Handicapping opinions, Saturday at Del Mar …

Race 1 – True Validity (3) worked well since finishing third in a fast, productive maiden race won by Brill. The runner-up Del Mar May returned to finish second in a G2, fifth place Angel Alessandra returned to win a maiden race, sixth place Bizwhacks returned to run second. Cherished (5) trained as if she is ready to fire first out; Drayden Van Dyke has worked her. Enaya Alrabb (6) reportedly is not quick, she will rally late.

Race 2 – Honest claiming sprinter Eighty Three (2) seeks his third straight, and second at the meet, as the solid (likely) favorite. A legit contender at higher odds is Tough Sunday (7), expected to set the pace. Early favorite Best Two Minutes scratched, he is re-entered Sunday.

Race 4 – Arms Runner (9) did not appear comfortable after he jumped a patched-up segment of the turf course and misfired opening day. Gelded since, working well, he can win this N2X turf mile by reproducing either of his two previous efforts. Well Developed (2) was only prepping in a stakes race, he drops and is sitting on “go” at 6-1. Probably should have included Well Developed in the "Play of the Day."

Race 5 – Palermo Style (8) is the key to the "Play of the Day:" https://bit.ly/2OJ3rJg

Race 6 – The turf division in California is dubious, the G2 Del Mar Handicap is ripe for a new face. Cashman (11), a recent arrival from Germany for Team Valor, makes his U.S. debut as a “live” longshot at 8-1. His overseas form is modest, but so are his rivals in this turf marathon. Itsinthepost (6) is the “best horse,” coming off one of his worst races and 0-for-10 at Del Mar. Still must respect the seven-time graded winner.

Race 7 – Is the program favorite Captain Scotty (5) ready to fire first start since March? Daily Racing Form workout analyst Toby Turrell wrote this about Captain Scotty’s gate work early this week: “Eye catching drill from the gate … Under a good hold and waiting on Arms Runner. Rating: B+.” Yes, Captain Scotty is ready to fire. Stone Hands (6) and Gato Del Oro (7) are this handicapper’s top choice, but multi-race wagers must go at least three deep and include the favorite.

Race 8 – Colonia (7) scored an impressive win in her U.S. debut at Arlington. She might be good enough to win the G1 Del Mar Oaks, a race shippers have dominated. Not thrilled about 7-2 odds, however. That seems low. Ollie’s Candy (4) ran super finishing second in the G2 San Clemente; she is best of the locals.

Race 9 – Istanbul (7) finished second behind potential star Roadster first time out; the favorite Game Winner (10) has worked well for his debut. His trainer Bob Baffert debuted five 2yos this summer, all five won at odds-on.

Race 10 – Pacific Classic, in order of preference: Accelerate (5), Dr. Dorr (2), Roman Rosso (4). Beach View is scratched.

First post for the 11-race card, 2 p.m.