Picks and analysis for this afternoon’s card from Delaware Park:

• DATE: September 13, 2024, 12:30 p.m. first post
• RACES ON CARD: 9
• CARRYOVERS: None
• POST TIME: 12:30 p.m.

RACE 1

2. It’s Saul Goodman (9-2)	Gradual improvement with his best race coming last time at this distance
9. Toady Hopper (10-1)	Faded in late stretch; may be better suited coming off the pace
8. Secret Saturday (5-2)	Back to his preferred surface, with two tries in the mix in early summer
10. Sunshine Johnny (8-1)	Adds lasix after debut and has some untapped potential while Cajun Cruiser seems to be going backwards

RACE 2

5. Happy Tappy Tim (5-2)	May have a bit of second-itis, but still the best at this distance and the most consistent
3. Tested Positive (8-1)	Much needed rest following back to back tough races, and ran well off the bench in February
7. Olive Kat (2-1)	Shouldn’t be this price but gets another crack at claimers

RACE 3 – ON THE TURF

10. Delightful Dixie (4-1)	Play purely on the class drop from Saratoga, even if she hasn’t proven that distance is to her liking
11. Expecting a Winner (5-1)	A repeat of her most recent try could put her in the winner’s circle
7. Hushemup (12-1)	Good recent turf form compares well at a price and distance should be no issue
9. Glossamer (4-1)	Seven year old mare has hit the board in over half of her turf tries lifetime so is a good bet to do so here

DIRT PICKS: 2-8-3

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RACE 4

2. Heavy Equipment (7-2)	Will be on the lead with Office Corruption, and cuts back a half furlong which should be to his liking
7. Bourbon Express (9-5)	Didn’t inspire confidence in his early dirt tries, but returning to the main track may help improve his form
3. Double Nickel (8-1)	Trending in the right direction lately; can only have winning chances with a late rally
6. Office Corruption (5-2)	May end up the favorite after a sharp four furlong breeze, although turf could be his preference

RACE 5 – ON THE TURF

3. American War Hero (9-2)	Simply classier than the others and was competitive in his lone turf try in November for Motion
8. Mission Mike (10-1)	Turf form has been better than most in two tries but steps up from maiden claimers at Gulfstream
9. Sir Mendel (12-1)	Gelding by Mendelssohn should have no issues with distance, getting back to his preferred race
12. Bean Machine (7-2)	Not close against better; may need a slower pace to be a factor

DIRT PICKS: 7-3-6

RACE 6

8. Intuitive Wisdom (4-1)	Colt by American Pharoah may want turf, but Bravo takes this first timer for his lone mount of the day
2. Hawkstone (6-1)	Solid jockey trainer combo and comes off a strong four furlong breeze in late August
4. Swiftlet (2-1)	Showed some ability for this class first time, now switching to dirt but may prefer a bit more distance by McKinzie
6. Tailored for Joy (8-1)	Debuts after a recent bullet breeze for McLean Robertson who has eight winners this meet

RACE 7 – ON THE TURF

9. Dark Dutchess (12-1)	Has been stronger at turf sprints than other races, and should be a good price in this field
13. Chalice (12-1)	Tough post but adds blinkers with some good trips at five furlongs this year given she breaks well
11. Little Hot Mess (6-1)	Should have early speed; nearly went gate to wire last time amongst similar class
5. Sweet Summer Love (9-2)	Likely a late running type and should be better value than her morning line suggests

DIRT PICKS: 7-1-3

RACE 8

3. Bubbling Up (3-1)	Stidham trainee drops from Fair Grounds and wins if she gets back to the early lead with a sharp break
4. X Gene (9-5)	Grey filly ran as good as any in her debut at Timonium, and adds blinkers to stay forward
5. Tactical Joke (2-1)	By Practical Joke who sired a pair of sprint Grade I winners at Saratoga this summer, the bloodlines point to one turn

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