Del Mar Horse Racing Picks for Saturday 9/3/22

Starting at 4:00 p.m. ET, we have 11 races Saturday at Del Mar including the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic.

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. Mackinnon and Slow Down Andy, Race 9

FanDuel Racing Odds: 3/1 and 8/1
Bet Now at TVG | Bet Now at FanDuel

Race 9 is the $300,000 Del Mar Derby (G2) for 3-year-olds going 1 1/8 miles on the turf. The numberFire data projects Slow Down Andy (8/1) to upset the two main challengers Mackinnon (3/1) and Balnikhov (5/2).

2. Flightline and Express Train, Race 10

FanDuel Racing Odds: 1/5 and 12/1
Bet Now at TVG | Bet Now at FanDuel

Race 10 is the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic (G1) at 1 1/4 miles. Flightline (1/5) is the heavy favorite and pick of numberFire. He looks so tough having won all four of his starts, but none beyond 1-mile. No value at all, but added to the Pick 6 with a mandatory payout Saturday at Del Mar.

Express Train (12/1) could challenge and hit the exacta or trifecta. He was the favorite in this race last year but never cashed in to hit the board.

3. Master Piece and Gold Phoenix, Race 11

FanDuel Racing Odds: 3/1 and 6/1
Bet Now at TVG | Bet Now at FanDuel

Race 11 is the $300,000 Del Mar Handicap (G2) for older horses at 1 3/8 miles on the turf. Master Piece (3/1) is the top pick and win contender according to numberFire.

EPO leading trainer Phil D'Amato has won six of the last 8 editions of this race, and he saddles four runners this year in Gold Phoenix, Gregdar (4/1), Masteroffoxhounds (6/1) and Red King (8/1).