Deep Field Makes Pat O’Brien a Fine Wagering Event

Eight fleet males will run seven-eighths of a mile on the Del Mar dirt in Saturday’s $250,000 Pat O’Brien S. (G2). I feel that four horses can win the race and will go through each of them in order of post position. 

Pat O’Brien Wagers

• $4 trifecta key 6 with 4,5,7 ($24)
• $1 trifecta box 4,5,6,7 ($24)

#4 Raging Torrent blazed home an exquisite winner of an allowance tilt at Churchill Downs on Derby Day when earning a 107 Brisnet Speed figure, and he proved that that was not a fluke when wiring the Maxfield S. at the same venue on June 30. Perhaps it was the Churchill strip, but I’ll just accept the colt what he is right now. He will be sent to the front under Antonio Fresu. 

#5 Big City Lights sports a lifetime line of 10-5-4-1 for Richard Mandella, with a win and a pair of seconds from three outings at Del Mar. The Grade 3 winner can be very good on his best day, and if the favorite falters, then he will be in with a big shot late under the guidance of Kazushi Kimura. 

#6 The Chosen Vron is the obvious one to beat with his 19-for-24 lifetime record and 5-for-5 mark in 2024. The priceless California-bred easily took the Bing Crosby (G1) on the oval in his latest endeavor, and the move to seven furlongs will be a seamless one for the son of Vronsky. He is getting better with age, and the chestnut gelding can adapt to any pace scenario, too. It’s obvious that Eric Kruljac is using this as a prep for the Breeders’ Cup, and the horse might be less than fully fit. That said, he’s still good enough to win here. 

#7 Senor Buscador, winner of the lucrative Saudi Cup (G1) in February, has not run since going at Meydan in March but shows a nice string of morning drills leading up to his return. He has been in fantastic form since last campaign, and his two races here last summer were quite good. This Mineshaft six-year-old will not be running at his best distance, but if they go fast enough early and duel through spirited fractions, he could run them down late under Joe Talamo.