Del Mar’s biggest day during their 2021 summer meet happens on Saturday. The racetrack dubbed “where the turf meets the surf” runs 5 graded races including the Grade 1 Pacific Classic. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, August 21st. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.
Horse Racing Odds & Picks August 16th Edition
Saratoga Race Course – Saturday, Aug. 21
- Grade 2 Lake Placid Stakes – 1 1/6 miles turf – $200,000
Chad Brown trained Technical Analysis will lead a field of at least 8 runners into the Lake Placid starting gate. Runaway Rumour should offer second-choice odds while some horseplayers will forgive Lovestruck’s eighth place finish in her last, the Wild Applause.
- Grade 1 Alabama Stakes – 1 ¼ miles dirt – $600,000
The top-rated 3-year-old fillies in North America will duke it out in the 1 ¼ mile Alabama Stakes. Todd Pletcher’s Malathaat could go off at less than even money odds even though Maracuja beat her in the Coaching Club American Oaks. Maracuja may skip this, leaving it up to Clairiere and Crazy Beautiful to take down the Pletcher monster. If Maracuja does run, the top 4 rated fillies in North America will step into the Alabama starting gate.
Del Mar Racetrack – Saturday, Aug. 21
- Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap – 1 3/8 miles turf – $300,000
Connections for 9 runners plan on entering the Del Mar Handicap. Of the 9, Arklow, from the Brad Cox barn and United, trained by Richard Mandella, should fight for favoritism. Masteroffoxhounds and Acclimate will also attract action.
- Grade 2 Del Mar Mile – 1 mile turf – $300,000
A couple of Peter Miller trainees, Neptune’s Storm and Mo Forza, figure to go off the chalk to win the Del Mar Mile. Mo Forza won this race last year, is on a 2 race winning streak, and has won 5-of-6. Don’t go against the chalk unless you find the right horse.
- Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks – 1 1/8 miles on turf – $300,000
Chad Brown trained Fluffy Soaks should attract the bulk of the betting dollars. But before dumping on the New York based filly, realize that the Del Mar lawn has short cut grass, which east coast horses don’t always like. If west coast runners like Madone and Going Global offer overlay odds, consider for sure.
- Grade 1 Pacific Classic – 1 ¼ miles dirt – $750,000
Del Mar’s signature race will attract at least 8 runners. Todd Pletcher trained Dr. Post could go off the chalk over San Diego Handicap winner Express Train, and Santa Anita Derby winner Rock Your World. Often, the Pacific Classic boasts a top horse and a bunch of decent runners. This season, no horse that enters will have an advantage over any other runner. Do your homework before deciding on the winner.
