Del Mar Picks: Green Flash Handicap, Del Mar Oaks, Pacific Classic & Del Mar Mile – August 22, 2026

Del Mar Race 5 Green Flash Handicap Grade 2

1 Monster is an East Coast shipper who sports some serious early speed. Colt exits the Grade 3 Quick Call Stakes where he nearly went gate-to-wire at 24-1, finishing third by just a neck. This 3 year Old Colt shreds 6 lbs today and dares the field to catch him. Live Longshot 

4 Sumpter has the best late pace numbers in these turf sprints, making this Gelding a strong contender second off the layoff if the early pace heats up. Win Contender 

6 Motorious is another in here making his second start off the bench. This Phil D’Amato trainee is still going Strong at the age of 8. He’s a 4-time winner in 7 career starts here at Del Mar. Major Threat

Selections 1-4-6-8

Del Mar Race 9 Del Mar Oaks Grade 1

9 Kensington Lane shocked the toteboard at 23-1 in her North American debut when winning the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks. This Filly already boasted Group 3 credentials overseas, having tested her mettle against elite European competition. With top Jockey Joel Rosario back in the irons, she looks primed to keep the momentum going. Top Pick

6 Inbox makes her third start of the form cycle today for trainer Phil D’Amato after a strong second-place finish in the Grade 2 San Clemente where this Filly ran a career top. She’s lightly raced with plenty of upside and should relush the stretch out in distance here. Live Longshot 

10 Raiding Party failed as the heavy favorite last time out in the Grade 2 San Clemente settling for  third beaten by under 2- lengths. Filly raced extremely wide that day and just had to much ground to make up in the stretch. Stretches out to a mile and an eighth today-a distance where the extra real estate should play right into her hands. Major Threat

Selections 9-6-10-3

Del Mar Race 11 Del Mar Mile Grade 2

7 Almendares gets back to his preferred mile distance after failing at a mile and an eighth in the Grade 2 Eddie Read finishing a disappointing sixth. He endured a brutal trip that day, trapped on an inside rail that was clearly playing second best to the outside path. I’m completely tossing that effort out. Cutting back to a mile and making his second start off the layoff,  this son of Havana Grey is primed to find the winner’s circle today. Top Pick

5 Detain steps up the class ladder after defeating softer a month ago. This Colt gets leading rider Juan Hernandez in the irons and makes his third start of the form cycle today. He could make some noise in here at a price. Live Longshot 

9 King of Gosford is a past Grade 1 winner who appeared to be tailing off in 2026 but got a much needed win versus softer last time out. His work tab looks tight and could be sitting on a top effort. Don’t Ignore 

Selections 7-5-9-11

Del Mar Race 10 Pacific Classic Grade 1

7 Hit Show makes his third start since returning from Dubai in a failed attempt to repeat in the Grade 1 Dubai World Cup.  This race on paper appears to set up perfectly for this 12- time winner, with at least 3 want-the-lead types entered. I expect this winner of over 9 million large to run them down in the stretch drive today. Top Pick

9 Navajo Warrior is riding a three race win streak and is in incredible form right now for trainer Saffie Joesoph Jr. The waters get deep for this 2-time Grade 3 winner as he faces the acid test today. If this son of Candy Ride can rate just off the pace today, I love his chances for the W. Win Contender 

6 Original Sin will benefit if the pace meltdowns upfront. Live Longshot 

Selections 7-9-6-11

Del Mar Best Bets

Today’s Most Likely Winner 

Del Mar Race 9

#9 Kensington Lane (3-1)

Top Value Plays

Del Mar Race 10

#7 Hit Show(6-1)

Del Mar Race 11

#7 Almendares(6-1)

Longshot Play of the Day 

Del Mar Race 5 

#1 Monster (15-1)