• Joe Parisi
• July 20, 2022

Delaware Park has an eight-race card on tap this afternoon, Post time for the opener is 12:30 p.m., and we’ve got Delaware Park picks.

Also, check out Joe’s picks for every Delaware Park race on the Delaware Park simulcast feed!

Check out our other handicapping here!

Carryovers: None Notes: Main track fast, off the turf

Race #1 Picks: 7-1-2-4

In this $40,000 maiden claiming race at 5 1/2/ furlongs, #7 Freddyness (4-1) is making the drop from MSW to MCL. He got into a speed duel with his stablemate before fading in last. It looked like a morning workout for him and we think he will be much sharper today. Rose and Pecoraro are a good jockey/trainer combo, winning 31% of the time, and they are sending #1 Swifty Devil (8-1) out for his first start. Anthony Pecoraro wins at a 20% clip with two-year-olds and this one should be considered. #2 Super Rocker (5-2) is also making the drop from MSW to MCL and is getting Lasix for the first time. Had a good debut race but faded late.  #4 Dagda (3-1) seems to be improving and should be considered.

Race #2 Picks: 4-1A-5-6

In these hybrid condition races – this one is for older horses that have never won two races or for three-year-olds – a favorite angle is to find three-year-olds that have already won two or more times and only fit the condition because of their age. #4 Heffner (2-1) is a good example; he was a good second last out versus never-three company, so the drop into never-two should hit him right between the eyes. The same is true for #1A Heartness (7-5), who’s mostly been facing better. Draw a line through last on turf. #5 Shoot Themessenger (5-1) is a bit light on class but enters in good form.

Race #3 Picks: 7-4-6-5

In this $25,000 maiden claiming race for 2YO fillies and mares at 5 ½ furlongs, #7 Golden Neve (2-1) was a well-beaten favorite in last but was game and still finished 3 ¾ lengths ahead of the third place finisher. Unless one of the first time starters has a huge race, we think she will have enough to win today. #4 Quantico Creek (4-1) was purchased for $45,000. She’s by Divining Rod, whose 2YO first-time starters have won at a 20% rate in 43 tries. #6 Shell Belle (3-1) has been working well and trainer Jamie Ness does well with MCL firsters. #5 Lucky Freedom (6-1) should improve with two races under his belt. Maybe adding blinkers will make a difference.

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

In this $6,250 claiming race at 5 ½ furlongs #4 Revolutionary Road (6-1) will be running at Delaware for the first time. In a race with no standouts, we are going to take a chance that he will be able to hold his speed on the Delaware surface. #1 High Five Cotton (9-5) won two back in a $12,5000 claiming race, now for sale for $6,250. #6 Green Growth (5-2) won last time with a 73 speed figure in a N2Y race and now will try open claimers.

Race #5 Picks: 1A-2-6-4

This $25,000 maiden claiming race for fillies and mares at one mile and 70 yards has been taken off the turf. #1A Stern Chaser (4-1) has been working well, including a sharp five-furlong bullet work on June 25. We think this first-time starter is worth a shot in a race with no outstanding horses with previous starts. #2 Silver Sea (2-1) is making the drop from MSW to MCL. She did show some speed in previous races but is still a bit of a question mark. #6 Fever Dreaming (3-1) has struggled, but Brittany Russell wins at a 36% clip in 39 attempts after taking over the training duties.

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

In this optional claiming/starter allowance race at one mile and 70 yards, #2B Titan’s Will (3-1) is the speed of the race. He faded in his last two but they were on off tracks, and if he gets a fast track today we think he is a top contender. #1 V.I.P code (2-1) is always competitive and has run very well this year. Lifetime three wins in four attempts at Delaware. #3 Union Leader (8-1) ran a good one against starter foes in last, makes first try since March.

Race #7 Picks: 9-6-13-5

This $16,000 claiming race for N2L at one mile and 70 yards has been taken off the turf. #9 Gun for Success (7-2) has run decent races on all three surfaces; no reason that can’t continue here. #6 Blowing Big Smoke (6-1) broke his maiden last out on the main track. #13 Crazy Odds (10-1) ran fine his only start on the dirt at Gulfstream.

Race #8 Picks: 1-6-7-5

In this $40,000 maiden special weight for fillies and mares at 5 1/2 furlongs, #1 Haleigh B (6-1) seemed to get into some traffic on the backstretch in last but was able to mount a rally in the stretch. She has been working well and we have her on top today. #6 Liscolvin (7-2) was facing tougher in Kentucky and has been working well. #7 Fishers (9-5) set the pace but faded in the stretch in last. Working well and will be a factor if her endurance has improved. #5 Candar (5-2) gained mildly on her debut race on the turf and will need to improve today.