Del Mar Picks & Predictions: Races 5, 7 & 8 (Sept 2025)
Del Mar Race 5
9 Wishtheyallcouldbe makes her second start off the layoff following a second place finish last out versus similar. Mare gets the services of red hot Jockey Antonio Fresu, who has won 10 of his last 34 starts. Gal sports a solid work tab and could make some noise in here at a price. Live Longshot
1 Usha is one of two Bob Baffert trainees entered here today. Filly was last seen dominating a field of 9 by 11-lengths to break her Maiden. Any repeat of that performance would get the job done today. My concern is a bounce off such a strong performance and the rail draw could poise a problem. Win Contender
2 Artisma exits from a disappointing 7th place finish in the Grade 1 Test. She was facing a very tough group of 3-year-olds that day and was no match for the Grade 1 competition. Filly makes her third start off the form cycle today and fits well versus these. Major Threat
Selections 9-1-2-10
Del Mar Race 7 I’m Smokin Stakes
3 Saul Elliot impressed when winning debut at Santa Anita by over 2-lengths. Connections got a bit overzealous off the Maiden score and ran this Colt in the 225k Bashford Stakes where he finished a distant sixth. Colt did bleed that day so I’ll forgive that effort versus tougher. He’s training well in his 2 month hiatus from race day and appears to be sitting on a strong effort. Win Contender
1 Sammy Davis is unbeaten in 2 career starts including a Stakes victory last out in the Graduation Stakes for Cal-Breds here at Del Mar. Deserving Favorite
5 Thirsty Rebel defeated a large field of 10 by over 3-lengths in debut. Two participants in that Debut win would go on to win next out. Colt has been training well since the impressive Maiden victory. Win Contender
Selections 3-1-5-6
Del Mar Race 8
6 French Moonlight finished a solid second at this level 5 weeks ago for trainer Leonard Powell. Filly makes her second start off the layoff today and her work tab looks tight. She has raised her turf speed figures in each consecutive start and likely moves forward today. Top Pick
7 Penny Worth looks like a horse who’s crying out for more distance after 2 back-to-back 5th place finishes while sprinting. This Filly is bred to go long and should relish the mile distance today. Win Contender
1 We the Hobby always seems to cash a paycheck but remains winless in 9 career starts. Today might be the day this gal breaks her Maiden. She’s making her third start off the bench for trainer Peter Miller who does reasonably well off that angle. Major Player