Del Mar Horse Racing Picks for Friday 8/5/22

Starting at 7:00 p.m. ET with twilight racing, we have 8 races Friday at Del Mar, "Where the Turf meets the Surf."

As always, check the program for scratches and changes, and monitor the weather and track conditions.

(I will reference Equibase's Speed Figure in selected races, which tells you how fast a horse has been running in each of its races -- adjusted for track, distances, and conditions).

Del Mar Betting

According to numberFire Racing's projections, these are the best bets to make at FanDuel Racing today.

1. Kid Azteca and Ah Jeez, Race 1

FanDuel Racing Odds: 5/2 and 5/1

Bet Now at TVG | Bet Now at FanDuel

The day begins with a 5 furlong sprint on the turf for Maiden 2-year-olds. The numberFire data shows Storming Machine (4/1) to edge well-bred Ah Jeez (5/1) by top trainer Doug O'Neill.

But Kid Azteca (5/2) is the speed of the field and adds blinkers to keep him focused and less distracted. Ah Jeez makes his debut with a recent 4 furlong bullet work in place. Storming Machine has a stronger 4 furlong bullet work as well.

2. Slow Down Andy and Big City Lights, Race 6

FanDuel Racing Odds: 2/1 and 5/2
Bet Now at TVG | Bet Now at FanDuel

Race 6 is the $175,000 Real Good Stakes for state-bred 3-year-olds at 7 furlongs. Top Race Reports notes that this 7/8 mile distance is better for those runners with the ability to show ‘speed and stick,’ racing close up while staying on with some tenacity,

Both numberFire's top pick Slow Down Andy (2/1) and Big City Lights (5/2) fit that profile in a competitive race that includes seven stakes winners. Big City Lights is 2-for-2 with a minor stakes win while Slow Down Andy is more accomplished with a pair of graded stakes wins.

3. Avenue and Kingmax, Race 7

FanDuel Racing Odds: 3/1 and 5/2
Bet Now at TVG | Bet Now at FanDuel

Race 7 is an Allowance race at 1 3/8 miles on the turf. Another full field and the numberFire data picks Avenue (3/1) to win with Tartini (8/1) and Bee Catcher (5/1) to hit the board. Tartini would have to draw into the race off the Also Eligible list.

Top jockey at the meet Juan Hernandez rides Avenue, who has improved each race with a closing third place finish last out in a Grade 3 rate a 1 3/4 miles while posting his best ever speed figure. Kingmax (5/2) is a 3-year-old to include who is facing older runners in his U.S. debut having faced strong horses in Europe.