How to bet the Bing Crosby at Del Mar

by SCOTT SHAPIRO

A solid rendition of the Bing Crosby (G1) headlines a strong 10-race card on Saturday afternoon at the Del Mar.
 
The $300,000 event run at three-quarters of a mile over the main track drew a field of 11 led by 2017 TwinSpires.com Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) winner #3 Roy H. The six-year-old gelding makes his first start since a third-place finish in late March in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1). Trainer Peter Miller has given the son of More Than Ready plenty of time to recover from the trip overseas and brings him in off a strong series of drills dating back to mid-June. An outside draw given his stalking style and the way the racetrack has played thus far would be ideal, but his class and speed speak for itself. He is the clear one to beat.
 
#4 American Anthem has won both of his starts as a four-year-old for Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, but I have not been wowed by either of those efforts despite the son of Bodemeister earning a pair of triple digit BRIS speed ratings in the process. He had things his way in both tries and was all out to get the best of #8 St. Joe Bay last time out in the San Carlos (G2). Furthermore, I think he is better at seven panels. I will toss the $435,000 OBS March 2016 purchase.
 
#5 Ransom the Moon looks to defend his title in the Bing Crosby after a mid-pack finish in early June in the Met Mile (G1). The six-year-old was fortunate to win this event last year after Drefong dumped Mike Smith eventually leading to the riderless horse floating out Roy H and Moe Candy several lengths on the turn. That being said, he should appreciate the turn back from the one-turn mile to six panels. The fact he has been unable to get back to his 100+ BRIS speed ratings of 2017 is concerning, but he should be finishing well if the trip to New York did not take too much out of him.
 
If Roy H is to be defeated in the 2018 Bing Crosby, #9 Edwards Going Left appears the likeliest to upset the applecart. The Cal-bred has not been seen since a third-place effort in the Triple Bend (G1) at Santa Anita on March 10. In that race, the four-year-old gelding broke slowly from the rail and made a middle move, but flattened badly late. The move to the outside, his affinity for Del Mar (2 wins and a third in 3 tries) and the rider upgrade to hot riding Drayden Van Dyke all make him an appealing option for those seeking a runner with more value than last year's champion sprinter.
 
#2 American Pastime has always shown serious ability and has every right to move forward as he embarks on his four-year-old campaign. Trainer Bob Hess Jr. has given him a ton of time off since a fourth-place finish in last year's Breeders' Cup and he brings him into the Bing Crosby off a strong series of works, including a bullet five-furlong blowout in :59.3 on July 22. The son of Tapizar would likely be better served with an outside draw, but he certainly has the talent to be a major player in this division in 2018.
 
The aforementioned St. Joe Bay ran huge in defeat in his first start off the claim for trainer John Sadler, but regression appears likely for the winner of 5 of 30 career starts. However, if he can repeat that performance in the San Carlos on Saturday he can hang around for a minor share over a racetrack he has run well over in his career.
 
Suggested Wagers:
 
$15 Win 9 = $15
 
$10 Exacta Box 3,9 = $20
 
$1 Trifecta Wheel 3,9 with 2,3,5,9 with 2,3,5,7,8,9,10 = $30
 
Total Budget: $65

(Benoit Photos)