribute to him by dedicating a race in his honor.

Saturday Full Card Analysis

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 1

Race time: 2:00 PM Pacific Time; A maiden special weight race with a purse of $82,000, taking place over 5 1/2 furlongs on a dirt track. There are a total of six entries.

• The top selection for the debut goes to #1 HEARTLAND (6-5), who commands respect with the powerful collaboration of Baffert and Hernandez. With an impressive pedigree, this horse has the potential to become a significant contender in this race.
• #4 HEAD LAD (4-1), a debutant, exhibits potential in this race due to his favorable lineage for the distance.
• #3 INVINCIBLE (6-1) is a newcomer to the racing scene and could potentially perform better in secondary positions on most betting slips. Trainer O’Neill and jockey Fresu’s involvement further enhance his attractiveness. He has been bred with excellence for this particular test.
• A DAY TO REMEMBER (5-2), who is making his debut, has the potential to be a strong choice for placing positions. His lineage provides a favorable indication for his performance in this race.

Selections: 1 – 4 – 3 – 6

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 2

Post: The race is set to begin at 2:34 PM PT, featuring a $84k Allowance Optional Claiming event on the turf covering a distance of 5 furlongs. A total of 10 entries are expected to compete.

• Currently in first place is STANDING O (5-1), who is expected to remain in the middle of the pack and strategically make a move towards the front at the right moment.
• ZOFFARELLI (5-1) seems to be a strong contender in this race, possessing a suitable profile. With the highest overall power rating in the group, he stands out as a significant competitor.
• CHERUBIC FACTOR (3-1) emerges as a prominent contender in this race, commanding respect due to the powerful collaboration between Eurton and Hernandez. Holding the highest overall power rating amongst the group, this horse is poised for success.
• Johnny Podres, with a record of 8-1, stands a strong chance of competing in this event. His tactical speed allows him to stay comfortably close to the front-runners and seize opportunities when they arise. Moreover, his speed figures provide further evidence for his selection.

Selections: 1 – 7 – 4 – 5

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 3

Post: The race is scheduled to start at 3:07 PM PT, featuring 12 entries competing in a $82k Maiden Special Weight on a 5-furlong dirt track.

• MR. CHIVAS (3-1) appears to be the top contender in this race, boasting impressive performances that make him capable of competing with this group. With the potential to seize an early lead, he could present a formidable challenge to his competitors.
• #1 newcomer, JUST A GUESS (4-1), has a chance to shine in his first race.
• EPISODE FIVE (15-1) is a horse with an affordable price and has the potential to be a contender in this race. Given its impressive early pace figures, it could capitalize on the absence of strong frontrunners in this competition.
• There is a glimmer of hope for #12 BURAQ’S REFLECTION (8-1) in this race. He appears to be a good fit and has the potential to take the lead.

Selections: 9 – 1 – 4 – 12

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 4

Post: 3:39 PM Pacific Time; 11 horses entered in a $34k Claiming race, running 1 mile on dirt.

• The top pick goes to #10 PENS STREET (6-1). Taking into account the partnership of Crichton and Ayuso, she deserves serious consideration. Her impressive speed figures make her a logical choice.
• RACE JUDICATA (8-1) emerges as a prominent contender in this race, showing great compatibility with the field. With her ability to maintain a consistent pace, she stands to gain from a balanced pace situation.
• The fifth competitor, AWESOME TAYLOR (4-1), appears to be the standout in this position and a strong contender among the group.
• AGREETODISAGREE (7-2) is a fringe contender that deserves consideration due to her impressive speed figures. With the highest overall power rating, she simply cannot be overlooked.

Selections: 10 – 9 – 5 – 8

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 5

Time of post: 4:09 PM PT
Race details: Maiden Special Weight with a purse of $82k, taking place on turf, and covering a distance of 1 mile.
Number of entries: 10.

• TURF ROCKET (6-1), expected to show improvement from her initial start, emerges as the frontrunner and claims the leading position. Anticipating no difficulties with the 1-mile distance, she poses a potential threat on the front end.
• Pink Whitney (15-1) is a longshot contender and may be more suitable for placing in lower positions on most betting tickets. She has shown consistent and reliable form in her recent races, indicating a potential for a noteworthy performance in this event.
• #6 BLUE OASIS (12-1) is a potential dark horse and may be most suitable for placing in lower positions on multiple tickets.
• ROSCOE VILLAGE (4-1) could also excel in lower-ranking positions. By participating in the Proctor barn and with Van as the jockey, her attractiveness is further enhanced.

Selections: 8 – 4 – 6 – 9

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 6

Post: 4:39 PM PT; 12 entries in a $30k Claiming race, running 6 1/2 furlongs on dirt.

• Sugar Sugar (6-1) seems to be the top pick due to her impressive pace figures, suggesting she will excel in a race with a moderate pace. Additionally, the combination of Knapp’s barn and Rispoli as her jockey further enhance her credentials.
• Major Pryce (5-1) is anticipated to have a significant impact on this race. The partnership of Wilensky and Ayuso makes her deserving of respect.
• Another strong contender is #1 NUMERIC (8-1), who has shown promise with impressive speed figures. If the race has a fair pace scenario, it could benefit her chances of winning.
• Storm D’Oro, priced at 20-1, is a horse worth considering for this race. With impressive speed figures, she is undoubtedly the top contender in terms of class and should not be underestimated.

Selections: 8 – 12 – 1 – 6

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 7

Post: The race will start at 5:09 PM PT and it is a Maiden Claiming with a purse of $46k. The distance is 1 1/16 miles and it will be run on turf. There are a total of 15 entries.

• ADELIE (7-2) secures the top pick and undoubtedly stands out as the strongest contender in the field.
• Another strong contender in this race is PORT ELLEN (6-1). With the combination of jockey D’Amato and Rispoli, she commands respect. Additionally, her pedigree adds further weight to her chances of success.
• ANKYRAH (6-1) shows great potential, expected to settle in the middle of the pack and conclude with a strong finish.
• Consider placing #6 EXCLUSIVE JONI (4-1) in the underneath positions on most tickets. Despite having a lot to accomplish in the lane, she has the potential to finish strongly with a competitive performance.

Selections: 9 – 12 – 2 – 6

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 8

Post: The race in San Diego with a purse of $300k will start at 5:39 PM PT. It will cover a distance of 1 1/16 miles on dirt. There are a total of 10 entries for the race.

• Taking the lead is #1 SLOW DOWN ANDY (5-1), who has demonstrated proficiency in these conditions in past races. With a predicted participation in the initial pace, this horse emerges as a formidable contender.
• #6 DEFUNDED (8-5) emerges as a strong contender, showcasing the highest power rating among the group. He appears to be the standout in the field.
• #10 BRICKYARD RIDE (6-1) is expected to put up a strong fight in this race, displaying consistent performance in its recent outings.
• #7 SENOR BUSCADOR (12-1) is an underdog with a chance in this race, possibly gaining an advantage from a fast pace at the beginning.

Selections: 1 – 6 – 10 – 7

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 9

Post: The race is set to start at 6:09 PM Pacific Time, featuring a field of 14 entries competing for an $83,000 allowance optional claiming prize. The race will be contested over a distance of 1 mile on the turf.

• The horse known as #12 SHOCKING GREY (12-1) is considered a price horse and appears to be the strongest contender in this race. It possesses the highest overall power rating among the group.
• PLEASANT WAVE (10-1) is not only a longshot but also a strong contender in this race. With no concerns about the 1-mile distance, she has proven herself capable of handling these conditions.
• Another strong contender in the race is #9 ULTIMATE HY (3-1), as Gaines and Rispoli’s partnership has earned them respect. Given the right setup, she has a good chance in this competition.
• Rebel Girl (8-1), ridden by Hernandez, is poised as a significant contender. Anticipated to be among the leading runners, she possesses the potential to contend strongly in the latter stages of the race.

Selections: 12 – 1 – 9 – 3

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 10

Post: The Bing Crosby S. will be held at 6:39 PM PT, featuring a $400k prize. The race will take place on a dirt track and cover a distance of 6 furlongs. There are a total of 12 entries participating in the event.

• The top pick goes to #12 PEACEFUL WATERS (20-1), a value bet with strong potential. Expected to take an early lead or stay close to it, this horse will strive to fend off rivals until the finish line. Moreover, his impressive speed figures further solidify his position as a rational choice.
• #10 AMERICAN THEOREM (8-1) emerges as a strong contender in this race, displaying significant potential to make a strong finish and compete fiercely. He seems to be the most skilled horse in the field.
• Dr. Schivel (7-2) is a prominent contender who is expected to be among the leading runners and has a good chance of performing well in the final stages. He has proven his ability to handle similar conditions in the past.
• #4 THE CHOSEN VRON (4-1) is anticipated to be a strong contender in this position, taking advantage of a fast pace at the forefront. He arrives at the race in excellent condition.

Selections: 12 – 10 – 11 – 4

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 11

The race will take place at 7:09 PM PT, featuring 16 entries competing in a 1-mile turf race for a prize of $82k.

• The number 16 horse, YELLOW BRICK (3-1), claims the leading position. YELLOW BRICK appears to be a good fit in this position and is expected to settle in the middle of the pack before making a powerful surge.
• The Maltese Falcon (5-2) seems to be a strong contender in this race, anticipated to excel at the 1-mile distance. He has an impressive pedigree for this task.
• Another strong contender in the race is #10 PRECISION STRIKE (6-1), who has demonstrated proficiency in these conditions in past races.
• WATSONVILLE (6-1) has a chance to succeed in this race and her speed figures support this possibility. With consistently strong pace figures, she is expected to perform well in a race that is not too fast-paced.

Selections: 16 – 14 – 10 – 7