August 12, 2026

Ralph Siraco's selections for Saturday's races at Del Mar

Saturday's card

1ST RACE

Securitized Debt - Dueled lead and weakened at a mile against much better in last, broke maiden by daylight sprinting before that, drops back to competitive level and returns sprinting now, better suited here, speed from rail post. Enter Smiling - Stalked and no late bid 4th while claimed in last, in the quinella in both starts at this distance with a win, winless this year from three starts but drops in class of the claim, Pedroza tabbed for the money run. Value Play -- Little Ballerina

2ND RACE

Regal Appeal - Pressed early from inside post and shuffled back on the turn to no avail off six-week layoff in last, stalked and second best in debut before that, drops back to competitive level, Gomez stays for trainer Dollace, had race, beware. Weinhard - Tracked, loomed up with 3-wide bid and finished even 3rd in last, dueled between foes and distant 3rd before that, draws better post now, Pincay takes over, could get the graduation trip here. Value Play -- Spicy Oatmeal

3RD RACE

Peninsula Girl - Stalked, made 3-wide bid, led then outfinished when 2nd first time routing in last, broke maiden on-the-pace before that, debut 3rd three races back, draws good inner post, Stevens takes over, expect another short price. Drawing a Blank - Off-the-pace 5-wide move to break maiden at a mile in needed outing in last, 3rd in debut before that, solid steady works since raced, McCarron stays on Ellis trainee, another with short odds expected. Value Play -- Affirmed Miss

4TH RACE

Tuzla - Monster mare second best for new trainer Baffert in last, in the quinella 14 of 16 lifetime turf starts with 10 victories, 1-for-1 at this distance, in the quinella in all 4 starts over this course with a trio of wins, Flores now for rebound. Happyanunoit - Beat top pick when trainer Frankel put the blinkers on in last, in the quinella 6 of 9 lifetime starts--all on turf--with 5 victories, pair of solid works since raced, out to prove last one was no fluke. Value Play -- Sapphire Ring

5TH RACE

Jam N' Jelly - Romped to victory while claimed for third consecutive time -- and fourth of last five starts -- in last, sped to gate-to-wire victory before that, 2-for-2 at Del Mar and in the quinella 5 of 11 career starts with 4 wins, one to beat right back. Whirl No More - Chased top pick when second best in last, winless of 4 starts this year, but, 2-for-4 last year, looks to be coming around now, Pincay stays aboard, may be in right place if top one stubbs hoof. Value Play -- Triple Beau

6TH RACE

Storm Dog - Speed, dueled lead and dug in for game close runner-up in last, dueled between horses and 2nd three races back, makes third start routing here, gamester a factor thoughout again, sitting on deserved maiden breaker. Timber Baron - Part of Baffert-trained entry with Kris Kross, saddle slipped a bit when battling with top pick when close 3rd off 7-month layoff in last, game runner-up on 1/2 before that, should be main foe if doesn't bounce off last. Value Play -- Lagardere

7TH RACE

Candy Lonly - Relaxed on the lead with gate-to-wire win in last, bobbled at the start and outrun in U.S. debut before that, 2-for4 in homeland of Brazil, has a chance to repeat if McCarron can get her to relax again, post a concern here. Ecudienne - Dueled lead from inside and held 2nd at this trip and course off 6-month layoff in last, in the quinella 10 of 17 lifetime starts with 5 victories, makes second start for new trainer Baffert here, a factor with inside post. Value Play -- Miss Hot Salsa

8TH RACE

Elmhurst - Needless to say this is the back class here, made decent showing with distant 3rd in comeback from 14-month layoff in last, swift worktab continues, Breeders' Cup Sprint winner may be ready to fire salvo now. Your Halo - The now horse in this field, sitting on a three-race win streak and last pair at Del Mar, 3 of 5 lifetime victories from 5 seaside starts, trainer Mitchell having banner meet, Gomez again, four-peat within range. Value Play -- Surachai

9TH RACE

Kitty On The Track - First-time starter by Nureyev offspring, sharp worktab with most recent drill a sizzling bullet 6-panel move on 8/27, draws good post and trainer Spawr tabs Flores for debut, works say Kitty may be tiger. Blonde Bounty - First-time starter by Pirate's Bounty, smart worktab with solid series of long works with most recent drill good gate move on 8/30, one of two Hendricks trainees in the field, tabs McCarron for this one's debut. Value Play -- Vote Getter

10TH RACE

Audmar - Frankel trainee race even in opening day feature, huge runner-up effort in Lone Star stake on lawn before that, 3rd in prior pair of outings, steady works since raced, draws well, Desormeaux takes over, good spot for action. Motto - 3-wide bid and just missed 2nd when 3rd in last, erratic stretch run to win before that after maiden breaker on Hollypark lawn three races back, Mandella trainee reunites with winning rider Nakatani for this, sharp right now. Value Play -- Sea Birds Treasure

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