Del Mar Horse Racing Picks for Friday 9/2/22

Starting at 6:00 p.m. ET with twilight racing, we have 9 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 horse racing projections, these are the best bets to make at FanDuel Racing today.

1. Funkhouser and Controlled Fire, Race 2

FanDuel Racing Odds: 9/5 and 6/1
Bet Now at TVG | Bet Now at FanDuel

Race 2 is a Maiden Claiming race for 2-year-old fillies sprinting 5 1/2 furlongs. The numberFire projections have Otter Pop (3/1), Controlled Fire (6/1) and Funkhouser (9/5) as the top-3 finishers.

Otter Pop has a pair of runner-up finishes but slower speed figures. Controlled Fire is a first time starter to consider and in exacta and trifecta wagering. Funkhouser has the speed to press or set the pace, and she drops to maiden-claiming after chasing quality 2-year-old fillies in maiden special-weights.

2. Carmelita's Man and Fly the Sky, Race 3

FanDuel Racing Odds: 8/5 and 7/2
Bet Now at TVG | Bet Now at FanDuel


Race 3 is an Allowance race and a marathon at 1 3/8 miles on the turf. Carmelita's Man (8/5) won a pair of Cal-bred stakes and shorter distances and now stretches out. His trainer Dean Peterson has won 5-of-9 races at the meet starting this week.

Fly the Sky (7/2) is also a top pick by numberFire's projection. He won a distance race two back, and suffered traffic trouble when finishing 2-lengths behind Carmelita's Man in recent race.

3. Leggs Galore and Connie Swingle, Race 8

FanDuel Racing Odds: 6/5 and 5/2
Bet Now at TVG | Bet Now at FanDuel

Race 8 is an Allowance race for fillies and mares sprinting 5 furlongs on the turf. Leggs Galore (9/5) and Connie Swingle (5/2) are the top picks by numberFire's projections. Both are conditioned by EPO leading trainer Phil D'Amato.

Leggs Galore is a proven stakes winner who will be running on the lead. Connie Swingle is 2-for-2 on the turf and will make first run if the leader stumbles.