Delaware Park picks and analysis: August 4, 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: None

Race #1 Picks: 2-1-5-7

In this $5000 N2Y race at 5 ½ furlongs, #2Positively Awesome (5-2) is coming from Parx and Parx shippers have been doing very well here. In his last race he grabbed the lead at the half-mile pole and repelled several challengers to win and post a 74 speed figure. #1 Claw (9-5) ran well in his Delaware debut, winning with a 64-speed figure. Elliot Sullivan wins at 27% when going for two straight. #5 Overbearing (8-1) has two wins and two seconds in eight starts this year. Should improve in second race off the claim.

Race #2 Picks: 5-10-2-1

In this $16,000 N2L claiming race for fillies and mares at about 1 1/16 miles on the turf, #5 Seiver (5-2) has been a beaten favorite in five straight races. Even so, she has come close to winning and looks like the best horse in this field. #10 Louise Brooks (4-1) was closing well in last but could not get up. This closer will be moving from the back of the pack and making a late run again. #2 My Jo Jo (6-1) has been in good form and left the maiden ranks in last. One to consider today.

Race #3 Picks: 1-8-11-9

In this $6250 maiden claiming race, #1 Vegas Playboy (8-1) has been running against better horses at Monmouth. He has shown brief speed but faded. Back to sprinting after trying a route. He should improve against this group. #8 Little Henry (5-1) is moving back down to the level where he ran second a few races back. He should be able to improve and run a good race today. #11 Estilo Clasico (4-1) ran well last time out with a place finish and a 50 speed rating. A repeat of that effort will put him in the mix.

CHECK OUT THE LATEST OFF TO THE RACES RADIO!

Race #4 Picks: 2-6-4-8

In this $38,000 maiden special weight race for fillies and mares at about five furlongs on the turf, #2 Delta Charm (9-2) showed speed in two races taken off the turf. If they stay on the grass today, he might be able to improve on those efforts and we have him on top. #6 Up for It (7-2) has been running turf sprints in Maryland and showing some good efforts. Michael Matz is having a successful meet with three wins in thirteen tries, and we look for a good effort today. #4 Queen Jelly Bean (12-1) is still looking to make her turf debut after her last race was taken off the grass. She could improve today.

Race #5 Picks: 6-4-3-5

In this $38,500 first-level allowance for three-year-old fillies, #6 Miss Lonelyhearts (5-2) is coming back from second off a layoff and looks well spotted here. Won with a 63-speed figure in February and now is rounding back into form. Finished behind Wild Army Brat in last bid, but we think she will improve.  #4 Wild Army Brat (9-5) looked strong last time but could not match the winner. If she can match her 65 speed figure, she has a good chance today. #3 Blome (7-2) is a Parx shipper who won a maiden race here last year.

Joe’s Notes

  • Jockey Kevin Gomez won twice Thursday and is within three wins of second in the standings…
  • One of those wins came with Delaware lover No Sabe Nada in a third-level allowance. The Jersey Town gelding is 5-for-9 locally…

Race #6 Picks: 3-1-4-8

In this optional claiming race at about five furlongs on the turf, #3 Capt. Candy (9-2) has shown some ability on the turf with three second-place finishes in four tries at Delaware. He fits very well here and looks like a top contender. #1 Filigree (6-1) ran well in a race that was taken off the turf after a ten-month absence. That was a good effort, and if this race stays on the grass, he should be even better.  #4 Call Will (4-1) is a twelve-year-old that has fifteen lifetime turf wins. This will be his second race back after being off almost a year, and he could be involved.

Race #7 Picks: 12-3-5-11

In this $5000 N4L claiming race at 5 ½ furlongs, #12 Nottoway (7-2) will be making his second start of the year and dropping to $5000 claimers. He showed early speed and faded in last, but he should be able to win at this level. #3 Sutton Valley (8-1) has speed to spare and will likely get the lead with this group. He will be trying to hold on late with others closing. #5 Roaring River (9-2) is a big question mark. He was injured and vanned off over a year ago. Now is taking a large class drop. If he is anything like the horse he was before the injury, he will be a factor.

Race #8 Picks: 2-5-4-3

In this optional claiming/starter allowance race at about one mile 70 yards on the turf, #2 Strong Headed (2-1) will be making his first start at Delaware Park after several starts in Maryland this year. He had a shot in the Laurel turf races, and we think Carol Cedeno will get the most out of him today.  #5 Two by Two (3-1) has been running very well on the Laurel grass.  The Ness/Silvera combination has been hot this meet, winning at a 24% clip. #4 Borgobythesea (6-1) is a speed burner whom the others will be chasing. He has a shot if he gets an easy lead.

LATEST NEWS