How to bet the 2022 La Jolla Handicap

Six sophomores will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Del Mar lawn in Sunday’s $150,000 La Jolla H. (G3). There is an abundance of speed signed on for the tilt which makes me think that the winner will come from off of the early tempo.

#2 Stayincotai (6-1) made a favorable impression in his first run in the states, and on the Del Mar lawn, when rallying from near the back to record a smart allowance victory last time out. Trained by Peter Eurton, the bay comes back on relatively short rest, which leads me to believe that his latest appearance was a prep run for Sunday.

The Cotai Glory colt, who has been sharp in each of his last two performances, steps up in class, but should sit behind a contested pace to the top of the lane, which will aid his late kick. Class-rising Irish-bred will take back and get momentum approaching the turn for home under Umberto Rispoli.

#4 Sumter (9-5) has been first or second in each of his handful of tries on the green while posting stakes tallies in two straight. Richard Mandella trainee has very good gate presence, but has proven to be capable of winning from off of the early tempo, too, and the son of War Front will also come in fresh for an excellent layoff conditioner. The dark bay Kentucky-bred has run well locally in both of his previous tries at Del Mar and looms large with a top effort under Mike Smith.

#5 Cabo Spirit (5-2), winner of the Eddie Logan S. at Santa Anita in January, has gone close in two consecutive black-type tests and drilled a bullet half-mile on the local turf in advance of Sunday. Gelded son of Pioneerof the Nile owns a win and a Grade 3 placing from a pair of tries on the course and looks to be rounding up to a big showing in this spot. Tactical Kentucky-bred will be tracking the tempo from the break beneath Joe Bravo.

La Jolla Wagers

• $15 win and place #2 Stayincotai ($30)
• $5 exacta key box 2 with 4,5 ($20)