BetAmerica’s horse racing pick of the day: July 10, Del Mar

Weekday picks and plays for Thoroughbred racing.

Friday, July 10

Del Mar, Race 3: Maiden special weight (6 1/2 furlongs, 6:05 p.m. ET)

Trainer Bob Baffert has entered #2 Garth (2-1 on the morning line) and #3 Midnight Mystery (3-1) in this maiden dash on Del Mar’s opening day, but both are returning from long layoffs, and between them they’re 0-for-7. In terms of Brisnet Speed ratings, they’ll need improvement to fight for victory in Friday’s competitive heat.

I’ll take a shot against the Baffert trainees with #4 Charlito (5-2). The son of Fed Biz ran fine in a couple of maiden races on turf last season, but he thrived when he switched to dirt off an eight-month layoff in a maiden sprint June 6 at Santa Anita. With blinkers on for the first time, Charlito rallied from off the pace to finish second in the 6 1/2-furlong event, behind the highly regarded Cezanne, a $3.65 million auction purchase who returned to win his next start.

Charlito has trained sharply since then (he clocked 5 furlongs in :59 1/5 July 2) and could show improvement in his second start back for trainer Richard Mandella, a 24% winner this year.

Let’s bet Charlito to win and play him on top in the trifecta, emphasizing Garth and #5 Rayray (4-1) underneath.

$18 to win on #4 Charlito
$2 trifecta: 4 with 2,5 with 2,3,5,7 ($12)
Total: $30

Good luck!