How to bet the California Dreamin' Stakes

A well-matched field of 10 Golden State-bred runners will contest the $150,000 California Dreamin’ S. at Del Mar on Sunday. I could make a case for nearly every player in the ultra-competitive cast, and as for the multi-race wagers, I would not hesitate to hit the ‘all’ button.

Defending champ #7 Galilean has proven to be especially hard to handle when he races with state-bred foes. The five-year-old son of Uncle Mo is a proven commodity on both the lawn and main surface, although I surely prefer him running on the green. The former $600,000 auction purchase has raced over the lawn on just three occasions, but he won two of those and his lone setback came when fifth in the Del Mar Mile (G2) last campaign.

The John Sadler pupil has not run since November, but this outfit has pointed for Del Mar for some time, and I envision the top selection firing his best shot on Sunday for a fine layoff conditioner. The versatile sort can adapt to any pace scenario, which will give pilot Joe Bravo options throughout the 1 1/16-mile event. Galilean will stalk the tempo from the second flight before putting in his best run late in his 2021 debut.

#1 Desmond Doss is quite interesting from the tricky rail slot for Steve Miyadi. The son of Grazen was a belated fourth, beaten by two lengths, in this race last year, but is a better horse this time around. Gray five-year-old has run seven solid races in succession this season, led by a stakes tally on the dirt last time out, and I do like that he is 2-for-2 since removing blinkers.

The win threat can race on the lead or rally from off the pace with equal effectiveness, and if Cedillo secures a good position on him early, then Desmond Doss will have every chance to have a major impact on the race in the latter stages at a decent price.

If the pace is quick and contested, which is possible, then #9 Brandothebartender will be the one to hold off in the lane. Craig Dollase trainee is a two-time stakes winner on the weeds this year, and he possesses the best late burst in the field. Tribal Rule gelding has very good form on the course and will have fine turf guide Rispoli in the stirrups, too.

California Dreamin’ Wagers

• $10 win and place #7 Galilean ($20)
• $1 trifecta 7 with 1,9 with all ($16)
• $1 trifecta 7 with all with 1,9 ($16)
• $.50-cent trifecta 1,9 with 7 with all ($8)