How to bet the 2021 Fleet Treat Stakes

The Friday feature at Del Mar is the $150,000 Fleet Treat S., a seven-furlong dash on the main oval for California-bred sophomore fillies. Nine will go postward in the evenly matched field that lacks pace, and I will side with the expected early leader from the opening bell.

Ryan Hanson’s #3 Respectfully (5-1) is not the most talented filly that will go postward in the feature, but she has a big tactical edge on her foes. The dark bay daughter of Smiling Tiger has been consistent since being claimed by her current connections, and she comes in fresh following a useful try on the turf in her latest venture.

After training well in preparation for her return, Respectfully faces five rivals who are cutting back from recent route races. With a clean break under Mike Smith, the fleet three-year-old will take the early advantage and never look back at a fair number.

#4 Eddie’s New Dream (5-1) has never missed the board from five lifetime efforts for trainer Ben Cecil. The Reddam homebred was an excellent runner-up in the Melair S. at 1 1/16 miles in her latest venture, and she benefits from having three strong prior races on the Del Mar main surface, as well. Mario Gutierrez will have the gray tracking the pace from the second flight around the back side.

#1 Fi Fi Pharoah (5-2) has won two in succession, led by a triumph in the Melair S., for Walther Solis. Improving chestnut is well drawn on the rail and might possess the best turn of foot among the nine. Daughter of American Pharoah is a top-three inclusion with Rispoli back in the irons.

The wildcard is #2 Closing Remarks (3-1) for conditioner Carla Gaines. By Vronsky, the talented chestnut is obviously good enough to win the race, but she has never run on the dirt in her career to this stage of her development. If she runs to the bullet five-eighths drill posted on the course last week, then the strong late runner will be a major player inside the final furlong.

Fleet Treat Wagers

• $20 win on #3 Respectfully ($20)
• $3 exacta box: 1,3,4 ($18)
• $.50-cent superfecta box: 1,2,3,4 ($12)