Del Mar Labor Day racing picks

Before calling an end to the summer, the featured races at Del Mar on Monday, Sept. 7 showcase the future, with the Del Mar Juvenile Turf and the Del Mar Futurity (G1).

Race 9: Del Mar Juvenile Turf (1 mile, post time 8:00 p.m. ET)

With plenty of stretch-out sprinters signed on for this turf mile and a couple of already-speedy horses (rail-drawn Ambivalent and morning line favorite Caisson) adding blinkers, #10 Rombauer (9-2) looks strong. He unleashed a sharp finish on debut to win a maiden special weight turf mile on debut, and the way he overcame traffic in the lane suggests that he will be mature enough to handle this bigger field and prevail once again in the lane.

Another who may be able to benefit from the sharp pace in front of him is #5 Big Fish (10-1), who closed well to beat California-bred maidens. He needs to move forward against this open stakes group, but has a course and distance win and can carve out the right trip at a price. #12 Inner Ghost (15/1), who drew tough but has impeccable breeding for the stretch out, and #9 Sonic Brees (5-1), who keeps rider Umberto Rispoli, also merit a look.

$10 to win on #1

Race 10: Del Mar Futurity (G1) (7 furlongs, post time 8:30 p.m. ET)

Maidens in a juvenile Grade 1 are nothing shocking, but four of these six haven't won. Two-time winner #3 Weston (6/1) is intriguing for price players given that fact, but he will have it as difficult as ever with Spielberg likely to show inside speed and Dixie's Two Stents also fast enough to fly early

That sets up beautifully for the only other winner, #6 Dr. Schivel (8/5). Last out he drew off by five and three quarters over Spielberg in a light-on sort of effort. He should be able to get another nice trip where he finishes well outside. He won't be a longshot, but the allure of a Bob Baffert trainee on the fence (even one he beat!) should help his price.

$10 to win on #6

Good Luck!