Breeders' Cup Big Bet Battle Royale - Del Mar H. Selections

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The Editorial team at brisnet.com is getting involved in the fun, providing selections for the remaining contest races. Here are their thoughts on Saturday’s Del Mar H.:

Kellie Reilly: FINNEGANS WAKE (#8), who has been in good heart all season, is eligible to regain the winning thread back in Grade 2 company. The winner of three straight at this level over the winter, the son of Powerscourt notched his first Grade 1 coup in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic on Kentucky Derby Day, and he's performed creditably at the top level in his three ensuing starts. The Peter Miller charge figures to prosper by returning to a longer trip on this circuit. Although he was second to Ashleyluvssugar in the San Luis Rey (G2) back in March, Finnegans Wake was conceding five pounds that day, but could return the favor at level weights with that rival here. $15 to win on #8.

Vance Hanson: FLAMBOYANT (#3) did well in his first few starts following his importation from France, beating future Grade 3 winners Home Run Kitten and Enterprising in the La Puente at Santa Anita and later placing in the Belmont Derby (G1). Since then his form has not been very good, but you can probably chalk up his two most recent defeats to distance. This closer doesn't have the late kick to be effective at a mile, so there's more hope now that he's finally getting a chance to try 1 3/8 miles for the first time. There are some established long-distance runners in here, like Ashleyluvssugar, Big John B, and Finnegans Wake, but this one's been working well and might be able to run a new best with the added ground. $15 to win on #3.

Ed DeRosa: I trust Little Jerry to make the lead but don’t trust him enough to carry it 1 3/8 miles. That sets things up for ASHLEYLUVSSUGAR (#1), who has a pair of wins at 1 ½ miles before shipping and not showing much in the United Nations. I like him tracking lone speed more than I do the others who will be running late. $15 to win on #1.

James Scully: ASHLEYLUVSSUGAR (#1) came to hand over the winter/spring for trainer Peter Miller, reeling off three consecutive wins, including the Charles Whittingham (G2) and San Luis Rey (G2), and the 4yo gelding didn’t run poorly when stepping outside the friendly Southern California confines in the United Nations (G1) last time, checking in sixth versus better competition. The pace figures to set up better for the Early/Presser on Saturday and I’ll tab Ashleyluvssugar to rebound. $15 to win on #1.