How to bet the Del Mar Handicap

With a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Nov. 7 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) on the line, Saturday’s Del Mar H. (G2) has attracted a deep and talented field.

Eleven horses will face the starter in the 1 3/8-mile turf test, and the race could be challenging to bet. #1 United will be a clear favorite — perhaps even an odds-on choice — after he kicked off 2020 with victories in the San Marcos (G2), Charles Whittingham (G2), and Eddie Read (G2).

The runner-up by a nose in the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), this 5-year-old gelding has been in terrific form for trainer Richard Mandella and continues to train forwardly.

But is United really the type of horse to trust completely at a short price? His three victories this season have come by the combined margin of a length, and a few of his Del Mar H. rivals — namely #5 Ward ‘n Jerry, #9 Oscar Dominguez, and #10 Originaire — are capable of finishing on virtually even terms with United.

The favorite doesn’t have much room for error. His tactical speed should help him stay out of trouble under hot jockey Flavien Prat, but one false move and United’s advantage could evaporate.

There’s also an intriguing newcomer in the Del Mar H. field.

The 4-year-old #6 Proud Pedro showed potential against stakes company in 2019, but he has thrived since he stretched out in distance this season. In a Feb. 23 allowance traveling 1 1/4 miles at Santa Anita, Proud Pedro rallied smartly from off the pace to defeat future San Juan Capistrano (G3) winner #7 Red King by three-quarters of a length.

Proud Pedro was even more impressive when he tackled 1 3/8 miles at Del Mar last month. Reserved in last place, behind pedestrian fractions of :26.16, :51.31, 1:16.85, and 1:41.77, Proud Pedro produced a fantastic finish when the real running began and sprinted the final 3 furlongs in approximately :34 3/5 to prevail, with a 110 Brisnet Late Pace rating.

With his 2-for-2 record at 1 1/4 miles or farther, Proud Pedro still has plenty of upside, compared to his more experienced rivals.

Let’s key Proud Pedro and United in the trifecta; if they both finish in the top three, we should be rewarded with a solid payday.

$1.50 trifecta: 6 with 1 with 5,7,9,10 ($6)
$3 trifecta: 1 with 6 with 5,7,9,10 ($12)
$3 trifecta: 1 with 5,7,9,10 with 6 ($12)
Total: $30

Good luck!