Del Mar Sunday: Stakes Filled Weekend Ends With Rancho Bernardo

Del Mar will feature a 10 race card. The feature is the Rancho Bernardo. The Grade III contest is run at 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt. It is the final stateside graded stakes race of the weekend.

Rising Star

The Sunday races Del Mar will feature a number of equine stars. However, it is an athlete of the human variety that has been catching horseplayers attention.

Meteoric Rise

In 2022 Antonia Fresu earned just over $24,000 in purses. So far in 2023 he has earned nearly $2 million. The third generation jockey is no spring chicken. Entering his early 30s, he spent the early part of his career riding in Italy.

It should come as no surprise that the rider has turned heads with some great turf rides as European racing, where he attended jockey school is predominantly turf racing.

Entering the weekend Fresu sits in third place in the jockey standings. He is 9 wins behind meet leading Juan Hernandez and just 2 behind 2nd place Umberto Rispoli.

Full Card Analysis

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- 1

Post: 2:00 PM PT; $50k Starter Optional Claiming going 6 f on dirt; Entries: 6

• #5 ELIGIO (5-2) is the top choice. He has performed well enough to outclass this field. This contender deserves respect as Oviedo and Gonzalez combine forces for this outing.
• #1 ACE OF CLUBS (9-5) appears as a significant contender. Managing the distance shouldn’t pose a problem.
• #2 MR. DREAMCYCLE (6-1) could seize an opportunity in this race. He’s demonstrated the capability to outperform these opponents. Previous starts show an ability to handle these conditions.
• #3 SALSATION (5-2) isn’t devoid of hope. There’s potential for this one to become a menacing force if it secures a lead on the front end.

Picks: 5 – 1 – 2 – 3

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- 2

Post: 2:33 PM PT; $44k Claiming going 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 9

• #6 CRIMSON ROSE (5-2) leads the pack. She boasts tactical speed, positioning her just behind the leaders to strike opportunistically.
• #4 DON’T GET PICKLED (12-1) is an underdog that could surprise. Managing the distance shouldn’t pose a problem.
• #3 KUORA (5-1) might have a shot in this contest. She seems to fit adequately within this field.
• #5 RIVETING SPIRIT (3-1) emerges as a possible contender. It seems she’s the standout in terms of quality.

Picks: 6 – 4 – 3 – 5

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- 3

Post: 3:05 PM PT; $62k Claiming going 6 1/2 f on dirt; Entries: 6

• #5 BIG SIS LITTLE SIS (2-1) holds promise here. She’s anticipated to bide her time among the second-tier runners, launching a well-timed bid in the late stages. This strategy aligns with her speed figures.
• #3 ANYBODY’S CHOICE (5-2) emerges as a significant contender. Representing the D’Amato stable with Torrealba aboard, she fits well within this field.
• #4 KIKILOVE (6-1) is set to challenge. Boasting tactical speed, she can shadow the leaders and pounce opportunistically. A threat also looms if she manages a solo escape upfront.
• #2 SILVER LIGHTENING (9-2) holds her ground in this contest. Her qualifications seem adequate within this group.

Picks: 5 – 3 – 4 – 2

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- 4

Post: 3:37 PM PT; $44k Claiming going 5 f on turf; Entries: 12

• #10 SUBSIDIZE (5-1) secures top billing. Consistently strong pace figures position him well for a moderately paced race. A mid-pack stance sets the stage for a late burst.
• #11 CANE CREEK ROAD (6-1) emerges as a notable contender. With the highest power rating in the group, he seems fitting for this field.
• #4 CHASIN MUNNY (12-1) offers an upset possibility. Reliable pace figures align well with a moderately paced race. Tactical speed facilitates a poised position to strike.
• #7 MAVEN (4-1) can’t be dismissed. Sound speed figures lend credibility, particularly in a moderately paced race.

Picks: 10 – 11- 4 – 7

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- 5

Post: 4:07 PM PT; $82k Maiden Special Weight going 1 m on dirt; Entries: 7

• #7 GREER MY DEAR (5-2) is expected to improve from her debut and gains the top nod. Her past races suffice to surpass this competition.
• #4 THERMAL (2-1) stands out as a serious contender. Speed figures and recent performances validate her readiness for a standout run.
• #6 SHE’S MY NIECE (4-1) positions herself as a strong challenger. O’Neill’s tutelage and Fresu’s guidance further bolster her potential.
• #1 BOSSY BRUIN GAL (6-1) carries upset potential. Recent form suggests readiness, and managing the distance should pose no issue.

Picks: 7 – 4 – 6 – 1

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- 6

Post: 4:37 PM PT; $83k Allowance Optional Claiming going 5 f on turf; Entries: 14

• #7 BARELY FUNTIONAL (6-1) claims the top spot. The Garcia and Gutierrez collaboration warrants respect. Though much rests on the final stretch, competitiveness is expected.
• #2 TOM HORN (5-2) is poised for a good showing. Miyadi’s tutelage and Pereira’s reins instill promise.
• #3 BILLY’S BET (12-1) offers value as an underdog. Speed figures lend credibility.
• #6 LEMON SUSHI (8-1) retains potential to contend. Highest power rating in the group solidifies his standing.

Picks: 7 – 2 – 3 – 6

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- 7

Post: 5:07 PM PT; $42k Maiden Claiming going 6 f on dirt; Entries: 13

• #3 CAROL’S COMIC (8-1) secures top honors. This contender boasts performances capable of outmatching this group. A potential front-end threat looms.
• #9 DRIVER’S ED (4-1) poses a viable challenge. A potential front-end threat looms.
• #12 DUTY FIRST (7-2) remains a dark horse in this competition. Late-stage potential exists if circumstances align.
• #7 LORD TRIPPING (8-1) is a solid candidate for secondary spots. Recent form bodes well, and potential exists for an impressive showing.

Picks: 3 – 9 – 12- 7

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- 8

Post: 5:37 PM PT; $44k Claiming going 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 10

• #8 GRAPE NUTS WARRIOR (7-2) earns top billing. Distance won’t be an issue. Expected to run consistently, a favorable pace scenario should assist.
• #3 ONE FAST BRO (3-1) contends for a spot. Readily aligns with this field, though much hinges on the final stretch.
• #6 JACKS OUTLAW (8-1) is a secondary consideration. Speed figures add credibility.
• #5 DISCRETIONARY DAY (15-1) emerges as an underdog worth considering. Class advantage appears evident.

Picks: 8 – 3 – 6 – 5

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- 9

Post: 6:07 PM PT; $125k Rancho Bernardo H. going 6 1/2 f on dirt; Entries: 8

• #8 EDA (8-5) is a standout contender. Leading power rating in the group supports her, as does the Baffert-Hernandez combination.
• #1 KIRSTENBOSCH (4-1) remains competitive. Her solid pace figures make her a serious player in this moderately paced race.
• #3 LADY T (4-1) can’t be counted out. A front-flight position and late-stage promise put her in the mix.
• #2 HOME COOKING (6-1) garners secondary consideration. Solid speed figures lend credence to her chances.

Picks: 8 – 1 – 3 – 2

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club- 10

Post: 6:37 PM PT; $46k Maiden Claiming going 1 m on turf; Entries: 16

• #13 ADELIE (3-1) is the top selection. Potentially benefiting from a fast pace, she appears a suitable fit.
• #7 PORT ELLEN (6-1) warrants secondary attention. D’Amato’s tutelage and Gonzalez’s guidance lend support.
• #8 CALABRIAN QUEEN (10-1) holds underdog potential. Strong recent performances and pedigree support her chance.
• #16 VIEWERS DISCRETION (12-1) vies for minor placings. Previous conditions shouldn’t hinder performance.

Picks: 13- 7 – 8 – 16