Del Mar Racing Dudes Three Stars of the Week: Meets Officially Begin at Saratoga, Del Mar July 19, 2021 Horses break from the gate in Saratoga's first race of the 2021 meet (Credit: NYRA) Del Mar Racing Dudes Three Stars of the Week: Meets Officially Begin at Saratoga, Del Mar July 19, 2021 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article The 2021 meets at Saratoga and Del Mar officialy began this past weekend, and with fans allowed to attend for the first time in 2 years, both tracks enjoyed record-breaking Opening Day handles. The stars on the track were just as exciting and made for tough decisions. For the first time in years, we have a tie at the top, too! Read more in our latest Three Stars of the Week: Full Card Plays Now Available There’s a reason we’re the #1 trusted source for premium racing picks & info. Find Out Why 1. Hot Rod Charlie & Mandaloun An exciting stretch-run throwdown in Saturday’s Haskell Stakes (G1) between Hot Rod Charlie, Mandaloun, and Midnight Bourbon was nearly marred by tragedy after Hot Rod Charlie came over on Midnight Bourbon, causing that horse to clip heels, stuimble, and dismount jockey Paco Lopez. Stewards held an inquiry before ruling to disqualify Hot Rod Charlie – who crossed the wire first by a nose – and place him last. While fans and pundits debate the decision, one thing was clear: the battle Hot Rod Charlie and Mandaloun put on in the stretch was too close to call for us to separate, so they share top honors this week. 2. Althiqa What’s old was new again Saturday at Saratoga in the Diana Stakes (G1), when the Godolphin homebred Althiqa rallied late past her Charlie Appleby stablemate Summer Romance while making a laughingstock of the American-based female turfers. Last month, the same exact scenario played out at Belmont Park in the Just a Game Stakes (G1). At this point, these are clearly two of the top choices in this division as we take an early look ahead at the early November Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1). Althiqa, Summer Romance Repeat Just a Game Finish in Diana 3. Golden Pal Saratoga’s Opening Day card on Thursday kicked things off with a bang when Golden Pal turned the Quick Call Stakes (G3) into an absolute laugher. Wesley Ward waited until July to bring back the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2) champion, and the Uncle Mo colt looked more than ready to run. The year-end championships remain the ultimate goal, but Ward will have plenty of fun placing him in winnable spots until then.
Kentucky Downs and Del Mar Picks & Previews | Blinkers Off 683 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for this weekend’s… Read More
Kentucky Downs Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 565 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
College Football Picks & NFL Tips | Dudes Who Bet Sports 205 Aaron & Papa Dude give their College Football picks for… Read More
Pacific Classic 2024 Picks and Rapid-Fire | Blinkers Off 682 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for Saturday’s $1… Read More
Del Mar Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 564 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
Kentucky Downs Picks | Turf Sprint Stakes 2024 [Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint] Aaron previews the 2024 Turf Sprint Stakes (G2) at Kentucky… Read More
Kentucky Downs FREE Win Picks | September 7, 2024 Get our FREE win picks at Kentucky Downs on September… Read More
Del Mar FREE Win Picks | September 7, 2024 Get our FREE win picks at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club… Read More
Kentucky Downs Exacta Picks & Plays | Turf Cup Stakes 2024 [Breeders’ Cup Turf] Dr. Miranda gives her exacta picks & plays from the… Read More
Rocket Picks 🚀: Del Mar, Kentucky Downs, & Gulfstream Park for September 7, 2024 Let’s kick off another big day of horse racing with… Read More