Out Cap Da Shap at Del Mar on August 8

By SCOTT SHAPIRO

It is hard to believe that the fourth week of the Del Mar summer meeting is upon us, but indeed it is. Since tomorrow is Wednesday that means another chance at the “Out Cap Da Shap” Late Pick 4 promotion “Where the Turf Meets the Surf.”

I have unable to connect the dots so far, which has led to $2,000 being split each week amongst those constructing winning tickets on TwinSpires.com. It’s a great promotion and I hope my fortunes change over the last four races on Wednesday’s eight-race card in San Diego County.

Race 5

A starter allowance event at one mile over the lawn for horses that have yet to win two races gets things started. I am not creative in here.

2-1-morning line favorite #1 Mongolian Window is the one to beat if she can avoid another less than ideal voyage. Last time out the daughter of Drosselmeyer broke slowly and never relaxed off the pace versus better. If jockey Tyler Baze can find a comfortable spot along the inside, she should be able to outfinish this group late.

If not, #4 Marjorie E is the likeliest winner. Cal-bred worked out a perfect stalking trip during the first week of the meet where she had just enough left late to hold off career maiden Radish. Flavien Prat should have her in a similar position on Wednesday, which could lead to back-to-back scores.

Race 6

A full field of state-bred two-year-old fillies compete in this 5 ½-furlong dash over the main track.

With several of my top choices in this wide-open sprint appearing on the also-eligible list, much will depend on who scratches and who draws in, but #7 Lakerball merits serious respect based on a solid third place effort on debut. She has every right to move forward in this spot and should be on all tickets.

I will use several others though as well, including #11 She’s a Dime, #12 Disco Tale and #13 Spicy Curry if they should draw into the field since they all should improve after getting a race in over the Del Mar surface on July 22.

Race 7

A competitive group of six compete at a mile in this optional claiming event over the dirt. I lack a strong opinion.

#3 River Echo stalked just off the pace in a similar spot on Opening Day and battled gamely, but failed to get to the wire first for the sixth straight time to start 2018. He is hard to trust, but should get another dream voyage for trainer Peter Miller.

#1 Canadian Game has run well in his last two starts, including a maiden victory by a neck two-back at Santa Anita for trainer Doug O’Neill. He is a major player from the rail post.

#2 Kidmon gets a rider upgrade to Prat and should appreciate the stretch out to two turns off the two-month freshening from trainer John Sadler.

#4 Super Duper Cooper ran huge on Opening Day earning a career best 89 BRIS Speed rating. I am concerned about regression in this spot, but if he can repeat that gutsy July effort for trainer Michael McCarthy he is in with a huge chance.

Race 8

The sequence concludes with a rock bottom maiden claimer conducted at seven-eighths of a mile.

#2 Blaze of Glory returns quickly after a solid third place finish for trainer David Jacobson. Jacobson has yet to win at the meeting, but he appears due based on four in-the-money finishes from 14 starters. The son of Street Sense likely came out of the August 2 race well since he is coming back in less than a week. It will not take much for him to find the winner’s circle for the initial time.

#4 Welldidyougetit, #8 Jonas and #11 Brighton Boy also will be on my ticket to close things out.

Ticket (subject to change with scratches)

Race 5: 1,4

Race 6: 3,4,7,11,12,13

Race 7: 1,2,4,5

Race 8: 2,4,8,11

Ticket Cost: $96