DEL MAR Opening Day (Thursday July 18)

Hello racing fans,
Paddock Girl is back:

   Guess what? Today is Opening Day at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club! This year, it didn't strait on a usual Wednesday, but it seems it's time for new traditions, because this year we will also have a fall meet (whaaat???), so the fun will continue after Labor Day… but let's focus on today, shall we?

   As expected, Opening Day has lots and lots of things going on.  "The (One and Only True Fabulous) Hat Contest" will be one of the highlights, since it is on its 20th anniversary! Dress fancy or funny, but
don;t forget to bring your best fascinator or your biggest hat to participate. Good prizes will be given this year and and hat will be very appreciate it by your face with this weather.

   Moe than 40,000 are expected to this fabulous racing day and it might break its record attendance of 47,339 on an Opening Day, so get here early or don't complain if you're stuck in traffic.

    Also, there's a new turf course, it has been expanded, which means (hopefully) full fields for turf races!

   And one more thing, "Paddock Picks"is now a 4-year-old little horse! Happy Birthday to Paddock Picks!  It has been a wonderful ride so far! Thank you to everyone who has made this possible, for continuing to come and visit this blog and check your daily picks! THANK YOU!!!

   The featured race on today's 10-race card is the 67th Oceanside Stakes (eigth race).

   Here are your picks for Del Mar's Opening Day on its 75th summer season:

Race 1: BIG WAGS, FIT TO RULE ... include NORTHERN FORCE in your 'fectas.

Race 2:  NONNA REESE, FULL OF SPICE… include BIRD IN LOVE in your 'fectas.

Race 3: HAIL MARY, BIORHYTHM... include MY HAPPY FACE in your 'fectas.

Race 4: AFTERMARKETSLAM, HOLD EVERYTHING... include COTTON VALLEY in your 'fectas.

Race 5: JULES JOURNEY, STONEY FLEECE... include KOKALTASH in your 'fectas.

Race 6: PULMARACK, LONDON LEGACY... keep your eyes on  ZINVOR, looks promising.

Race 7: SIN MACHO, CINMARS DANCE... include NO BARNEYS in your 'fectas.

Race 8: 67th Oceanside Stakes ($100,000): ENTERPRISING, TEXAS RYANO... include ARGYLE CUT in your 'fectas

Race 9: DIAMOND OF BLE, CARLOT COWBOY… include CLOSE TO THE EDGE in your 'fectas.

Race 10: AFFETTANDO, THIS ONE'S FOR MEL... include VIBRATO JAZZ in your 'fectas.


Happy Opening Day and Happy Betting!