Saturday 7/25/26 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-23-2026, 08:33 AM

Jeremy Plonk: Del Mar Full-Card Picks & Analysis | Saturday,

July 23, 2026 | By Jeremy Plonk

Sprinters step to the plate Saturday at Del Mar with the Grade 1 Bing Crosby on dirt and the listed Daisycutter on turf. They’ll go back-to-back on an 11-race card that begins at 5 pm ET / 2 pm PT. Be sure to play in the $5,000 Hit & Split promotions at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet on Saturday when you tackle the late pick 4 and late pick 5 sequences for Del Mar.

Del Mar: Race 1 | maiden claiming

Five of 8 entrants exit runner-up finishes, a decent lineup for the level. Fresh layoff returnee #1 My Girl Mia may get loose on the lead from the rail under speed jockey Emisael Jaramillo and prove too fast to catch if her stamina holds. Likely little value to get the card rolling but #6 Smokin Hot Stuff may fit well in exotics in her first local start (by sire Constitution, whose offspring win 17% on Del Mar dirt with a slight flat-bet profit in recent years). Picks 1-6-7.

Del Mar: Race 2 | maiden claiming

Rather untrustworthy and poor bunch in this sprint. #2 Bake Country gets a new surface, track, trainer and set of blinkers while dropping in class. The kitchen sink includes top pilot Juan Hernandez for a barn that does very well with transfers. It’s pretty much the same set of mass changes for #5 Cimarron Strip with the addition of being gelded. Both should be forwardly placed. #6 Treximo runs back where he belongs but has had 3 straight starts where he couldn’t deliver the knockout punch late. Might be underneath again. Picks 2-4-6.

Del Mar: Race 3 | Osunitas Stakes

British export #2 Saqqara Sands fits the conditions of this stakes based more on her inactivity than anything else and should have a class edge. Trainer Simon Callaghan’s barn has been notoriously a superb follow early in the Del Mar summer meets in recent years and expect this Group 3 winner to stay in contention early and prove best. #3 Certitude could be lone speed and will try to wire the cast, but fell victim late in a local allowance last fall at the same trip. #1 May Day Ready has had her moments in an up-and-down career but loses Antonio Fresu to the top pick and must relax better early than she did last out. Picks 2-3-1

Del Mar: Race 4 | maiden special weight

The summer’s first big 2-year-old maiden test is a 5-1/2 furlong sprint where I love #4 Whiskey Bridge, Doug O’Neill’s half-brother to quality ’26 sophomore stakes runner Robusta. He showed good gate speed on video at 1st.tv and has wanted to do more in his training. He’s had 10 works for the debut and looks like O’Neill is sitting on a powder keg. #8 Clear and Present showed talent on video and wasn’t asked for run. His dam was a debut winner and stakes-placed as a juvenile. Bob Baffert is the one to beat in these races typically, but his barn is watered down and split between Kentucky and here. His #2 Domus and #7 Nayar worked in company at Del Mar July 18 and drilled absolutely even-up with no decisive edge gleaned – though Juan Herenandez jumps off Nayar for the rookie Domus. Picks 4-8-2.

Del Mar: Race 5 | optional claimer

Respect the race #8 Chromeflash won last out and that #6 Warm Sun and Brew ran fourth, given that runner-up Frank Bullitt came back to win here easily on opening day at a similar class level (albeit on dirt). The distance shifts to a mile, however, and that much more suits #6 Warm Sun and Brew and that’s the pick from a close-up position in a race without much pace. #9 Druidic goes for a small Dan Azcarate barn that’s put early season Del Mar summer toteboards on tilt in recent years and this one could appreciate the return to a mile while exiting that same common race. #5 Steak Fries hasn’t routed in 5 tries, but consistently fires on turf in a start-and-stop career. Picks 6-9-5.

Del Mar: Race 6 | claiming

Expect the public to go heavy on #7 Shady Stripes off a blowout win June 14 and field-best speed figure. That performance came out of nowhere, however and I’m not sure 6-1/2 furlongs suits her game. The best maiden win by class in this non-winners of 2 lifetime races claimer belongs to #4 Pretty Cecy, and it came over this track 2 summers ago. If you strike through the turf attempts, her last 4 starts on dirt show 3 efforts that can win this weak heat. #2 Violences Ohr goes for a Jesus Uranga barn that popped a 5-1 winner here Sunday via Los Al and the offspring of Violence are always a consideration on the Del Mar dirt by their success. Price should be right. #9 A Fleet Ride has the second-best maiden score, but has lost 10 straight and looks for a jump forward for a new outfit that hits 27% off the claim. Picks 4-2-9.

Del Mar: Race 7 | optional claimer

The $2,500 Late Pick 5 Hit & Split with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet starts here. I’m drawn to the rail speed of #1 Known Idea, whose sire Goldencents came into the meet with a fantastic $1.75 ROI for every $1 bet on his offspring on this turf course in recent years. You get Antonio Fresu on the stretch-out sprinter. The fear is if cheap speed from #7 Naftis and/or #9 Double Jab will soften up my top pick – so demand a fair price. I’m sticking with that as a veteran 5-year-old against a lot of contenders who have faced just 3-year-olds in the bulk of their races. One of those is the other Goldencents entered here, #4 Oracle of Paradise, who could trip out sitting just behind the speed from midflight. Picks 1-4-9.

Del Mar: Race 8 | allowance / optional claiming

The $2,500 Late Pick 4 Hit & Split with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet starts here. This classy group has multiple quality options. #5 Midnight Mammoth loves the mile trip and has been capable farther over this surface while winning the Cougar II. That’s a strong combo. #8 McVay has shown more speed for Peter Eurton after a few barn changes and that makes him more viable over a mile. #3 March of Time likely gets well-bet for Baffert, though was hard-asked with stakes star Nevada Beach in his bullet workout July 18 that might have been more beneficial for his barnmate than him. Still, capable. #7 Indispensable would not be a surprise over this track despite the layoff. Picks 5-8-3.

Del Mar: Race 9 | Daisycutter Stakes

#6 Amorita comes off a mild freshening and has a razor-sharp workout tab for the cut-back in distance that should suit her very well. She’s won over the course and is well-spotted by Richard Mandella. Big day looming for Antonio Fresu. #10 Kuwaitya and #9 Imaboutago could benefit from a very fast early pace expected from inside-drawn runners, spreading the field out, helping them save ground and setting the table to pass some rivals. Picks 6-10-9.

Del Mar: Race 10 | Bing Crosby Stakes

The best sprinters on the west coast largely are at their best over 7 furlongs, which makes the 6-furlong Bing Crosby a challenge. The pace promises to be fast, so the 7F types could see it come back into their crosshairs. First among those is #3 Dr. Venkman, who loves this track, but has come up short at this distance. He has run some of his best races under Umberto Rispoli, and he got off to a fast start at the meet last week. Might be enough to get this classy guy home. #5 Stronghold was awesome over 7F in the Triple Bend against a decidedly weaker field and might have slightly more tactical speed than Dr. Venkman. #6 Cornucopian returns from Kentucky to his old California roots and is 4-for-5 sprinting. He’s probably the most likely winner, but not certain he wants to pass many horses and could have some competition up top with #8 Mad House and a pair of inside runners with gas. Picks 3-5-6.

Del Mar: Race 11 | allowance

#6 Sweet Gal of Mine goes sprint to route and makes the Jeff Siegel-appreciated “2 sprints and a route” form cycle. Her pedigree sets up well enough for a middle-distance turf sprint and speed jockey Edwin Maldonado should have her in the mix with very little speed drawn to her inside. She’s got #7 America’s Mark to her outside, and edge with an elbow start coming out of the infield chute. #10 Take Another Card goes for a Simon Callaghan barn that must be respected early in a Del Mar summer meet based on past results. Cal-bred filly has been knocking on the door and fits with these. #3 Lady in Paris just missed in her US debut going farther with a slow pace in May at Santa Anita. This tempo will make her expend more energy, but the Irish export is capable of threatening late. Picks 6-10-3.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-23-2026, 08:33 AM

Race of the Week: Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga | Sat.

July 22, 2026 | By Jeremy Plonk

The Lead:
Saratoga co-features the Vanderbilt for sprinters and the Coaching Club American Oaks for 3-year-old dirt fillies on Saturday. While the Vanderbilt didn't come up as tough as its history suggests, the CCA Oaks certainly held form. The Kentucky Oaks and Acorn winners rematch, and neither wind up the top pick.

Horseplayers at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet be sure to check out the $10,000 Trifecta-Thon this week when you play Saratoga each day Thursday through Sunday.

Field Depth:
Grade 1 winners COUNTING STARS and ALWAYS A RUNNER top the marquee, while ZANY is a Grade 2 winner and Grade 1-placed. It will take some regression to knock off this group or a step-up effort by one of the class risers who have hinted at their ability.

Pace:
The pace likely comes from DIRECTIVE, who could be lone speed. The tempo looks comfortable enough that you don’t want to be closing from too far out of this pace.

Our Eyes:
Here are my horse-by-horse notes.

1-COUNTING STARS: Romping winner of the Acorn last month over this track and distance when avenging her Kentucky Oaks loss to return rival Always a Runner. A repeat of that performance makes her obviously the horse to beat. Not sure she came out of the Acorn as good as she went into it, given only 1 workout in the first month after that race and just 4 lined up for this. Note she’s 4: 1-0-1 following victories and hasn’t always been as effective pairing up big efforts – which speaks a bit to the workout tab since. She’s had no break in her form cycle for nearly a year and at some point will need to step off the gas, but would not shock to produce another winning effort. Think there are enough questions to avoid at what will be a short price as the favorite or very close second choice.

2-DANDONA: Turf and synthetic performer hasn’t tested dirt in 5 prior starts, but she’s a $1 million daughter of Belmont winner Tiz the Law. Pedigree leans more to a miler with a 1-run closing kick and her past performances looked sharper going shorter. Gets to save all the ground while likely far back early, but will take a lot of dirt in her face for the first time. Saffie Joseph Jr. barn hasn’t been firing on all cylinders so far at the Spa. Pass for me.

3-LA RASCASSE: Unbeaten filly was to be part of the early pace, but reportedly will scratch.

4-MISS FULTON GAL: Mid-Atlantic based shipper has won 3 of her last 5, including listed stakes at Laurel and Delaware Park. But she failed her class test in the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan and this field rates significantly more talented. The 9-furlong distance suits her fine, but the level of competition likely will be too much to overcome.

5-MEASURE: Stakes debut for June 4local allowance runner-up to CCA Oaks rival Directive. Second of 2 Mark Casse trainees here will be significantly higher price than barnmate Counting Stars. Just 1 win in 5 starts and will need the pace to come back to her to be successful. Jockey Jose Ortiz jumps saddles to Always a Runner, putting Manny Franco aboard. Strong-enough BRIS late pace figures to pass some runners over 9 furlongs if the track is playing fair, but difficult to project in the winner’s circle.

6-ALWAYS A RUNNER: Kentucky Oaks winner made a rapid ascent in doing so in her third lifetime start. Her Acorn runner-up at 4-5 odds obviously disappointed the betting public, but she was probably ridden a tad too confidently while giving away ground in a small field. Jose Ortiz hasn’t made many mistakes in 2026 and don’t expect him to do so again. I prefer her of the rematched Acorn rivals with an extra workout on the tab compared to Counting Stars. Her BRIS late pace figures are solid 98, 94, 90 but in descension, and for a closer, could find a quality speed horse who keeps going to be her kryptonite. Big threat.

7-DIRECTIVE: Progressive filly makes her stakes debut, fresh off a win over the track and distance in a lively 1:48-1/5. Juddmonte home-bred is a half-sister to Grade 1-winning turfer Segesta out of the accomplished turf mare Antonoe. Gets plenty of dirt stamina from sire Gun Runner and has been consistent with 92 BRIS late pace figures both around 1 turn and 2. Any step forward and she’s the best of the early players and will be a difficult challenge to reel in. Trainer Chad Brown won this race with lightly raced Guarana in 2019, who also was an April debuter and late bloomer. My play.

8-ZANY: The lukewarm favorite never looked like a winner in the Kentucky Oaks when finishing fith and has been fairly quiet since. Only 5 workouts on her tab show, including a concerning, 16-day gap in late June. Blinkers go on a filly who when starting out 3-for-3 was teased as a divisional standout. She’s come back to earth in the Ashland and Oaks. Trainer Todd Pletcher not going well of late in New York, and even though he’s won this race a record 8 times, only 1 of those have come since 2015. I’ll make her beat me.

9-NYCON: Cross-entered Friday at Saratoga in an allowance. No match for Always a Runner in April’s Gazelle has only 4 workouts back for what would be a massive ask if she shows up here. Outside draw does her no favors with short run into first turn and her finishing kick has been lackluster.

Most Likely Exotics Contender:
ALWAYS A RUNNER vies for favoritism and while I'll try to beat her, there's the utmost respect that she'll run her race and be in the exotics hunt.

Best Longshot Contender:
MEASURE will be overlooked in a field of stars and is a decent-enough finisher to bottom the superfecta if any of the name players regress and add some price juice.

Sending it in ($100 bankroll):
$100 win DIRECTIVE.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-24-2026, 07:32 AM

Scott Shapiro: Saratoga Saturday Full Card Analysis

July 23, 2026 | By Scott Shapiro

The week of racing at Saratoga continues on Saturday afternoon with a strong 12-race card that includes a pair of graded stakes events over the dirt. The Vanderbilt (G2) kicks off the stakes action shortly after 5PM eastern with older sprinters traveling six-furlongs immediately followed by the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) for 3YO fillies featuring Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Always a Runner and Acorn (G1) victor Counting Stars. Here are my full card thoughts on another fun one at the Spa.

Grade Descriptions: A= Highest Degree of Confidence, B= Solid Play, C= Least Preferred or Pass, X= Likely Winner but at odds probably too short to wager on.

Race 1:
Grade: B
Use: 5 Intraosseous; 3 Ms Liu

Forecast: #7 Elevated is expected to take a lot of support in her first career start. She was made 2-1 on the ML and understandably so. She is a Myracehorse filly trained by Bill Mott by freshman sire Flightline. Plenty of reasons for the public to flock to her, but I will side with two runners with experience. #5 Intraosseous is my top choice. The $200k Keeneland September ’25 purchase was off slow on debut and unable to travel over the better part of the racetrack on a day where the inside was best at Churchill Downs, but put in a solid late run and gallop out to kick off her career. The experience she gained that afternoon in Louisville combined with a more favorable break and trip should lead to massive improvement. #3 Ms Liu also intrigues. The daughter of Greatest Honour battled early before tiring late on debut for Jena Antonucci. She should also move forward in her second lifetime try.

Race 2:
Grade: C
Use: 3 Power of Women; 1 Lady Wisdom

Forecast: #3 Power of Women appears the one to beat in this state-bred $40k starter out of the Wilson chute. The daughter of Big Brown was claimed last month for $20k by hot training Horacio DePaz. DePaz moves her into a protected state-bred spot and stretches her out to further than 7-furlongs for the first time in her career. Speed has been good over this surface and the fact he attracts Irad Ortiz Jr. suggests she is live right back off the big win at Aqueduct. The distance is a slight concern but she is likely to prove tough to catch. #1 Lady Wisdom is also worth consideration though. Her two most recent efforts over a fast main track have been wins. She should find a favorable stalking stop off what could be a lively early pace at a better price.

Race 3:
Grade: C+
Use: 9 Grand Yaupon; 3 Ferrum/6 Foolin

Forecast: A competitive MSW for 2YOS over the main track is up next where #3 Ferrum looks quick. The son of Uncle Mo has fired off a pair of bullet drills over the Saratoga main track for Danny Gargan and attracts Kendrick Carmouche. I assume the plan is to take them as far as he can assuming a clean break. He will likely have to be fit though to finish the 6-furlongs given the group to his outside. Some other promising firsters are there, but #9 Grand Yaupon is probably the biggest danger. The Steve Asmussen trainee broke sharp, but was not fast enough to go with the eventual winner at Churchill in mid-June. He gets a rider upgrade and moves to the outside with the invaluable experience under his belt. His price makes him tough to endorse with excitement given the upside of this group, but he is the likely winner nonetheless.

Race 4:
Grade: B-
Use: 2 Sir Oscar; 9 Naguile; 5 Inspeightofcharlie

Forecast: $220k Saratoga August ’24 purchase #3 Honoree commanded a strong amount at the sale considering he is out of Code of Honor who stands for just $7500. Thus far he has shown some solid ability, but his price is likely to be short for me to back in this competitive state-bred first-level allowance over the Inner Turf. He lacks speed most importantly, plus the mile might be a bit too sharp. #2 Sir Oscar will also get bet, but should run well. He did not save ground at any point and still proved much the best in his return race. He draws favorably and might be the strongest finisher at eight-furlongs of the bunch. #9 Naguile has been tough to relax in his two most recent starts since returning off a ten-month break. He gets the right man in the saddle though this time in Flavien Prat. I am expecting a much-improved performance at what should be a solid price.

Race 5:
Grade: B+
Use: 5 Go Grey; 6 King’s Remark

Forecast: #10 Instability was visually impressive at Tampa Bay Downs to kick off his career, but failed to follow it up with a win at odds-on in the Woodhaven in late April. He has not raced since, but was made the 5-2-ML favorite in this highly competitive first-level allowance for 3YOs over the grass. He draws to the outside and has a strong field to beat. I cannot swallow the chalk, especially because I expect a big bounce back effort from #5 Go Grey. The son of Knicks Go showed a solid turn of foot in his first two races going long on the grass in the Mid-Atlantic for Michael Trombetta. Last time out against stakes foes in the Saranac, Paco Lopez was aggressive out of the gate, which led to him stalking a hot pace and tiring late. I understand the move by Paco, but I expect a trip much more similar to his April and June wins where he settled early and finished with energy. Jose Ortiz taking the call for the first time does not hurt his case. #6 King’s Remark can finish well too. He has been quirky out of the gate and early in races, but if he gets in the clear after a clean start, he could be the one making the last move.

Race 6:
Grade: C
Use: 4 Resilience; 1 Dreamlike

Forecast: This second-level allowance at 9-furlongs over the main track marks the return of Louisiana Derby (G2) winner #8 Emerging Market. The Chad Brown runner competed unsuccessfully in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont (G1) and after seven weeks is set to return against older runners for the first time. The upside is obvious and the race goes through him, but wagering on him at his 8-5-ML price is another story. I lack a strong opinion due to my inability to trust any of this group, but I will try to wire the field out with #4 Resilience. It has been a while since the son of Into Mischief’s last win, but he could get brave on the front end at a fair price.

Race 7:
Grade: C+
Use: 8 Sammy C Note; 4 Jack’s World; 9 Oat Contour

Forecast: Famous last words when handicapping races at Saratoga over the Inner Turf, but the pace should be honest at the very least in this state-bred first-level allowance. This should bode well for the ML favorites #4 Jack’s World and #9 Oak Contour, but #8 Sammy C Note also intrigues. The 4YO gelding makes his third start off the bench and since moving into the Michael Miceli barn after his 3YO season. He has moved forward significantly with the barn change and should be set for his best assuming he handles the two turns. His only other try going a route was not a clean trip, so it is basically a clean slate for the son of Good Samaritan.

Race 8:
Grade: B-
Use: 4 Soloist; 9 Bella Knows; 1 Bourbon Betty

Forecast: Yet another competitive allowance on the slate is up next. This one is a first-level event for 3YO fillies at 1 1/16 over the grass where #12 Kokomotion makes her first start since a third-place effort in the Florida Oaks (G3). She has done very little wrong thus far and got a great learning experience with a much different trip in her stakes debut than she did in her impressive off-the-pace maiden score. The talent is there, but she drew the outside off the bench and meets a strong group. I understand using her in horizontals or with your key horse, but she is tough to push all-in on given the race dynamics.
I like a few somewhat equally with the biggest price of the trio being #4 Soloist. The Kenny McPeek trainee attracts Jose Ortiz for the first time, which is probably noteworthy since Ortiz has only been aboard three McPeek horses dating back to the start of last year at Saratoga. Two have won and the other ran second. She fits well at a playable price.

Race 9: Vanderbilt (G2)
Grade: B-
Use: 4 Just Beat the Odds; 8 Built/1 Damon’s Mound

Forecast: The first of two graded stakes is this six-furlong dash over the main track where being prominent early is likely to be a positive. There is simply not a lot of speed signed on for a race of this level, which should benefit ML favorite #8 Built. The Hard Spun colt has moved forward since being cutback to one-turn by trainer Wayne Catalano and is likely to sit a perfect stalking trip from his outside draw. He is the likeliest winner, but not a world beater either. The best way to beat him is probably to get the jump. I expect #4 Just Beat the Odds to do just that. The son of Munnings makes his second start off the layoff after battling early and tiring late in his return race at Delaware Park. He has run races fastest enough to put him there at the wire if he is able to control the early tempo.

Race 10: Coaching Club American Oaks (G1)
Grade: C
Use: 7 Directive; 1 Counting Stars; 6 Always a Runner

Forecast: I wish I had a stronger opinion in this year’s CCA Oaks, but not only did I have a difficult time separating #1 Counting Stars and #6 Always a Runner, but the pace being murky adds potential variance. It appears on paper that Always a Runner stablemate #7 Directive will go to the front with #1 Counting Stars in a perfect tracking spot. Counting Stars will win this if she avoids regression off the career best run in early June, but if she does take a step back it is easy to see either Directive going on with it or Always a Runner rallying from off-the-pace in the final stages. Directive is the biggest price, so I will pick her on top, but with little confidence.

Race 11:
Grade: C+
Use: 7 Dancingwithdestiny; 4 Moonlight Ready

Forecast: The first of two state-bred races over the grass is at 5.5-furlongs where I will use a pair of logicals. #7 Dancingwithdestiny ran hard and arguably too good to lose in her June 28 start at the “Big A”. She ran third in her only start over this course and has the tactical speed to find a prominent spot early. #4 Moonlight Ready is a tough read since she has only two career starts and one on the grass, but is tough to toss outright off the surprise victory on June 21. That said, it does feel like a missed the wedding type moment since she was 37-1 last month.

Race 12:
Grade: C
Use: 2 Big Fat Goalie/7 Leave Me

Forecast: Backing class dropper #7 Leave Me makes some sense for sure given the barn going well and the move to Irad Ortiz, but he was really underwhelming last out despite a favorable trip making him tough to endorse with confidence. Therefore, I will take a swing with first-time starter #2 Big Fat Goalie. The Flying P Stable gelding debuts for Robert Falcone Jr. Falcone has had little success with turf routers making their first start with a limited sample of late, but it is interesting he attracted to Flavien Prat along with drawing inside. Hopefully, the son of Independence Hall is ready at first asking.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-25-2026, 12:13 PM

Ron Nicoletti: Gulfstream Full-Card Picks | Sat 7/25

July 25, 2026 | By 1/ST BET

On-track handicapper Ron Nicoletti has you covered for Saturday's Gulfstream Park action. In addition to the traditional wagering menu, don't forget the new Summer Sweep 5, connecting Gulfstream Races 7 and 9 with Races 7-8-9 from Woodbine today.

RACE 1:

1 CAPTCHA moves to the Jose D’Angelo barn via the claim and makes his first start since threatening to win at this level and distance before going to the sidelines in January. The barn, over 20% with both with the claim and the layoff, has Yolber Torres up. 3 MAGNETO moves to the Nick Tomlinson barn, drops a level, and returns to the Tapeta after a couple of solid efforts on the turf. Edwin Gonzalez oversees the surface switch. 2 PARDO, another from Jose D’Angelo, drops to the $10,000 level on Tapeta after facing better sprinting on the main track. Ther barn is 15% with two sprints to a route. SELECTIONS: 1-3-2

RACE 2:

5 BABY PRINCESS, bred for the turf, debuts for trainer Ron Spatz with apprentice Pedro Pena doling out her speed. Watch the tote action for more clues. 4 READY TO RAGE moves to the grass after gaining experience when he tracked the pace and finished fourth vs maiden special weight competition on Tapeta. The drop to the $35,000 level looks like a positive move. 6 AWESOME NOAH is a son of Awesome Slew who will wear blinkers after showing some early interest before fading in his special weight debut going five furlongs on the dirt during May. Jose D’Angelo is a strong 38% with the class drop. SELECTIONS: 5-4-6

RACE 3:

1 KHOPESH drops to the $10,000 level and goes back to the Tapeta after returning to the Jose D’Angelo barn and failing to fire vs better on both turf and dirt. He should be running best in the latter stages of the race. 2 FULL NELSON moves to the Eduardo Luces barn and wears blinkers after returning from the layoff to finish second vs $8,000 dated claimers going long on Tapeta. The barn is 2 for 7 (29%) with new additions to the shedrow. 3 THE HONEYMAN is hoping to bounce back after following a well meant second two starts back with a fifth place finish showing behind Full Nelson last out. SELECTIONS: 1-2-3

RACE 4:

5 GODDESS OF BEAUTY, a daughter of Bucchero, is debuting on turf after stalking the pace and finishing a game third between horses in her special weight debut on Tapeta. Joe Orseno has Miguel Vazquez managing the surface switch. 3 SEVERELY OVERPAYIN is a daughter of Highly Motivated, and a half-sister to Grade 1 stakes placed Fully Subscribed, debuting for Jose D’Angelo with 12 Palm Meadows workouts showing. J.G. Torrealba rides. 6 SLEW LADY is a daughter of promising first-year sire Roadster debuting for Ramon Minquet with only farm workouts showing. The tote action will tell us more. SELECTIONS: 5-3-6

RACE 5:

3 MAGNETIC BEACH moves to the Rohan Crichton barn via the claim after defeating a trio of next-out winners in an $8,000 conditioned claimer going a mile and seventy yards on Tapeta. The barn, 37% with new claims, has go-to jock Anthony Thomas in the saddle. 1 GIMME SOME LUCK will try to make it three in a row after following a victory on turf with set the pace and hold on by a nose score at this level and distance. Collin Maragh keeps it a family affair with Rajiv in the irons. 4 ANSWER THE CALL proved she could compete at this level when following her $8,000 victory two starts back with a set the pace third at this level last out. She can get brave if left alone on the front end. SELECTIONS: 3-1-4

RACE 6:

6 GOLD PERL is debuting on the turf after responding in the first race after the claim by leading trainer Saffie Joseph Jr with a 5 ?-length victory on Tapeta during March. The barn, 12% with first-time turf, has go-to jock Micha Husbands up. 7 WIN N JUICE, stakes-placed sprinting on the turf last August, returns to the grass after a trio of sharp sprint outings on Tapeta for trainer Nick Tomlinson, who is 5 for 13 (38%) with the surface switch. 3 KHOZALITE, a stakes winner sprinting on the dirt at age two, turns back after stalking the pace and finishing fourth vs this level going around two turns on the turf. Jose D’Angelo is 22% with the distance switch. SELECTIONS: 6-7-3

RACE 7:

1 VUELA PALOMA drops into this $20,000 claimer after her three-race win streak ended when she finished fourth and third, respectively, vs tougher on a pair of $20,000 starter optional claimers. Victor Barboza Jr lightens the impost with apprentice Pedro Pena in the saddle. 6 MUSICAL DESIGN, who finished in front of the top choice when they were getting schooled by red-hot three in a row winner Happy Ride during May, renews the rivalry after finishing fifth vs $25,000 optional claimers going five panels on turf. 5 GARUDA is going back to her most accomplished surface after finishing third behind a pair of next-out winners going five furlongs on grass. Trainer Luis Ramirez has Edwin Gonzalez named to ride. SELECTIONS: 1-6-5

RACE 8:

3 BANDED ROCKET is back at winning level after returning from the layoff and having to compete with local superstar Rezasrolex in a $70,000 overnight handicap. Carlos David has Miguel Vazquez atop the gelded son of Malibu Moon. 2 XY SPEED, in for the $50,000 tag in this starter optional claimer, returns home after the stalk and fade outing going 5 ? furlongs on the Colonial Downs turf. The nine-time local turf winner is banking on the horse-for-course angle. 1 TEST FACTOR is working sharply in preparation for the first start since failing to fire in $75,000 overnight handicap during April. Rohan Crichton has Edwin Gonzalez named to ride. SELECTIONS: 3-2-1

RACE 9:

4 GOLDEN VALLEY is cutting back to a sprint distance on what looks like her preferred surface after stalking the pace and finishing an even fifth going a mile on the turf. 2 DAKOTA’S LIL AUROR is turning back to three-quarters of a mile after dueling for the lead and fading to finish third behind a couple of sharp fillies going seven furlongs. The concern for the three-year-old daughter of Echo Town is the sparse winning record (15-1-2-6). 7 SAMARITAN’S JOY, now in the Mark Passley barn, the daughter of Good Samaritan cuts back to her best distance in the first start since finishing a rallying second vs $50,000 starter optional claimers going a mile during May. Note that the barn has a positive ROI ($2.35) with new additions to the shedrow. SELECTIONS: 4-2-7

RACE 10:

2 SWAMP FOX, who ran well on the turf vs better during March and April, steps up and goes back to the lawn after finishing a game third vs $10,000 two lifetime claimers going a mile and a sixteenth on Tapeta. Trainer Ron Coy has apprentice Pedro Pena atop this pace threat in the finale. 6 MEGACLES looks like the one to beat after rallying to finish a game second vs this level of competition going a mile and a sixteenth. Ron Spatz has Leonel Reyes overseeing the turnback to a mile. 8 LUCKY LARRY, now in the Victor Barboza Jr barn, the son of Lookin At Lucky debuts on the turf with solid grass breeding on both sides of the family tree. Sammy Camacho Jr rides. SELECTIONS: 2-6-8

BEST BET: RACE 7 – 1 VUELA PALOMA
LONGSHOT: RACE 6 – GOLD PERL

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-25-2026, 12:20 PM

Al Cimaglia: Delvin Miller Adios Final Analysis

July 25, 2026 | By Al Cimaglia

This is Adios Day at The Meadows with 16-races and a first post of 11:30 AM EDT. The signature event is the 60th running of the Delvin Miller Adios Final, that is carded as Race 16. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 16-The 60th Delvin Miller Adios Final-$420,500 Purse (4:30 PM EDT)

2-Frantic Hanover (6-1)-Tim Tetrick will need to work his magic early on because there should be a calvary charge into the 1st turn. When the dust settles Tetrick probably won't be on the point but needs to be positioned near the top of the stack. If that happens, plus if the leader is challenged early and often the son of Stay Hungry could finish best of all at a square price.

3-Odds On Mr Momba (3-1)-The Melanie Wrenn trainee looked sharp winning its Elimination and the best chance of posing for another picture might be taking charge early on. The issue is JMac needs to be on his A-Game as he is in unfriendly territory. The 1-2-4 and 5 are all part of the Burke Brigade, so it is surrounded. Momba can get the top but might pay for it later in the mile and that's what could be his undoing.

4-Al Papi (5/2)-Went a sizzling 147.2 mile to win the Elim and set a new lifetime mark. The Burke standout went to the 3/4's in 120.3 and if it brings that kind of heat this week's show could end the same way. The question is where does Papi land when the wings fold because he may not have enough early speed to get the top off the car. Yannick Gingras will be aggressive, but this week's journey may not unfold the same as last time. We will find out if last week's big effort takes some of the sting out of Papi today.

6-Sweet Lovin Lou (12-1)-The case could be made that the Sweet Lou colt is a shade below a few others, but it would be best to not completely dismiss its chances. Hasn't gotten the right trip in the last 2 starts from outside posts and 3 back showed a huge closing kick. With an inside draw Lou wouldn't be 12-1, and from a betting standpoint is a use in gimmicks. If Scott Zeron gets into striking position without emptying the tank this could be an upset possibility.

5-Loua Dipa (6-1)-This is a fine filly, but she is in tall cotton this time. The connections don't seem high on her chances to win, and Ronnie Wrenn picked off to drive another Burke entry the 9-Melillo. Maybe Mike Wilder will blast off the gate which could make life miserable for Mamba. But that strategy could knock her out of the top 5.

2-3-4-6-5

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-25-2026, 12:21 PM

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

Del Mar - Race #9

#5 Princesa Moche	Her last few haven't been her best, but she has some races on her page that class up well with these, and she might be capable of better than she showed in her local sprint trip here last summer.
#8 Ripassare	She's another who isn't in her best form, but she does have some finishing ability in a race that doesn't have a ton of it, and that two-back try wasn't all bad in a tough Grade III spot.
#2 Bit's Tiger Magic	Dangerous Cal-bred pace races fresh here and will need a top try to hold off this group, but her better stuff seems competitive if she can stand the heat early.
Race Summary	Princesa Moche has a ceiling high enough to win this if she's able to rediscover some of that form that saw her play in Grade III company earlier this year, and the price might be OK enough with some dull recent runs on her page. Ripassare interesting for a piece?

Del Mar - Race #10

#2 Listenupshance	He has to turn the tables on the next guy -- he ran OK when second to him in March -- but I really liked his last when offering up that game run in New York to just miss to last year's Eclipse winner last time out. He's got to prove he can get over the top with a group like this, but I think his form is closer to that than it appears. In the mix throughout.
#6 Cornucopian	He has always been well meant and looked good getting back to his better stuff last time out, and he's probably in line for a good trip to sit just off the top choice again. A danger in a fun race.
Race Summary	Really appealing race with lots of horses to consider. Listenupshance has been in the frame with some good ones lately and might get over the top today. Unlisted above -- Mad House has dangerous speed that always puts him in play, but I'm still not 100% convinced that he's an elite national sprinter.

Del Mar - Race #11

#7 America's Mark	Stretchout player wired a very small group in her only career route try, but it at least suggest she gets the trip, and her overall form says she's quick enough to be right up top in a race without much serious speed at all. Chance from up close.
#8 Bette Davis Eyes	She rallied well enough in the American debut earlier this year going short, and her previous races hint that the added ground might work in her favor while stretching out.
#3 Lady in Paris	She just missed at Santa Anita in May, but something similar to that effort might be enough to land this one, and she's got at least something resembling midpack speed to avoid getting outrun too much behind a mild pace.
Race Summary	America's Mark should be right up near the top here while getting back around two turns, and her turf form has been pretty reliable, so I'm expecting that she'll show up with another honest effort today.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-25-2026, 12:21 PM

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

Colonial Downs - Race #2

#5 JOKES RESERVE (8-1)	Fast work, barn good with these types, could emerge from crowded field of firsters.
#4 INTRUDE (5-2)	Prepped at Keeneland for top 2yo trainer, sure to draw plenty of betting action.
#6 LOVE AFICIONADO (7-2)	Solid foundation of works for debut, dam was allowance-winning turf router.
Race Summary	JOKES RESERVE unveiled some speed in reserve for his :46-2/5 bullet workout from the gate earlier this month. He is by Top-20 turf sire Practical Joke and his trainer is on a 5-for-13 run with grass sprinters. Bet to win and place and play 5-4 and 5-6 exactas.

Colonial Downs - Race #4

#10 WHIMMOFFORTUNE (3-1)	Useful try for twice this price, gets in light, post the concern in turf route.
#5 ITHADTOBEBLU (6-1)	Plagued by troubled starts but hit board at three distances in last four starts.
#7 LIMITED VINTAGE (5-1)	Class plunges in seasonal debut for new barn, lone turf try fits well in here.
Race Summary	WHIMMOFFORTUNE made a middle move and earned the top speed figure in the field despite flattening out for a $35,000 claiming tag. She shows two good workouts on the Colonial main track since that race, sheds 6 pounds as the lightweight in the field but has post 10 to contend with. Bet to win and place and play 10-5 and 10-7 exactas.

Colonial Downs - Race #6

#3 STAY IN TUNE (6-1)	Upgraded steady dirt form with two wins on the turf in her last three starts.
#8 SILENT MELODY (15-1)	Six-figure earner can stalk and pounce from up close in lieu of first win on the lawn.
#10 LADY EMBRACE (10-1)	Consistent grass route numbers translate well for new connections.
Race Summary	STAY IN TUNE takes on elders with three wins, one more than 10 of her rivals. She has improved as a 3-year-old, rallying to win 6F and 1M turf races at this level at Laurel Park. Bet to win and place and play a 3-8-10 exacta box.