Delaware Park picks and analysis: August 26, 2023 * The Racing Biz

Delaware Park picks and analysis: August 26, 2023

The Biz
August 26, 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: 4-5-6-2

In this $6250 maiden claiming race at 1 1/16 miles, #4 Appendage (3-1) had a couple of decent races earlier this year. He has shown some early foot and looks like he may want the extra distance. He is facing a very weak field and we have him on top. #5 El Buffalo (2-1) is coming down in class which should help but he will still need to improve to win today. #6 Seattle Stelle (6-1) is winless in forty-five starts but may have found new life with these low level claimers.

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

In this $25,000 claiming race at six furlongs, #2 Truly Mischief (9-5) was running on turf but last two tries were taken off. He seemed to like the dirt so new he’s entered in a dirt race. This will be his first time running for a tag since February and we think he has a good shot today. #1 Midnight Cat (5-2) left the maiden ranks two races back on a sloppy track before trying turf. Now moving back to dirt and dropping down to $25,000. This looks like a good spot. #5 Big john (7-2) will run at Delaware for the first time after winning at Penn National. This will be the first time he is in for a tag since last year and he should be in the mix.

Race #3 Picks: 3-5-9-11

In this $16,000 N2L claiming race for fillies and mares at about 1 1/16 miles on the turf, #3 Seiver (8-5) is often the bridesmaid but seldom the bride with five place finishes lifetime, but only one win. She is facing a very weak field today and we think she is good enough to get it done. She had to deal with a soft turf course in last two and a firm course will help her since she likes to come from off the pace. #5 Bring the Magic (10-1) left the maiden ranks two back before running evenly in an optional claiming/starter allowance race at Penn National. She has been running well on the turf since joining the claiming ranks and she should compete well today. #9 Believe in Freedom (6-1) had a decent race on the turf at Laurel and should be in the mix.

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Race #4 Picks: 3-6-1-4

In this $5000 claiming race at one mile and 70 yards, #3 Cosmic Treasure (12-1) has been sluggish lately but was running well early in the year. Trainer Elliot Sullivan had enough confidence in him to reclaim him at a higher price and this will be his second race since being reclaimed. We think this gelding may surprise today. #6 Zipper Zapper (8-5) has a lot of early foot and should get the lead today. If he can get an easy lead he could fend off the others and hold on for the win. #1 Creative Cloud (2-1) ran well at this level in July before trying tougher races. Now back down to a level where he can be successful.

Race #5 Picks: 5-7-6-4

In this $16,000 maiden claiming race for fillies and mares at about one mile on the turf, #5 Wine in the Dark (10-1) ran well in a turf route back in July before struggling in last outing at Laurel. Now coming back to Delaware where his early speed may help him. We see some value in this horse. #7 Strut (3-1) is moving from a maiden race to a maiden claiming race and adding blinkers. She is not facing a tough field today and the class move could be enough to win. Trainer Graham Motion wins at 34% in 32 attempts when adding blinkers with a $2.82 ROI. #6 Palacsinta (6-1) is taking a class drop and will make her first appearance at Delaware Park. She had a couple of good turf races at Laurel and fits well here.

Joe’s Notes

Sharp debut score for the well-bet Boy Magic in Thursday’s opener. The two-year-old won by over four lengths in 1:11.87 for six furlongs under Paco Lopez for trainer Jorge Delgado. Keep an eye out for this one…
Jockeys Alexander Crispin and Jaime Rodriguez won twice each…

Race #6 Picks: 2-6-5-3

In this optional claiming race at one mile and 70 yards, #2 Uncle Jake (5-2) drew clear to win a maiden race but was in over his head in the Wood Memorial. After a three month break he ran evenly in an optional claiming race at Laurel. We are looking for improvement in his second race back from the break and we think he will beat this group #6 Caughtandcollected (7-2) Ran evenly last time after stumbling at the start. We will excuse this race and we think he will run well like he did in Tampa earlier this year. He looks like a top contender. #5 Affordable Monarch (9-5) is a deep closer who has been facing tough competition. He will be charging late but may run out of ground before he can win.

Race #7 Picks: 9-4-5-10

In this $16,000 starter allowance at about one mile on the turf, #9 K’s Pick (9-2) has shown speed on the turf but has been facing tough company at Delaware and has not been able to prevail. Now this colt is moving to a level where he can be a top contender. We think he has an edge over his foes today. #4 Royal Luck (Chi)(5-1) has had some good turf races with recent speed figures in the 80s.With five wins in fourteen lifetime starts, this is a top contender. #5 Mr. Matuschek (4-1) After a six month break he ran a good turf race after being bumped at the start. He should improve in his second back after the layoff.

Race #8 Picks: 3-5-6-7

In this $16,000 maiden claiming race at one mile, #3 Morales Little Kid (3-1) flashed speed in his debut and is adding blinkers today. He should get an easy lead today and there is not enough speed in here to catch him. #5 Sir Lumpalot (2-1) will be making his second start after a break and should improve for the meet’s leading trainer. #6 Toro Forward (6-1) is a first time starter that has been working well. No horse has run near the Beyer Par in this race so a first time starter might be worth looking at.