Xpressbet writer Jeff Siegel offers his top plays for Saturday.
Del Mar Race No. 7 (6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT)
#3 Hong Kong Harry (7-2)
Has been freshened since his convincing victory over the local lawn in the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile Stake in early September and should be set for a similar effort in this year’s renewal of the Grade 2 Seabiscuit Handicap. The Irish import has rising numbers, a strong recent work tab, a comfortable inside draw and retains Flavien Prat, who is a perfect 2-for-2 aboard the Phil D’Amato-trained 5-year-old. A winner of eight races from 12 career stars, this thoroughly genuine and consistent gelding is listed at 7-2 on the morning line and offers plenty of value at that price if you can get it.
Del Mar Race No. 9 (7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT)
#5 Aligato (7-2)
Wasn’t knocked about when finishing a willing fourth (beaten two lengths) in the California Flag Stakes for California-bred turf sprinters last month at Santa Anita in his first start since January and seems certain to produce a forward move with that sharpener under his belt coupled with this return to the conditioned allowance ranks. The Mark Glatt barn has strong stats (20%) with the second-off-the-layoff angle, and with the stretch out in trip the son of Kitten’s Joy should be set for a major effort. A healthy series of workouts at San Luis Rey Downs since raced is a further plus, so at 7-2 on the morning line he offers excellent value in the Win pool and in the various rolling exotics.