Opening Day at Old Del Mar

Opening day at Del Mar is always a sign that the Minnesota summer is closer to the end than the beginning. It's always an openning day I look forward too but maybe more so this year after not hearing, what to me, is the voice of the west coast thoroughbred racing Trevor Denman call races at Santa Anita's all winter and spring. I'm a fan of Michael Wrona but the winter and spring meets at "the great race place" were not the same without Denman. When he leaves the game entirely it's a voice, a brand, a style that will absolutely never be replicated.

A few thoughts on the annual opening day stake, The Oceanside, and how I'll play the late pick 4. Good Luck.

OCEANSIDE STAKES 

#1 DIPLODOCUS

Would have to improve significantly off the two Jan turf tries. Baltas can fire off the short layoffs but he appears to be in too deep for my liking.

#2 MOONLIGHT DRIVE

Off since North America debut back in February. Bejarano gave him a perfect trip that day at Santa Anita and he drew off without Bejarano asking a lot. Should be drawn well to sit just off the pace once again. Baffort has a pair of 6F works in him and we all down he can get his horses to fire fresh.

#3 IMPERIOUS ONE

Ran a nice one walking on the lead Jan 24th and has been off since. Should be near the lead but not sure the Del Mar sod will be as forgiving as what Santa Anita was this past winter and spring for front runners. Both Praf and Bejarano ride elsewhere; I'll have to pass. 

#4 PATH OF DAVID

Took 5 tries to break maiden but is 4 for 4 hitting the board on the turf at 1 mile. Like others in here has to contend with the long layoff and will need to run a career best off the bench to contend. 

#5 MISHEGAS

Didn't do any running in the Rainbow. Speed favoring course but had absolutely no run at any point of the race that was run at a relatively swift pace. Maybe he just needed a race but Sherman doesn't win at a good % 2nd off the layoff. I think he's in too deep. 

#6 TRISTAN'S TRILOGY 

Maybe the race May 14th took some punch out of him as he came back a few weeks later and flopped. He's improved but Arroyo gets the call for Peter Miller and that to me doesn't seem like a vote of confidence. 

#7 EBADAN

Has ran a couple respectable races since coming to the US and Drysdale. He came from way back down the hill at SA to win and then lacked punch while sitting closer last out. Could be the type that improves on a course that isn't so speed favoring. Hate to see Praf jump ship but will be in capable hands of up an coming Gonzalez. 

#8 ARCATURE

Thought Praf gave this horse an absolute dream trip in the Rainbow and Arcature was done at the top of the lane. Maybe the cut back to 1 mile helps but there was just not excuse for how poorly he ran last out and doubtful he gets another dream trip. 

#9 DRESSED IN HERMES

I've been a big fan of this horse and really thought he was primed for a solid effort in his last at Belmont. To this point he hasn't shown any improvement from 2YO to 3YO. 3rd race of the form cycle and rejoins with Mike Smith. Maybe he wakes up and shows some improvement here. 

#10 HOLLYWOOD DON

Has worked a few bullets for Miller coming off the 5 month layoff. Could be a horse that has grown up over the last 6 months but I'd have to see him run faster as his career best doesn't come close to being able to get it done here. 

#11 BLACKJACKCAT 

#12 MONSTER BEA

Of the Miller trio the one I want to try. Stalking type that could be compromised by post. If Stevens can avoid the wide trip should be a major player coming from the 2nd flight.

#13 MR ROARY

Speedster has one way to go from an outside post and has one of the best gate jocks anywhere. Wired the field at 38-1 setting honest fractons on the speed favoring SA turf course. The cutback shouldn't hurt but I'll make him prove it on a surface that should be a little more tiring.

#14 LIAM THE CHARMER

Tough post and will need to avoid ground loss. Closed decently into the hot pace set by Mr Roary last out. Hasn't done much wrong as a 3YO but I'll hope he just can't overcome what figures to be a less than ideal trip. 

Plays: 

Race 8:
 Win Bet
#7 Ebadan

Race 7:
50 cent Pick 4
1,3,4,6,7 / 2,7,9,12 / 5,6,7,8,10 / 6,8