Del Mar Picks: Hollywood Derby, Saturday, December 2, 2023

Racing action continues Saturday and Sunday at Del Mar. The racing action on Saturday will feature the Hollywood Derby. Here’s a look at our Del Mar Picks for Saturday.

Full Card Analysis

Del Mar Picks- 1

Post: 12:30 PM PT; $63k Allowance Optional Claiming going 1 m on turf; Entries: 7

• #4 ANDY CAN U HEAR ME (4-1) secures the top selection, likely to be positioned in the first flight of runners. This one is poised for a late chance.
• #5 TALKLESSWORKMORE (5-1) emerges as a major player, consistently facing decent company in recent races.
• #1 WINE AND WHISKY (5-1) is competitive here, making sense on speed figures. Likely to be in the first flight of runners, this one has a chance late.
• #6 KERRY GOLD (2-1) will be in the mix. Making sense on speed figures he represents the Miller barn with Prat in the irons.

Selections: 4 – 5 – 1 – 6

Del Mar Picks- 2

Post: 12:58 PM PT; $22k Maiden Claiming going 6 1/2 f on dirt; Entries: 6

• #2 MISS COMMANDER (8-5) claims the top selection, set to be in the first flight of runners and in contention late. He’s running for Marquez and Franko-Angeles.
• #4 LUCKY VEGAS (5-1) stands out as a major player. Displaying solidity in recent starts he’s poised to run a significant race.
• #3 UNKEPT SECRET (2-1) emerges as a major player, running races good enough to outpace this group. Strategically will be positioned in the second tier to make a well-timed run.
• #1 IPANEMA GIRL (4-1), not without hope, enters the race in excellent form and represents the class of the field.

Selections: 2 – 4 – 3 – 1

Del Mar Picks- 3

Post: 1:27 PM PT; $100k Stormy Liberal S. going 5 f on turf; Entries: 8

• #2 LANE WAY (9-5) claims the top selection, having been consistently solid in recent starts and ready for a significant performance.
• #3 TURN ON THE JETS (5-2) secures the top selection, running races good enough to outclass this group.
• #1 UNCONQUERABLE KEEN (4-1) will likely be competitive, making sense on speed figures, and running for the D’Amato barn with Prat in the irons.
• #4 HONEY PANTS (12-1), a price horse, and a fringe contender, having faced decent company and running for the combination of D’Amato and Fresu.

Selections: 2 – 3 – 1 – 4

Del Mar Picks- 4

Post: 1:56 PM PT; $63k Allowance Optional Claiming going 6 1/2 f on dirt; Entries: 6

• #5 GHOST OF MIDNIGHT (8-5) claims the top selection, having proven the ability to handle these conditions in previous starts and displaying solid early pace figures in a race lacking significant front-running speed.
• #4 HARD TO FIGURE (4-1), is a fringe contender, is expected to be in the first flight of runners and in contention late.
• #6 DISCO BALL (4-1) isn’t without hope, running against decent company and posing a threat to get loose on the front end.
• #2 THIRSTY JOHN (8-1) isn’t without hope. He will handle the distance and pose a threat to get loose on the front end.

Selections: 5 – 4 – 6 – 2

Del Mar Picks- 5

Post: 2:26 PM PT; $100k Jimmy Durante S. going 1 m on turf; Entries: 11

• #9 GO WITH GUSTO (4-1) claims the top selection, being the class of the field and consistently solid in recent starts.
• #6 MO FOX GIVIN (6-1) emerges as a major player, running evenly and benefiting from a fair pace scenario.
• #8 LADY DE BERRY (5-2) is another major player, consistently solid in recent starts. The distance is no concern.
• #11 ZONA VERDE (8-1)will be a factor in this spot. Running for the combination of D’Amato and Hernandez and strategically positioned in the second tier for a well-timed run.

Selections: 9 – 6 – 8 – 11

Del Mar Picks- 6

Post: 2:55 PM PT; $61k Maiden Special Weight going 1 m on dirt; Entries: 7

• #6 IMAGINATION (4-5), expected to improve off the first start, claims the top selection and goes out for the Baffert barn with Prat in the irons.
• #1 BRITISH ISLES (4-1) is a major player, running for the combination of Baffert and Hernandez.
• #7 BETTER THAN GOLD (8-1) will likely improve off the first start and has a shot in this race, running for the combination of Mandella and Smith.
• #5 TAPALO (5-1), is a fringe contender, will likely benefit from a moderately paced race and runs for the Sadler barn with Rosario in the irons.

Selections: 6 – 1 – 7 – 5

Del Mar Picks- 7

Post: 3:25 PM PT; $300k Hollywood Derby going 1 1/8 m on turf; Entries: 9

• #5 WEBSLINGER (3-1) claims the top selection, being the class of the field and running consistently solid pace figures in a moderately paced race.
• #8 PROGRAM TRADING (9-5) secures the top selection, expecting no trouble with the distance and holding the top overall power rating.
• #9 SEAL TEAM (5-1) is anticipated to be competitive, running evenly and benefiting from a fair pace scenario.
• #1 SILVER KNOTT (6-1) has a shot in this race, making sense on speed figures and representing the class of the field.

Selections: 5 – 8 – 9 – 1

Del Mar Picks- 8

Post: 3:55 PM PT; $45k Starter Optional Claiming going 6 f on dirt; Entries: 8

• #4 DES DOIGTS (7-2) claims the top selection, expecting no trouble with the distance and posing a threat to get loose on the front end.
• #1 MR. SUDS (15-1), a price horse, is considered a major player, holding the top overall power rating and displaying solid early pace figures in a race lacking significant front-running speed.
• #7 SALSATION (6-1) is another major player, consistently solid in recent starts and ready to run a big one.
• #3 ELIGIO (5-1) isn’t without hope, making sense on speed figures.

Selections: 4 – 1 – 7 – 3

Del Mar Picks- 9

Post: 4:25 PM PT; $61k Maiden Special Weight going 1 m on turf; Entries: 14

• #5 SEA DANCER (5-2) claims the top selection, likely to have a lot to do in the lane but could get up with a competitive run, running evenly and benefiting from a fair pace scenario.
• #8 GOLDEN GHOST (4-1) is definitely a major player, being the class of the field.
• #7 PINK WHITNEY (5-1) will likely be competitive, rolling late with a good closing kick that could secure the win, running for the combination of D’Amato and Hernandez.
• #2 VISUALLY (8-1), considered a fringe contender, runs consistently solid pace figures in a moderately paced race.

Betting News Horse Racing Coverage

Betting News provides AI generated handicapping tools for all of the major tracks around the country each and every day.

In addition, Betting News will continue to provide in depth analysis of select racing cards throughout the week.

Saturday

• Fair Grounds Picks featuring the Claiming Crown
• Aqueduct Picks featuring the Grade 2 Cigar Mile
• Del Mar Picks featuring the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby

Sunday

• Del Mar Picks featuring the Grade 1 Matriarch

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