• Joe Parisi
• August 3, 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, turf good

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

In this $20,000 N2L claiming race at 6 furlongs, #4 Ridgepointe (7-5) was claimed two back for $20,000 and then won a $32,000 claiming race. Now back down to $20,000 where he looks much the best. Even if he is claimed, it will be a profitable transaction for the connections. #1A Trustytourinstinct (5-1) is dropping to lowest claiming level of his career, and if he runs back to the form he had at Laurel, he should be competitive. He recently had three races in sixteen days and this break should help him. #5 Runandhidewind (8-1) has some decent races and could get a minor award.

Race #2 Picks: 1-7-4-3

In this $40,000 MSW for 2YO at 6 furlongs, #1 Minister for Magic (2-1) was purchased for $250,000 at the Keeneland sale and has been working well. #7 Frost Mountain (3-1) has a good pedigree and has been working well. #4 I Know You Love Me (6-1) has the advantage of racing experience, and that seasoning could help him today. #3 Sustenance (4-1) has a long string of consistent works and might be in good condition.

Race #3 Picks: 5-1-3-4

In this starter/optional claiming race at about 5 furlongs on the turf, #5 Victor’s Dynasty (8-1) will try to run on the turf again after his last two were changed to dirt. He had a good race at this distance at Parx and we think he has a slight class edge over this field. #1 Call Wil (9-5) looked very strong on the turf at this distance in his last two and is a five-furlong turf specialist. #3 Gran Saman (5-2) is another 5-furlong turf specialist who has speed but is inconsistent. If he runs to his potential, he will be a factor. #4 He’s a Shooter (4-1) had a decent showing on the turf in last and could get involved.

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

In this $8000 claiming race for N3L at 6 furlongs #2 My Beau (6-1) has early speed and was running evenly late in $12,500 claimers before today’s drop to $8000. We think he may have found the class level where he can win and we have him on top today. #1 Bastien Le Brown (7-2) is coming in from Tampa after a 90-day break. He has run well after layoffs before and was in one of the top three positions in all four of his starts at Delaware last year. #6 Golden Avieator (5-2) has lots of early speed and will try to carry it to the wire. He is a three-year-old so he’s only carrying 118. If he gets no pressure the rest of the field may be eating his dust. #3 Shed a Tear (9-2) won N2L at this level last time now moving up a condition.

Race #5 Picks: 4-2-1-3

In this maiden optional claiming race at about 7 ½ furlongs on the turf, #4 Luca At the Spa (6-1) needed last when he sprinted with New York-breds at Belmont. We are looking for major improvement today as he drops, adds blinkers, and faces a weak field. #2 Codigo (5-2) is making his turf debut for hot trainer Cathal Lynch, who has won at a 41% clip in 37 starts at Delaware. If this gelding takes to the turf, he could be dangerous. #1 Edmund Fitzgerald (5-1) has had early speed in two recent turf races and could be the one they are chasing early.

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

This $12,500 claiming race for fillies and mares N4L at one mile is very competitive, and no horses can be eliminated. #6 Gold Time Vixen (4-1) seems to be hitting her stride. Although she has been facing lower class fields than some others here, she is in very good form. We have her on top today. #1 Ambitiously Placed (4-1) is moving up to the next condition after winning at this level in last. A repeat of that race will put her in this mix. #2 Suiko (2-1) has only had one race in the past year. If she can repeat the dirt races she ran at Delaware Park last year, she will be a top contender. #5 Izzybella (8-1) had some decent races at Delaware last year and has an outside shot.

Race #7 Picks: 1-6-2-7

In this allowance/optional claiming race for fillies and mares a mile and 70 yards, #1 B B’s Busted (6-1) has been running well at this level at Monmouth this summer. There will be a lot of speed between the favorites on the front end, and this race may set up for a closer if a speed duel takes its toll. #6 Jades Gelly (4-1) is stretching out for Jamie Ness, who has a 31% winning percentage on stretch outs. This mare looks like she wants more distance and is a contender.  #2 Award Wanted (10-1) will be laying just off the pace and could get a piece of the pie if the frontrunners fade. She will be in the thick of things, and it would not be shocking if she scored an upset. #7 Chardonnay (3-1) has early speed and was running well until she tried the Grade-3 Delaware Oaks, where she got the lead but folded early when she got caught in a duel. She could be dangerous if she gets clear but will probably have company on the front end.

Race #8 Picks: 1-6-4-2

In this $16,000 maiden claiming race at 6 furlongs, #1 Marcel (6-1) has a nice workout pattern, and trainer Brittany Russell wins at a 29% clip with maiden claiming first-time starters in 35 attempts. #6 Lunar Rocket (5-2) had some decent races against better horses in Kentucky. The class drop could put him over the top. #4 Rockin Freebee (6-1) is a first time starter with a couple of good workouts. Jamie Ness maiden claiming first-time starters have won at 27% in 30 tries. #2 Valiant Gabe (7-2) is taking a class drop which could put him in the mix.