Stakes Spot Plays for Del Mar on Nov. 28

A trio of graded stakes races on the lawn will be held at Del Mar on Saturday.

Hollywood Derby (G1)

An excellent field of 13 sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles in a competitive event. I don’t think that #11 Ever Dangerous was a fluke when taking the Bryan Station S. at Keeneland at 74-1 odds last time out. The dark bay son of Kitten’s Joy was a fine debut winner at Gulfstream Park in April, and he seems to be finding his best form with two strong wins in succession as of late. He’s worth a chance at a big price.

Seabiscuit H. (G2)

The 1 1/16 miles turf test attracted a baker’s dozen in what appears to be a fine betting opportunity. I have a lot of interest in #5 Count Again in his debut for trainer Phil D’Amato. Gelded son of Awesome Again has never run a bad race on the turf, and the Singspiel (G3) winner will appreciate the cut back in distance after facing Grade 1 foes at 1 1/2 miles last time out. Lightly raced bay will be making one run late behind a swift early pace.

Jimmy Durante (G3)

Juvenile fillies get their moment to shine in the one-mile grass affair. Chad Brown’s #8 Fluffy Socks has performed well on firm, yielding, and soft turf courses to this point of her career. The Slumber homebred is a nose shy from compiling wins in three straight, and I love that Irad Ortiz Jr. comes along to ride her once again. The stakes winner will be doing her best work in the stretch.