The Rehoboth Stakes is Wednesday’s feature at Delaware Park, and is drawn by Grade 1 winner Alva Starr. But she won’t be my best bet on this day. Here are my five favorite works.
Best bet: Two for Two (race 7)
Best Value Bet: In the Dance (Race 6)
Race 1
Army Cadet No. 6 (2-1) gets the nod as a new face in these ranks in front of a particularly camera-shy group. The speed figure obtained against the maidens on this course last time makes him an obvious threat. No. 5 Sidney’s Bid (8-5, morning line favorite) is just 1 for 39, but he’s moving down the class ladder slightly and is the one to beat in terms of figures. No. 4 Duke of Dooly (3-1) will take them as far as he can.
How would I bet it (based on a budget of $100): $6 exact box 5/6, $4 exact 6/4.5
Race 2
No. 6 Fortheloveofrun (8-5, morning favorite) showed how invaluable experience is when it comes to 2-year-old racing, especially this time of year, when he improved dramatically from his first to second start at Keeneland. Getting a coaching upgrade to Cathal Lynch should make this son of Runhappy much harder to deny. No. 2 It’s Hammertime (6-1) and No. 3 Bourbon N Lace (8-1) have a similar profile in that the connections are potent, the working tabs are solid, and the pedigrees are strong.
How would I bet it: $10 exactly 6/2.3
Race 6
No. 3 In the Dance (6-1) improved his Delaware record to 3:2-1-0 with a win last time out, and the company he kept in Laurel over the winter is better than it first appears view. he ran behind several subsequent winners. His main rivals are leaving the company, but they have to show that they can regain their form and handle this circuit at lower prices. No. 6 Awesome Ruta (9-5, morning line favorite) has hinted at great sprinting ability, but his route attempts, while much more difficult, have been lacking. Deposition No. 5 (7-2) adds Lasix and looks for a better ride than he got on the Sir Barton last time.
How I would bet it: $10 profit/place 3
Race 7
No. 10 Two by Two (4-1) should have plenty of pace to chase, assuming this race stays on the turf, and the late effort marks the former Delaware turf winner as the only one to beat. No. 3 Bustin Up (8-1) attempts a new low, capable of lasting one action. No. 6 Skipperini (8-1) takes a step forward, but could offer value with a well-rated win in Tampa.
How I would bet it: $10 win/place 10
Ground Picks: 2-8-10
Race 8
No. 10 Alva Starr (3-5, morning favorite) is likely to finish 1-9, and it would be deserved. The former Grade 1 winner lost little in defeat to rival Vahva in the Derby City Distaff (G1) last time out. This daughter of Lord Nelson already has two wins under her belt at this course and, if it rains, a wet track could make her even harder to beat. No. 6 Apple Picker (8-1) has won two of her last three stakes starts, one in the wet and one on fast dirt. No. 1 Yesternight (10-1) fell to the grass before reaching the rack, but she’s talented enough to hit the board with her best effort here, assuming she breaks cleanly.
How would I bet it: $15 exact 10/6, $5 exact 10/1
Robert Criscola is an independent handicapper based in New York.
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