D'Amato trainees loom large in turf stakes at Del Mar on July 24

A pair of graded stakes events on the lawn will highlight the Saturday action at Del Mar.

Race 8 -- Eddie Read S. (G2)

Fantastic nine-furlong test for the boys attracted seven, led by recent Shoemaker Mile S. (G1) star #6 Smooth Like Strait. But this deep field boasts two additional Grade 1 winners in the cast, and I will look elsewhere for my top selection.

I have been very impressed with 2020 Northern Dancer S. (G1) hero #3 Say the Word for Phil D’Amato. Gelded son of More Than Ready is in fine form, and his versatility has been on full display as of late. The six-year-old grabbed the Elkhorn S. (G2) at Keeneland going 1 1/2 miles two back, prior to rallying for a clear second in the Shoemaker last time out.

The move to nine furlongs might be ideal for the Ontario-bred, who registered a healthy 102 Brisnet Speed figure in his lone previous run at Del Mar. Mike Smith will be in the controls.

Wager

• $20 win and place on #3 Say the Word ($40)

Race 10 -- San Clemente S. (G2)

A total of 12 three-year-old fillies will go postward in the mile affair. The surging #2 Going Global has never run on the Del Mar turf, but I still can’t go against the impressive favorite. Mehmas sophomore is 4-for-4 since arriving in the U.S., and she comes off arguably her most impressive showing when dominating the Honeymoon S. (G3) at Santa Anita. I will aim to make my money with the vertical gimmicks.

Stable companion #6 Equilove, 2-for-3 since being imported to the states, interests me on the stretch out following a trio of sprints on the green. Daughter of Equiano is bred to run long through her dam’s side, and her running style appears well suited to thrive going eight panels.

I will also dabble with recent $150,000 claim #11 Nimbostratus. Leonard Powell charge ran her best race to date when annexing a tough turf dash at Santa Anita most recently, and I like that she is stakes-placed on the surface, as well. The price will be right with Abel Cedillo in the controls.

Wager

• $2 trifecta: 2 with 6,11 with all ($40)
• $1 trifecta: 2 with all with 6,11 ($20)