Race #1 Picks: 7-8-6-5

In this $25,000 maiden claiming race at 5 1/2 furlongs, #7 Take a Hint (8-5) ran second to Howgreatisnate, who recently won a stakes race at Monmouth. He has been away for ten months so there is a question about his fitness, but his workouts look good, and we have him on top. #8 Ben’s Hero (10-1) is one of the few horses in this event that has decent current form as he ran second in a similar race in June. If he repeats that effort he will be in the mix. Given the lack of other strong contenders, we are going to go with #6 Shellback (10-1) for the show spot. This first-time-starter has a strong trainer/jockey combination, who have won at a 32% clip at Delaware in 22 races in 2022/2023.

Race #2 Picks: 4-6-1-5

In this $20,000 claiming race at six furlongs, #4 My Last Mission (8-1) has shown speed but weakened late against better at Parx. He got in a duel in his only race here at Delaware last year and finished third. We think he will be able to hold on against this group. #6 Aristocratic (9-5) is in decent form and ran a close second to Air Token, who is a good horse. Came within a nose of winning here at Delaware last year. #1 Just Plain Ornery (5-2) has been running well in Tampa and his early speed should help him at Delaware Park.

Race #3 Picks: 3-4-10-6

Off the turf. Picks are from anticipated main-track runners.

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Race #4 Picks: 3-5-7-1

In this $38,000 maiden race for two-year-olds at five furlongs, #3 Tina Tina Tina (2-1) ran well in her debut and the extra half furlong might be to her advantage as she looked like she wanted more ground. She is our top choice. #5 She’s Fantastic (10-1) appeared to get intimidated when she got behind a wall of horses in her last start. If she can get a better break, we might see her run up to her potential. #7 Ursuline (3-1) was purchased at the Keeneland sale for $270,000. This filly by Medaglia d’ Oro is in the hands of a hot trainer and has been working well. A definite threat.

Race #6 Picks: 4-1-7-6

In this $5000 claiming race for fillies and ­mares at one mile and 70 yards, #4 Caged Pixie (8-1) has not been running well lately but did have four wins last year and ran second in her only lifetime try at Delaware. Bottom level claimers are very inconsistent, but if she runs her best she can win today. #1 Heleonoritz (4-1) has had good success on the Delaware dirt with two wins in three attempts. Will be going for two in a row today. #7 Blind Spot (6-1) has early speed, which is an asset on the Delaware main track. Has been in good form lately and seldom runs a bad race.

Race #7 Picks: 5-6-2-1

Off the turf. Picks are from anticipated main-track runners.

Race #8 Picks: 1-3-2-5

In this $12,500 claiming race for fillies and mares at six furlongs, #1 Alice Harper (5-2) was running at this level at Gulfstream Park, which has better stock. Trainer Claudio Gonzales has won at 23% in 66 tries off the layoff and this looks like a good spot. #3 Nucci (6-5) has been running against tougher at Gulfstream.  She has not showed much since her maiden win, but the class drop plus a red-hot trainer might put her over the top. #2 Sapphire Beauty (5-1) has only one win in nineteen lifetime tries but has early speed and was running well earlier in the year.