Out Cap Da Shap at Del Mar on August 1

by SCOTT SHAPIRO

After failing to get to Beach View in the featured $100,000 Cougar II H. (G3) last Wednesday afternoon, I am back for the third "Out Cap Da Shap" promo of the Del Mar summer meeting.

Last week saw six winners split an additional $333.33 on top of the $428.55 rewarded for a perfect for-for-four on a 50-cent denomination.

The late Pick 4 as always on a weekday eight-race slate at Del Mar begins in Race 5 and concludes in Race 8. Here are my thoughts:

Race 5

A non-winners of two low-level claimer at one mile over the main track gets things started.

#1 Taniko is listed as the 5-2-morning line favorite on the massive class drop for trainer Phil D'Amato. The half-brother to Tepin and Vyjack has been a massive disappointment notching just one victory in 10 starts. His lack of early zip makes him tough to rely on, but he has never faced a field with this little quality. I will use him defensively, but also include a few others.

My top choice is #2 Wise Curlin who should be able to make a clear lead from his inside draw. His four seconds in 11 starts does make him difficult to trust as well though.

Race 6

The second leg is a long-distance optional claimer over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. I found this mile and three-eighths event over the sod to be quite a challenge to handicap, so I will use several. Sure, 5-2-morning line favorite #7 Oscar Dominguez makes sense on paper, but he is zero-for-five over the Del Mar grass and zero-for-two at the distance.

Race 7

The featured $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Stakes drew a field of nine two-year-old fillies. I am not creative in here.

I will rely on the top two finishers in the Juan Gonzalez Memorial Stakes at Oak Tree at Pleasanton. #6 Lippy won that event up north and #9 Accomplishedsister ran on from off the pace to finish second. I think one of them will be good enough to best this group of young ladies in this 5 1/2-furlong dash.

Race 8

A rock bottom maiden claimer at two turns closes the Wednesday action "Where the Turf Meets the Surf." #5 Girl Drama is listed as the 3-1-favorite, but she is not for me. She drops in class off an extended layoff, but has a three-week gap in her published work out pattern for trainer Michael McCarthy. I expect her to make the lead under jockey Drayden Van Dyke, but tire in the lane.

If #11 Tengs Rhythm draws in off the also eligible list she is a must use for trainer Jeff Mullins. The daughter of Tenga Cat has hit the board in all five tries versus slightly better and appears poised to get her picture taken soon.

#3 Eye of the River is worth consideration on the class drop and move from turf to dirt. She should be able to work out a nice trip under jockey Tiago Pereira. #8 Fluorescent and #10 Royal C also meet weaker competition on Wednesday and could easily get to the wire first for the initial time.

My Ticket: (Subject to change after scratches)

Race 5: 1+2+7+9

Race 6: 1+3+4+5+6+7

Race 7: 6+9

Race 8: 3+8+10+11

Ticket Cost: $96

TwinSpires.com has brought back 2016’s favorite contest, "Out Cap Da Shap," where players can try to "out cap" Scott Shapiro every Wednesday at Del Mar. If able to do so, you will get additional funds on top of the late Pick 4 payout. Just "Opt In" under the offers section on Twin Spires to be eligible. Shapiro’s Pick 4 ticket each week that costs no more than $100 and if he hits, you will split $1,000 with every other winner. If Shapiro’s loses, you will split $2,000.