Delaware Park picks and analysis: July 22, 2023
Joe Parisi- July 22, 2023
Live racing at Delaware Park kicks off May 24 and runs through late October.
Once again this year, we will have Delaware Park picks and analysis for every day of live racing at the venerable track. Today’s card features eight races, and first post is 12:30 EDT.
Today’s carryovers: Pick 5, $2,989
Race #1 Picks: 1-3-5-2
In this $8000 starter allowance race for fillies and mares at six furlongs, there isn’t much early speed, and #1 Cabra Chica (3-2) should be able to dictate the pace. She has run well in all three of her races at Delaware and we have her on top today. #3 Let’s Be Honest (6-1) was running very well at Tampa earlier in the year, and this will be her second start for Chelsey Moysey after the claim. There should be some improvement. #5 Utterly Enchanting (4-1) has been in good form in Maryland and has a win at Delaware under her belt.
Race #2 Picks: 3-5-1-6 (Dirt picks: 3-5-1-6)
In this $25,000 maiden optional claiming race at 1 ½ miles on the turf, #3 Sleight of Hand (2-1) ran second in a turf marathon maiden race last time, running a 64-speed figure. He was facing tougher horses that day and looks to be the best with this group. #5 Johnson (3-1) was closing well in a turf marathon in last and will be a threat today if he repeats that effort. #1 Photo Copy (4-1) had the lead but hung in the stretch in a mile-and-a-half turf race and finished behind Johnson. He should be in the mix again today.
Race #3 Picks: 1-2-4-6
In this $25,000 maiden claiming race for fillies and mares at 5 1/2 furlongs, #1 Tipsy Girl (5-2) was running in maiden races for PA-breds last year and is dropping to the claiming ranks. Jamie Ness is good at spotting his horses and we have this filly on top today. #2 Balentina (9-5) was running at Belmont, which generally means she was facing tougher horses. She was showing early speed but could not hold on to win. If she repeats those Belmont races, she had a chance for the top spot. For the show position we are going with #4 Sergeant Molly (6-1). She has a solid workout line which includes a five-furlong work. She could surprise today.
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Race #4 Picks: 5-4-2-8 (Dirt Picks: 6-9-4-1)
In this $25,000 claiming race for fillies and mares at about one mile and 70 yards on the turf, #5 Una Luna (4-1) had some good races at Gulfstream. She was dull in her last two tries, but she may return to form while making her first start for Anthony Pecoraro. #4 Nibbles (6-1) had a couple of solid turf route races in Maryland and fits well here. Should be in the thick of things today. #2 Smooth Pebble (2-1) has been running in sprints lately but did have a one-mile victory on the turf last year. One to consider.
Race #5 Picks: 1-5-6-4
In this $5000 claiming race at one mile and 70 yards, #1 Kidyounot (8-5) has run two good races-s in a row and is a top competitor at this level. He is in good form, running speed figures in the high 60s, and we have him on top. #5 Cape Hedge (7-2) has been running at Parx and has had some competitive races. He recently cleared a condition and fits well here. #6 Lifespan (2-1) showed a little life in his last try and may get in the mix.
Joe’s Notes
- Jockey Kevin Gomez swept the last three races on the card. He’s fourth in the rider standings with 16 wins…
- One of those came aboard the Nathaniel Quinonez-trained Ardanwood, who’s now won two straight and three of four this year…
Race #6 Picks: 10-6-2-4 (Dirt Picks: 3-5-8-4)
In this $38,500 first-level allowance race for fillies and mares at about 1 1/16 miles on the turf, #10 All About Me (4-1) should be able to get an easy lead today. Turf is her preferred surface, and she seldom runs poorly on the grass. We think she is a top contender today. #6 Thisnameisokay (5-1) has been running well this year, but not quite well enough to clear this condition. She will be in the mix again today. #2 Willakia (3-1) is a closer who has some solid turf performances. However, she only has one race since last April, which is a red flag. If she runs back to her last two races, she will be tough to beat.
Race #7 Picks: 5-7-4-1
In this $16,000 claiming race at one mile, #5 Stardust Ziggy (8-1) won a $20,000 claiming race at Laurel and then tried allowance company without much success. She showed late improvement in a claiming race here and is dropping down the class ladder one level, which looks like a good spot. #7 Orcovix (7-2) has been racing against several other foes in this race with mixed success, but he looks like he might be the best of that group. #4 Keranos (5-2) was neck-and-neck with Orcovix in stretch in last and figures to be in the mix.
Race #8 Picks: 5-9-6-4 (Dirt Picks: 9-6-7-8)
In this $16,000 maiden claiming race at about one mile on the turf, #5 Rollercoaster Man (4-1) will be making his first start after not being able to leave the maiden ranks at Tampa and Laurel. He is facing an exceptionally weak field today, and we think it will be the day he graduates. #9 Run for Karl (3-1) is an also eligible, and if he draws in, he will be in a good spot. He just missed leaving the maiden ranks in his last two. If he repeats those races, he may get the top spot. #6 Carico (5-1) will be making his first start for Victor Barbosa and his first start on the turf. Maybe a change will do him good.
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