Delaware Park picks and analysis: September 6, 2023 * The Racing Biz

Delaware Park picks and analysis: September 6, 2023

Joe Parisi
September 6, 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: 5-3-2-6

In this $10,000 claiming race for fillies and mares at one mile, #5 Waterworks (9-5) found optional claimers a little too tough and then experimented on the turf without results. Now dropping to $10,000 claimers where her average speed figures are higher than the par. We have her on top today. #3 Happy Union (5-1) won a N2L race at Laurel last time and is now moving up a condition. Jaime Rodriguez is on board again and will try to repeat that performance. #2 Shaolin (5-2) will be making her second try at this claiming level after trying the turf. Her speed figured indicate she will be in this mix.

Race #2 Picks: 8-3-6-2

In this #25,000 claiming race for fillies and mares at five furlongs on the turf, #8 Avatal Hero (4-1) has some decent races this year and showed she can run on the turf in her last race. She might be able to control the speed in this turf sprint, and we think she will prevail. #3 Daisy Bee (5-2) ran well in a turf sprint with a strong closing effort at Colonial in last. She has not shown the ability to get the lead in turf sprints, but her speed figures make her a logical contender. #6 In Good trouble (7-2) is another late runner who will be coming off the pace. Missed by a nose at Monmouth last time out.

Race #3 Picks: 2-6-4-1

In this $10,000 claiming race for fillies and mares at one mile, #2 Aferdita (9-5) was claimed three back and will be making her third start for John Rigattieri. She has struggled since the claim but has found a pretty soft spot here, and we think she will come out on top. #6 Moniques Daredevil (8-1) was running well in Florida but has been struggling since coming north. Jaime Rodriguez might be able to squeeze a little something extra out of her today. #4 Lucky Lorraine (5-2) won her last with her best lifetime speed rating of 63. She may have a hard time repeating that but she still looks competitive here.

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Race #4 Picks: 11-6-3-2

In this optional claiming/starter allowance race at five furlongs on the turf, if #11 Silardi (4-1) draws in he has a great shot to win. He won his only turf start here through a disqualification after running very well in Florida. He has excellent early speed and is our top choice. #6 Nichiren (9-2) got up to win by a nose in an optional claiming/first level allowance in last. He may like the Delaware turf course and could springboard off that effort. #3 Bam Bam Blu (8-1) won a turf race here in May and has been working well at Monmouth since that time. He looks like a contender.

Race #5 Picks: 5-7-1-6

In this $5000 claiming race at 5 1/2 furlongs, #5 Rudy Rod (5-2) has been closing well at Parx and is dropping in class and moving to Delaware. He should be able to handle this group if he can get a decent start. #7 Top of the Mint (7-2) won his first start at Delaware after a nine-month break. We think he will improve in his second race back, and we think he will be competitive today. #1 Nottoway (9-5) ran second in last when the jockey lost his crop. He looks like he will be a contender today.

Joe’s Notes

With a seven-win week, Kevin Gomez has taken control of second-place in the jockey standings and is just three wins behind Jaime Rodriguez for the meet lead…
Andiamo a Firenze, a stakes winner at two, got the first win of his 3yo season in Saturday’s allowance feature, winning by a length-and-change under Angel Arroyo…

Race #6 Picks: 7-5-6-9

In this optional claiming/starter allowance race at 7 ½ furlongs on the turf, #7 Mission Man (4-1) has won both his turf starts at Delaware this year. This three-year-old seems to be hitting his stride, and we have him on top today. #5 Ocean City (3-1) has been dull in his last two, but he was facing stiff competition and won’t have it quite as tough today. He had some nice wins in the spring and if he can return to that form, he will be a factor. #6 Cosmic Speculation (8-1) ran a good race over this track two back and if he can repeat that effort he could surprise today.

Race #7 Picks: 3-5-1-4

In this $16,000 N2L claiming race at six furlongs, #3 Touchdown Montage (3-2) has lots of early speed and should control the pace today. He could not hold his lead against $28,000 claimers, but it’s hard to see another horse in this group catching him. We think he will prevail today. #5 Disco Devil (2-1) found $25,000 claimers too tough and now moving to a level where he is a top contender. He will be in the mix. #1 My Handsome Man (12-1) has been struggling, but with the large class drop he may be in the mix.

Race #8 Picks: 4-5-3-6

In this $28,000 maiden claiming Race at 1 1/16 miles on the turf, #4 Shellback (7-5) ran evenly last time out but looks well spotted here. Addition of blinkers could help his performance. #5 Kings Are Wild (5-1) will be making his first start on the grass after showing speed on the dirt. He closed well in his debut, and if that translates to the turf, he could be a factor. #3 Toro Forward (10-1) will also be making his first turf start after showing some ability on the dirt.