Delaware Park picks and analysis: September 2, 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: 6-4-5-2

In this $8000 N3L claiming race for fillies and mares at six furlongs, #6 Child Proof (9-5) has recent speed figures better than the others in this field. She found $20,000 claimers a little too tough and is now dropping to a level where she appears to be the best. If she can run back her 60 speed figures she should win today. #4 Stopwatchsonny (6-1) made a strong closing move in her first race at Delaware after coming from Charles Town. She looks like she wants more distance and the extra half-furlong should help her performance today. #5 Irish Lace (5-2) tried $10,000claimers after a win and is now moving down to $8,000. Her speed figures indicate she will be in the mix today.

Race #2 Picks: 5-8-7-3   (Dirt Picks:  9-3-6-2)

In this $38,000 maiden race for two-year-old fillies at one mile on the turf, #5 Victoria’s Dancer (5-2) had a good turf route race at Monmouth. He was very game in that race and we expect even more improvement today. She looks like a good bet to win. #8 Trendy (7-2) showed some speed in a turf sprint and is now stretching out. That could have been a good prep for today’s race, and she could run a big one today. #7 Miss Amazing (8-1) is a first-time starter who has been working well. Trainer Lynn Ashby is wins at 28% in 18 starts with first-time starters.

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

In this $5000 claiming race for fillies and mares at 5 ½ furlongs, #4 Moon Me Again (9-2) just missed at this level last time after dueling. This will be her second start for Steve Klesaris and this looks like a good spot.  #3 Gleaming Brutality (3-1) won a N3L at this claiming level last time and will now try N4L. There is no reason she can’t win again. #2 Chloe Rose (2-1) was facing much tougher horses and is now dropping to bottom-level claimers. She has not been showing good form, but the class drop alone may be enough to get it done today.

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Race #4 Picks: 4-2-1-9   (Dirt Picks: 4-8-10-1)

In this $16,000 maiden claiming at one mile and 70 yards on the turf, #4 Run for Karl (6-1) ran well in two grass races at Parx. He tried to run on the turf at Delaware twice, but both were switched to the main track. If this race stays on the turf, he has a good shot today. #2 Mintenon (3-1) has found$32,000maiden claimers a little too tough, so now he will drop to $16,000. That’s a big drop and if he repeats his recent races he will be in the mx. #1 Rollercoaster Man (6-1) has been competitive at this level in the past and figure to be this time too. This will be his first start on the Delaware turf, and if he likes it he could surprise.

Race #5 Picks: 4-8-5-7

In this $5000 claiming race at 5 ½ furlongs, #4 Great Go Go (2-1) was the co-leader going into the turn in his last race before losing the jockey. Now taking a small step down in class where he has won several times before. He looks a little better than the rest of this field and we have him on top. #8 Breithorn (10-1) has been struggling lately but had some good races earlier in the year.  He is usually competitive and he fits well with this field. #5 Shanghai Superfly (3-1) was claimed last time out and is immediately dropping down to bottom level claimers. We don’t usually like this scenario, but this is a particularly weak field.

Joe’s Notes

  • Sharp score in a Del-certified 2yo allowance for the Gary Capuano-trained Copper Tax, who’s 2-for-3 after winning by eight…
  • It was one of two wins on the day for Capuano, who is tied for fifth with nine wins (from just 28 starters) at the meet…

Race #6 Picks: 10-2-3-6   (Dirt Picks: 9-4-7-3)

In this $16,000 claiming race at one mile on the turf, #10 The Skipster (4-1) has been struggling since coming north to Delaware but he did flash early speed last time out and is now dropping back to $16,000. He did have a win here last year and if he can return to the form he had in Tampa he should beat this field. #2 King’s Honor (2-1) has been away since June when he struggled against better at Laurel. He has been working well while being way, and Brittany Russel does well after freshening horses.  However, he has not won a race in a year and will need to do better. #3 Mission Key (6-1) is a closer who got up to be in the trifecta in last two races. He should be able to repeat it today.

Race #7 Picks: 1-4-2-3

In this $38,500 first-level allowance for three-year-olds at six furlongs, #1 Andiamo a Firenze (7-2) was running in stakes races before taking a break and running in an optional claiming race at Saratoga. He struggled in that race but had a very fast work at Monmouth recently.  His back class might carry the day, and we have him on top. #4 Cajun Dream (9-5) has been holding his own since moving up from the claiming ranks. He has been running fast speed figures in Maryland and fits well here. #2 Bestsugardaddyever (5-2) has been away since October but was facing tough competition, and Brittany Russell wins at 30% in 40 attempts when bringing horses back after a long layoff.

Race #8 Picks: 3-4-9-6   (Dirt Picks: 9-4-3-5)

In this $20,000 N3L claiming race at one mile on the turf, #3 Ghost of Khozan (6-1) has won two of his last three and appears to be on the upswing. He is in better form than the rest of this field and we will give him the slight advantage.  #4 Ready Reward (3-1) has not won in two years but may have found a soft spot today. His speed figures say he’s good enough to win but the odds feel a little short. #9 Eye On the Candy (2-1) outran his odds last time when he made a nice stalking move. It seems odd to drop a horse to a lower claiming level after a win, so we are slightly cautious.

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