Del Mar: How to bet the Pat O'Brien

With four-time Grade 1 winner McKinzie skipping Saturday’s Pat O’Brien (G2) at Del Mar, this 7-furlong "Win and You're In" qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) has turned into a wide-open event.

Eight horses will face the starter, with #4 Flagstaff the possible favorite. Although he misfired when he came in fourth behind McKinzie in the June 7 Triple Bend (G2) at Santa Anita, the son of Speightstown has been freshened and is training strongly for his return. With a bevy of triple-digit Brisnet Speed ratings and multiple 7-furlong stakes wins to his credit, Flagstaff looms as the horse to beat.

#1 Law Abidin Citizen is another obvious contender. A pure speedster, the Mark Glatt trainee showed tenacity to survive an intense pace duel and finish third in the 6-furlong Bring Crosby (G1) at Del Mar last month. The often-claimed #2 P R Radio Star, the up-and-coming 3-year-old #6 Vertical Threat, and the 2017 Pat O’Brien winner #7 Giant Expectations are others worth considering.

But I’m most interested in the 6-year-old gelding #5 C Z Rocket. A former stakes winner, C Z Rocket has won three straight races since he was claimed in April by trainer Peter Miller. Two starts back, the son of City Zip crushed a 6-furlong allowance sprint at Churchill Downs, with a strong, mid-race move into hot fractions of :21.21 and :44.31. He powered clear to win by 4 1/2 lengths.

C Z Rocket’s final time of 1:08.87 translated to a 101 Brisnet Speed rating, and he reiterated his excellent form when he rallied to win a 6 1/2-furlong allowance dash July 12 at Keeneland.

The stretch out to 7 furlongs and return to stakes company shouldn’t be an issue. Back in 2018, C Z Rocket won the Kelly’s Landing S. at the distance by four lengths, with a career-best 108 Brisnet Speed rating.

C Z Rocket is on an upward trajectory and should receive plenty of pace to chase in the Pat O’Brien. Let’s bet C Z Rocket to win and key him on top in the trifecta, with Flagstaff emphasized underneath.

$18 to win on #5 C Z Rocket
$2 trifecta: 5 with 4 with 1,2,6,7 ($8)
$1 trifecta: 5 with 1,2,6,7 with 4 ($4)
Total: $30

Good luck!