Delaware Park picks and analysis: July 19, 2023

Live racing at Delaware Park kicks off May 24 and runs through late October.

Once again this year, we will have Delaware Park picks and analysis for every day of live racing at the venerable track. Today’s card features eight races, and first post is 12:30 EDT.

Race #1 Picks: 6-3-2-7

In this $16,000 maiden race for fillies and mares at six furlongs, #6 Touch of Madness (8-1) got off to a very slow start in her debut as a two-year-old at Penn National last year. She did show some late run in that race and has been working well at Monmouth. Getting Lasix and we think she may surprise today. #3 Providing (2-1) has not raced in almost a year and will be making her first start for Michael Gorham. Dropping from maiden to maiden claiming, and this trainer/jockey combination has won at a 28% clip in 39 tries at Delaware in 2022-2023. #2 Chasing Artemis (4-1) will be trying to leave the maiden ranks for the twelfth time. She had some good races last year but has not shown much in 2023.

Race #2 Picks: 8-5-1-3

In this optional claiming/starter allowance race at six furlongs, #8 Stage Left (8-5) is a talented horse but he often gets himself into trouble soon after leaving the gate. He has been facing stiff competition recently and doing quite well. If he can break well and have a trouble-free trip, he should be able to handle this field. #5 Jeopardy James (6-1) has been away for a year but has been working very well and Diane Morici wins at 20% in 15 tries for a $3.39 ROI on horses coming back after a greater than 180-day absence. #1 Chief Ron (6-1) has been running well, including a third-place finish in the Alapocas Run Stakes earlier this month. He fits well here.

Race #3 Picks: 9-1-7-12  (If on dirt: 7-9-6-3)

In this $16,000 maiden claiming Race for fillies and mares at about 7 ½ furlongs on the turf, almost all the horses that have shown ability on the turf are in the also-eligibles, so we aren’t sure if they will draw in. #9 Sullivan Street (7-2) is an one of those, and if she draws in, she has a very good chance with this group. She just missed last time on the dirt and had a good turf race two back. If she runs those races back, she will be in the mix. #1 Peace Fire (6-1) is very inconsistent but does have a couple of good turf efforts under her belt. She could make an impact if she runs one of her better races. #7 Best Worst Idea (9-2) is making her turf debut but does have some good efforts on dirt.

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

In this $25,000 claiming race at one mile and 70 yards, #3 Conspiracy Fact (2-1) is moving back down to the claiming ranks after being competitive but not winning in allowance races. He will be laying just off the pace and looking to pounce late. #2 Jardani (3-1) ran second to the Jamie Ness-trained Fast Breakin Cash last time out who has won three in a row. This will be his first start at Delaware Park, and Parx shippers do well here. He is a contender. #1 Stacks of Silver (4-1) is making his first start this year but won three races in five starts here at Delaware last year. Gary Capuano has won 35% in 22 tries when bringing horses back from a greater than 180-day layoff.

Race #5 Picks: 7-10-8-6   (dirt 2-7-10-4)

This $38,000 maiden race for fillies and mares at about five furlongs on the turf is a wide-open affair and may be a race to hit the “All” button in multi-race exotic bets.  #7 Delta Charm (4-1) has two good starts in maiden races with one being on the turf. If she can repeat the turf race she had in June, she could find herself in the winner’s circle today. #10 Angie From Kulm (5-1) is an also-eligible, and if she draws in we think she will be a contender today. She ran evenly with $50,000 optional claimers at Gulfstream in May. Since May she has been working well at Colonial Downs. This trainer/jockey combination will be making their first start at Delaware this year. #8 Hot Bottom Girl (6-1) showed early speed on the turf at Gulfstream. Could be involved in setting the pace.

Joe’s Notes

  • Jaime Rodriguez was 5-for-10 for last week, giving him 21 wins for the year. Rodriguez trails Daniel Centeno by two wins for the overall jockey lead. 
  • Jockey Ruben Silvera had four wins and two seconds from 10 starts locally last week. He is named on eight horses this week.

Race #6 Picks: 2-7-5-4

In this $32,000 claiming race for fillies and mares at six furlongs, #2 Sansa Ariel (3-1) has been showing early speed in $50,000 optional claiming races but fading late. This drop to the claiming ranks may be just what the doctor ordered. #7 Biogenic Babe (3-2) won a $25,000 claiming race for non-winners of two with a 78-speed figure in last. That was a game win, and she will be a top contender if she can repeat that effort. #5 You’re the One (8-1) is in good form and won two in a row over this track. It will be tougher for her at this class level.

Race #7 Picks: 5-1-9-8   (dirt picks 3-1-6-8)

In this optional claiming race for filles and mares at about five furlongs on the turf, #5 Expect Ours (5-1) will be making her third start this year. She is usually in the mix and has three wins in 10 lifetime races, but she tends to fade late. Even so, we think she will be able to hold on today. #1 Systemic Risk (3-1) is usually competitive but only has three wins in 47 races. She does have some good performances on the grass and will be in the mix today. #9 Chloe Rose (9-2) had good turf race in May at Penn National and should be considered.

Race #8 Picks: 8-6-9-1

In this $5000 N3L claiming race at six furlongs, #8 Sutton Valley (5-1) has early speed and a few good races this year but no wins in 2023. This drop to bottom level claimers may be his ticket to the winner’s circle. #6 Trophy Room (3-1) won a $12,500 level claiming race at Pimlico and will be in the mix if he can repeat that effort. #9 Superstitieux (4-1) has been facing better horses in Maryland and could surprise today.

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