Horse Handicapper Pick of the Day – Del Mar Race 6

Race-day: 7/23/2009

Race-time: 7:35 pm est.

Del Mar’s first Thursday of the meet figures to be another terrific horse betting day for all you pony fanatics.

More than one overlay was found on the first day of the Del Mar meet, this Wednesday, and more will be found on Thursday. The Racebook has released matchup wagers on most of the Del Mar races this Thursday.

Let’s take a look at the matchup in Race 6

Del Mar – Race 6

Claiming $16,000

For Three Year Olds

1 mile on Polytrack

White Lace Jimmy -150 vs. Walker Rd. +120

Analysis: Walker Rd. has some things going for him as he goes from claiming $25,000 to this $16,000 level but he hasn’t really been in good form lately.

The two time winner has never had great success at the $25,000 level. So, a return to the $16,000 level makes sense. The problem for bettors looking to put some money on Walker Rd. is that his trainer, Sergio Ledezma, isn’t good with droppers.

Not in good form, comes from an unsuccessful barn, and won’t be helped by the drop. Walker Rd. has no chance in this race, right?

Well, maybe…maybe not. His opponent, White Lace Jimmy, is in good form, but he couldn’t put away $12,500 claimers at 1 1/6th miles but got the victory because of a bump that occurred in the lane.

Now, White Lace Jimmy goes up in class to take on better. That could be an issue as White Lace Jimmy usually runs a slow speed rating, slower than Walker Rd. on average, and could bounce back to that slow speed rating after such a tough effort.

In fact, that’s that sticking point for me regarding the favorite in this matchup. White Lace Jimmy had a terrific race, probably the best race of his life and horses don’t usually come right back at this level and fire like that again. At least, they don’t do it quickly.

I’m going with Walker Rd. in this. The odds are better and he’s dropping.

Pick: Walker Rd.