Delaware Park picks and analysis: August 17, 2023
Joe Parisi- August 17, 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: 3-6-7-1
In this $6250 claiming race at one mile, #3 Tiny Tin (6-1) showed early speed when he dropped to bottom-level claimers in his last try. Alexander Crispin will probably try to get the lead again, and this horse seems to fit very well in this spot. #6 Cape Hedge (9-2) will be making his second start against bottom claimers. He didn’t show much last time, but he has shown some speed in previous races and if he can return to that form he will be a contender. #7 Roaring River (8-5) was running well against better at Tampa and will now make his second start off a layoff.
Race #2 Picks: 2-7-5-6
In this optional claiming/starter allowance race, #2 Abidale (5-2) has tactical speed and will try to get the lead. Jaime Rodriguez may try to lead the whole way like last time, and it’s very possible he will do it with this group. #7 Silver Glen (4-1) is the other speed horse in this event. She is taking off the blinkers, and if she can stay out of a duel with Abidale, she has a chance for the top money. #5 Miss Chamita (6-1) will be running late, and if the top two tire, she could go by them. She has won three straight at Parx.
Race #3 Picks: 11-7-1-2
In this $38,000 maiden race for two-year-old fillies at five furlongs on the turf, #11 Mayfly (3-1) showed early speed in her racing debut in a grass sprint at Belmont. She had a fast five-furlong workout on the grass in July. If she draws in and gets the lead with this group, she will be hard to catch. #7 Grace Reformed (12-1) has a series of five-furlong works. They aren’t fast, but should help build her endurance for her debut race. #1 Take the Cookies (5-1) has a series of workouts, including a recent three-furlong workout here at Delaware in :36. She could be ready his first time out.
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Race #4 Picks: 2-4-3-6
In this optional claiming/starter allowance race at six furlongs, #2 Swifty Devil (8-1) got caught in a speed duel with the favorite in his last race and faded in the stretch. He should be well rested after a one-month break, and we think he will be able to hold his lead today. #4 Take a Hint (5-2) has won both his starts at Delaware Park this year with solid speed figures. Gary Capuano’s horses are usually well meant, and this is a top contender. #3 Comedy Act (8-1) will be making his first start for Jamie Ness after being claimed at Ellis Park. He will be competing for the early lead and could be in the mix.
Race #5 Picks: 4-9-7-3
In this $25,000 maiden optional claiming race for fillies and mares at about five furlongs on the turf, #4 Delta Charm (2-1) has run well in both her turf sprints. Daniel Centeno is back on top, and this filly looks well positioned to win today. #9 Hits Different (6-1) has been improving while running on the synthetic surface in Florida. Trainer Kent Sweezey is usually well meaning when he starts a horse at Delaware. If she draws in, she could make an impact today. #7 Every Time (3-1) ran well in a maiden sprint at Colonial Downs recently and should be in the mix today.
Joe’s Notes
- Two-win day for the hot-riding Kevin Gomez, who swept the late double with St Andrews ($13.40) and Cape Cod Summer ($14.60)…
- Five correct in the late Pick 5 (with an $8000+ carryover into the day) returned $9,992 on a 50-cent wager…
Race #6 Picks: 6-3-8-5
In this optional claiming/starter allowance race at six furlongs, #6 Shacks Way (6-1) has been away since October but won two of three here last-year and has been working well. If he is in shape, he has an advantage over this field. #3 My Harbors Dream (9-5) won a race at Monmouth before running evenly at Saratoga. Trainer David Jacobson’s horses have won both their starts at Delaware this year, and this horse looks like a top contender. #8 Golden Juan (4-1) won last time and will make his first start for Jamie Ness after being claimed. This horse has a lot of early speed and will be hard to catch if he gets loose.
Race #7 Picks: 6-8-5-9
In this $38,000 first-level allowance for fillies and mares at about one mile and 70 yards on the turf, #6 Faccia Bella (5-1) ran second in the Christiana Stakes and then ran evenly in a first allowance race at Colonial. She can be inconsistent, but if she runs her best, she will be a top contender today. #8 She’s a Mia (2-1) is a deep closer who was running well in New York. She needed the last race after an eight-month break and should improve today.She will be passing fading horses late. #5 Compass Fire (8-1) did not run well at Colonial but has some good races on the grass at Delaware. She should be in the mix.
Race #8 Picks: 8-1-2-4
In this optional claiming/starter allowance race at one mile, #8 Great Faces (5-2), after winning on dirt. tried the turf without success. Now moving back to the dirt and he looks like he is better than the rest of this field. We have him on top today. #1 Never Change (6-1) won his only start at Delaware after racing in Maryland. He seems to have found a level where he can be successful and should be in the mix today. #2 Kidyounot (7-2) has been running well recently winning his last two. He fits well here and will be competitive again today.
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