How to bet the San Diego Handicap

The return of champion Maximum Security highlights the six-horse field in Saturday’s $150,000 San Diego H. (G2) at Del Mar. In total, a trio of Grade 1 winners will tussle in a very competitive event.

San Diego Analysis

The early tempo will be set by #2 Ax Man, but he will be pressed throughout by top pick #5 Maximum Security and #6 Midcourt. 

San Diego Contenders

#1 HIGHER POWER -- 2019 Pacific Classic (G1) hero ran the best race of his career on the oval last summer. Dangerous son of Medaglia d’Oro comes off a solid second in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1), and he surely can win the race if he puts in an effort like his previous Del Mar performance. Flavien Prat retains the ride.

#2 AX MAN -- Speedy sort from the Baffert barn will likely be the early leader in the San Diego. Misremembered gelding was game in an allowance victory when battling back late most recently, but he would surprise facing a stout field on Saturday.

#3 SHARP SAMURAI -- Mark Glatt pupil makes the turf-to-dirt move while being assigned the outer post in the cast. Intriguing gelding has class to him, and he comes in with three solid morning moves on the surface in preparation of his local debut. Bay could be an exotics factor if he takes to the Del Mar main strip.

#4 COMBATANT -- Santa Anita H. (G1) upsetter exits a flat effort when 10th in the Oaklawn H. (G2) in May. Son of Scat Daddy has a solid turn of foot on his best day, and the pace could be fast to help his chances inside the final furlong. Drayden Van Dyke will be in the silks.

#5 MAXIMUM SECURITY -- Classy New Year’s Day colt makes his first appearance since arriving in the Baffert barn. Bay was a gritty winner of the inaugural $20 million Saudi Cup in his 2020 bow, and his connections have liked the way he has trained in the interim. Kentucky-bred gets a fine draw outside of the main pace in the field, as well. Abel Cedillo gets the call.

#6 MIDCOURT -- Talented Shirreffs trainee is two-for-two on the course including a dominant score in the Native Diver (G3). Midnight Lute 5-year-old showed nothing with blinkers removed last time out, but the hood goes back on and vast improvement is expected. Dark bay has run a few races in the past that would give him a big chance on Saturday. Victor Espinoza has the assignment.

San Diego Wagers

• $5 Superfecta Key: 5 with 1,3,6 ($30)
• $5 Superfecta: 5 with 1,6 with 1,6 with all ($30)