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 quickly gained popularity and became one of Southern California’s most fashionable and sought-after destinations for horse racing enthusiasts and celebrities alike.

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

Crosby’s influence was not limited to race tracks; he also played an essential role in broadcasting horse racing to a wider audience. In the 1940s, he co-founded the American Horse Racing Broadcasting Company, a pioneering effort to televise horse races across the country. This initiative brought the excitement of horse racing to living rooms nationwide, helping to popularize the sport and solidify its place in 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

More than just a legendary entertainer, Crosby will forever be remembered as a passionate advocate and significant player in the world of horse racing. On Saturday he will be honored at the track he founded with a stake in his name.

Saturday Full Card Analysis

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 1

Post: 2:00 PM PT; $82k Maiden Special Weight going 5 1/2 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 6

• #1 HEARTLAND (6-5) is making his debut and earns the top selection. With the combination of Baffert and Hernandez, he demands respect. This one boasts a pedigree that could make him a major contender in this spot.
• #4 HEAD LAD (4-1) is also making his debut and has a shot in this race. He comes from strong breeding for this distance.
• #3 INVINCIBLE (6-1) is another debutant and might be best suited for underneath positions on most tickets. O’Neill’s barn and Fresu in the irons add to his appeal. He’s bred well for this challenge.
• #6 A DAY TO REMEMBER (5-2) is making his debut as well and could be a good pick for underneath positions. His breeding supports his chances in this race.

Selections: 1 – 4 – 3 – 6

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 2

Post: 2:34 PM PT; $84k Allowance Optional Claiming going 5 furlongs on turf; Entries: 10

• #1 STANDING O (5-1) takes the top spot. He’s likely to sit among the second tier of runners, looking to make a well-timed move towards the front.
• #7 ZOFFARELLI (5-1) appears to be a major contender in this race with a fitting profile. He holds the top overall power rating in the group.
• #4 CHERUBIC FACTOR (3-1) also seems like a major contender in this race. With the combination of Eurton and Hernandez, he deserves respect. He holds the top overall power rating in the group.
• #5 JOHNNY PODRES (8-1) has a good chance to compete here. With tactical speed, he can comfortably stay just behind the leaders and strike opportunistically. His speed figures support his selection.

Selections: 1 – 7 – 4 – 5

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 3

Post: 3:07 PM PT; $82k Maiden Special Weight going 5 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 12

• #9 MR. CHIVAS (3-1) looks the best in this race with races strong enough to challenge this group. He could pose a dangerous threat by taking the lead early.
• #1 JUST A GUESS (4-1) is making his debut and has a shot in this race.
• #4 EPISODE FIVE (15-1) is a price horse and could be considered a fringe contender in this spot. With solid early pace figures, he could take advantage of the lack of front-running speed.
• #12 BURAQ’S REFLECTION (8-1) is not without hope in this race. He seems to fit well enough here and could potentially lead the pack.

Selections: 9 – 1 – 4 – 12

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 4

Post: 3:39 PM PT; $34k Claiming going 1 mile on dirt; Entries: 11

• #10 PENS STREET (6-1) earns the top selection. With the combination of Crichton and Ayuso, she should be taken seriously. Her speed figures make her a sensible choice.
• #9 RACE JUDICATA (8-1) appears to be a major contender in this race, fitting well in the field. She can maintain a steady pace and benefit from a fair pace scenario.
• #5 AWESOME TAYLOR (4-1) is a fringe contender in this spot and seems to be the class of the field.
• #8 AGREETODISAGREE (7-2) is also a fringe contender and makes sense based on speed figures. Holding the top overall power rating, she cannot be ignored.

Selections: 10 – 9 – 5 – 8

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 5

Post: 4:09 PM PT; $82k Maiden Special Weight going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 10

• #8 TURF ROCKET (6-1) should improve from her first start and claims the top spot. With no trouble expected over the 1-mile distance, she could be a threat on the front end.
• #4 PINK WHITNEY (15-1) is a price horse and is probably best considered for underneath positions on most tickets. She has been consistently solid in recent starts and could deliver a big performance here.
• #6 BLUE OASIS (12-1) is another price horse and could be best for underneath positions on most tickets.
• #9 ROSCOE VILLAGE (4-1) might be best for underneath positions as well. Going out for the Proctor barn and with Van in the irons, she adds to her appeal.

Selections: 8 – 4 – 6 – 9

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 6

Post: 4:39 PM PT; $30k Claiming going 6 1/2 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 12

• #8 SUGAR SUGAR (6-1) appears to be the best choice. With consistent pace figures, she should perform well in a moderately paced race. Knapp’s barn and Rispoli in the irons add to her credentials.
• #12 MAJOR PRYCE (5-1) is expected to be a major player in this race. With Wilensky and Ayuso’s combination, she deserves respect.
• #1 NUMERIC (8-1) is another contender, showing promise based on speed figures. A fair pace scenario might work in her favor.
• #6 STORM D’ORO (20-1) is a price horse and should be competitive in this spot. Being the class of the field based on speed figures, she cannot be overlooked.

Selections: 8 – 12 – 1 – 6

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 7

Post: 5:09 PM PT; $46k Maiden Claiming going 1 1/16 miles on turf; Entries: 15

• #9 ADELIE (7-2) gets the top selection. She appears to be the class of the field.
• #12 PORT ELLEN (6-1) is another contender and could be in with a shot in this race. With D’Amato and Rispoli, she demands respect. Her pedigree also supports her chances.
• #2 ANKYRAH (6-1) seems promising, projected to sit mid-pack and finish strong.
• #6 EXCLUSIVE JONI (4-1) is best considered for underneath positions on most tickets. With a lot to do in the lane, she could still finish strongly with a competitive run.

Selections: 9 – 12 – 2 – 6

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 8

Post: 5:39 PM PT; $300k San Diego H. going 1 1/16 miles on dirt; Entries: 10

• #1 SLOW DOWN ANDY (5-1) takes the top spot, having proven ability to handle these conditions in previous starts. Expected to be part of the early pace, he’s a strong contender.
• #6 DEFUNDED (8-5) is another top contender, boasting the highest overall power rating in the group. He looks to be the class of the field.
• #10 BRICKYARD RIDE (6-1) should be competitive in this spot, showing solid form in recent starts.
• #7 SENOR BUSCADOR (12-1) is a price horse and could be in with a shot in this race, potentially benefiting from a hot pace up front.

Selections: 1 – 6 – 10 – 7

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 9

Post: 6:09 PM PT; $83k Allowance Optional Claiming going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 14

• #12 SHOCKING GREY (12-1) is a price horse and looks best here. She holds the top overall power rating in the group.
• #1 PLEASANT WAVE (10-1) is also a price horse and appears to be a major contender in this race. No trouble expected with the 1-mile distance, she has shown capability in handling these conditions.
• #9 ULTIMATE HY (3-1) is another major contender, earning respect with Gaines and Rispoli’s combination. She could get the right setup in this race.
• #3 REBEL GIRL (8-1) is another major player with Hernandez in the irons. Expected to be in the first flight of runners, she has a chance to compete late.

Selections: 12 – 1 – 9 – 3

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 10

Post: 6:39 PM PT; $400k Bing Crosby S. going 6 furlongs on dirt; Entries: 12

• #12 PEACEFUL WATERS (20-1) is a price horse and gets the top selection. Expected to be on or near the lead, he will aim to hold off the competition to the wire. His speed figures make him a logical choice.
• #10 AMERICAN THEOREM (8-1) appears to be a major contender in this race, having a lot to do in the lane but potentially finishing competitively. He looks to be the class of the field.
• #11 DR. SCHIVEL (7-2) is also a major player, likely to be in the first flight of runners and in with a chance late. He has previously demonstrated capability to handle these conditions.
• #4 THE CHOSEN VRON (4-1) is expected to be competitive in this spot, benefiting from a hot pace up front. He comes into the race in good form.

Selections: 12 – 10 – 11 – 4

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- Race 11

Post: 7:09 PM PT; $82k Maiden Special Weight going 1 mile on turf; Entries: 16

• #16 YELLOW BRICK (3-1) takes the top spot. He seems to fit well enough here and is projected to sit mid-pack and make a strong run.
• #14 MALTESE FALCON (5-2) appears to be a major contender in this race, expected to handle the 1-mile distance well. He is well bred for this challenge.
• #10 PRECISION STRIKE (6-1) is another major contender, showing the ability to handle these conditions in previous starts.
• #7 WATSONVILLE (6-1) could be in with a shot in this race and makes sense based on speed figures. With consistent pace figures, she should do well in a moderately paced race.

Selections: 16 – 14 – 10 – 7