Scully: Late Pick 3 Play at Del Mar Saturday

Del Mar will feature a $3 (minimum) Late Pick 3 every racing program during the summer meet, and I have crafted a ticket for Saturday’s sequence.

$3 Late Pick3 (races 9-11)

1,6,7,10 with 1,3,5 with 1 = $36

Here is my analysis of the races.

Race 9 – Daisycutter H.

There’s some speed signed on in the five-furlong turf affair, and #6 Uncorked (3-1) appears set for a favorable trip with Flavien Prat. #7 Spicybug (5-1) recorded a sharp win at Santa Anita two back and is capable of better than she showed finishing sixth in the Intercontinental (G2) at Saratoga last out.

Throw out the route efforts for #1 Vinsanity (20-1); the Grade 3-winning turf sprinter ran well, finishing a close third in a salty allowance two back following a seven-month layoff, and Vinsanity has a shot to make an impact from off the pace at a price. #10 Pushiness (5-2), the probable speed of the speed, will be included from her outside post.

Race 10 – Bing Crosby (G1)

Given that eight of the nine entrants prefer to race on or close to the lead, the early pace in the six-furlong event promises to be hot and contested. I’ve been impressed by the late kick displayed by #1 Crazy Mason (8-1) in recent starts, including an eye-catching victory in the Carter (G2) two back, and his third to Book’em Danno and Mullikin in the True North (G3) last out is probably good enough to win this race. He rates top billing, but a pair of classy speedsters, #3 Hejazi (7-2) and #5 World Record (3-1), will be added to the ticket.

Race 11 – Allowance/optional claimer

Stakes-placed in his final European start in mid-May, #1 Suchet (8-1) was flattered when the winner of that event came back to win a Group 3 event next out. The formerly French-based gelding kept good company overseas and is eligible for entry-level allowance conditions in his first U.S. start. The miler shows a trio of sharp works in preparation, rating patiently behind an accomplished stablemate before rallying boldly in his last move. John Sadler is off to a fast start this meet, tied for leading trainer with three wins over the weekend, and Suchet figures to receive a ground-saving trip from a favorable inside post before making his presence felt. I will take a stand with Suchet in the finale.