Pick 4 of the Week: Del Mar Saturday

A trio of black-type races will be hosted by Del Mar on Saturday, two of which are of the graded variety, and the trio of stakes events will be a central part of the Pick 4 of the Week. 

Race 8 Wager

• 50-cent Pick 4: 2,5 with 7,10 with 1,2,3,5,6 with 1,9 ($20)

Race 8 – San Diego H. (G2)

Bob Baffert’s #2 Nysos is a neck shy from being unbeaten from a handful of career runs. The standout son of Nyquist has earned 100+ Brisnet Speed figures in each try to date, and he also won the 2023 Bob Hope S. (G3) by 8 3/4 lengths in his lone local appearance. 

If the overwhelming one to beat fails to fire for some reason, I feel that #5 Hall of Fame deserves a look while making his first run in the Golden State. Now in the hands of conditioner Michael McCarthy, the Gun Runner colt has held up well while facing some really good ones as of late, and the change of scenery could potentially move him up a few lengths, too. He’s worth a flier with Kimura in the irons. 

Race 9 – Daisycutter H. 

A five-furlong dash on the green for fillies and mares attracted 10. Speed often plays well in sprints on this course, so #10 Pushiness is my top selection. One of two in the group for McCarthy, the Kantharos four-year-old has hit the board in each of her trio of career runs on the weeds and could be free at the turn for home under Juan Hernandez. 

I’m intrigued that McCarthy also entered three-time turf heroine #7 Spicybug, so I’ll include the daughter of Speightstown, as well. 

Race 10 – Bing Crosby S. (G1)

I feel that five of the nine in the feature of the afternoon can come out on top, so rather than splitting hairs, I will toss in each of the handful of major contenders in the dash. Carter S. (G2) winner #1 Crazy Mason, top pick and course specialist #2 Dr. Venkman, Baffert’s #3 Hejazi, Amsterdam S. (G2) victor #5 World Record, and dual Grade 3 winner #6 Roll On Big Joe are the ones.  

Race 11 – Optional Claiming

The closing piece is a one-mile turf tilt for the boys. French invader #1 Suchet gets Lasix for the initial time, and could be any kind for Sadler. Mirco Demuro has the assignment. 

Mark Glatt’s #9 A Day to Remember has shown improvement with each career run to date and will go a route of ground for the initial time. The American Pharoah gelding will be forwardly placed throughout under Abel Lezcano.