Buy TicketsToday’s Del Mar Hot List races to watch
Friday, Aug. 8, 2025
By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman
Hot List Key:
A : A preferred horse to watch B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches in the final 3 minutes and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.
1st race – (6) Cowboy Mike exits a stakes and looks best here. (1) Ghazaaly will be dangerous on his best try. (4) Shortman may stand tall here. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6
3rd race – (5) Miracle Ball steps up off a win and should handle this group. (1) Big Pop could be a main threat at this level from the rail. (2) Queen Girvin steps up while in sharp form. Betting strategy: 5 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5.
5th race – (4) Tommy Norris has keen early speed and may not look back here. (1) Moonshiner will also be part of the early pace and may hang around until the end. (7) Forever Ben will welcome the added distance. (9) Southern Melodee is worth a look here. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-7-9.
7th race – (4) Sammy Davis won his debut and can hit another high note here. (6) Hero Or Zero was an impressive debut winner and should be the main rival. (1) What’s a Good Name will be helped by a rail trip. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-4-6. Doubles: 1-4-6 with 1-2-5-6.
8th race – (1) Mayacama was a game second last time and can prevail from the rail. (2) Princess Snow has speed which will be helpful from an inside post. (5) Oveta’s Hobby will enjoy a return to turf. (6) Cameron Slough should be closing fast in the late stages. Betting strategy: 1 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-5-6.