Pick 3 of the Week: Del Mar Saturday, August 8

I’ll come swinging out of the gate by taking aim at the first three races on the Saturday card at Del Mar for the Pick 3 of the week. 

Race 1 Wager

• $3 Pick 3: 4,5,8 with 2 with 2,3,6 ($27)

Race 1 – Maiden Optional Claiming

A 5 1/2 -furlong dash for juvenile boys will commence the day and the wager, and I’ll use both of the youngsters from the red-hot Doug O’Neill shedrow and one from Peter Miller's barn to kick things off. #5 High Pronto (3-1) dueled on the front end with Best Pal contender Hughes at Los Alamitos in his unveiling and will drop in for a claiming tag second time out. The Hightail colt drilled a fast four panels in his latest morning move and will force the pace throughout with Fresu up. 

O’Neill’s #4 Billy Goat (7-2) improved with blinkers last time when a close fourth at this level and might be the one to catch early with a clean break from the gate. Miller’s #9 Another Warrior (6-1) has a nice draw on the outside and has a two-year-old winning sibling from one to have raced. The $100,000 son of young sire Jackie’s Warrior gets Joel Rosario. 

Race 2 – Optional Claiming

The one-mile turf test for the ladies attracted a field of seven and #2 Hannah Bucks (3-1) will be a single for me to give Leonard Powell his first win at the meeting. The Bated Breath mare has picked up both lifetime wins on the course and at the distance, and she will have the speed to run at late with Armando Ayuso on board. 

Race 3 – Best Pal (G3)

The six-furlong dash on the dirt for sophomores attracted six, and it seems like it’s going to come down to a trio of impressive youngsters that each possess a lot of early gas. Bashford Manor S. second #2 He Is No Lie (2-1) is the quickest of the trio and is also drawn inside of his two major foes, so the Doug O’Neill pupil will be the one to catch. The Early Voting ridgling has earned huge Brisnet Early Pace ratings in both runs to date and will be flying from the break under Jaramillo. 

Bob Baffert’s smart debut winner #3 Hughes (3-1) is drawn outside of the speedster and could follow that one from the break. The $675,000 yearling purchase has trained well in advance of the heat and could be any kind going forward. #6 Kennyten (9-5) led at every call in a superb score at Santa Anita at first asking and has an ideal outside draw for Cerin. The Drain the Clock colt rated on the lead to some extent on debut, and I feel that he will be able to sit off the pace and still fire under Ricky Gonzalez.