Saturday's Best Bet: Finneus makes bold run in Best Pal

Saturday’s 9th race from Del Mar is the Grade 2 Best Pal Stakes for two-year-olds dashing six furlongs on the main track (Post Time 9:06 p.m. ET).

#4 FINNEUS (3-1) was best of the rest in 3rd in his career debut vs. open company, and the runner-up was a next-out winner. He went last-to-first in a state bred special weight dirt sprint second time out June 13, and runner-up Mr. T’s Thirsty was a next-out maiden winner at Los Al. Umberto Rispoli hops aboard the $200k son of Stay Thirsty and he figures to enjoy the added furlong of this race.

#3 Pappacap (8-5) showed sharp early speed as the even money favorite and kept to his task in his winning dirt sprint debut at Gulfstream Park May 14. Just one of his seven rivals from that heat returned to score. He drilled a local gate bullet July 21 and should attend the pace at the very least under Joe Bravo.

#6 Aquitania Arrival (4-1) stalked from the inside post and drove home outside in his winning Churchill Downs debut May 28. Peter Miller has him now and he drew a favorable post.

#1 Bet On Mookie (5-2) drew outer posts in his first two starts and ran well throughout both times, and will have to hustle early from the intimidating inside post this time.

#5 Thirsty Always (7-2) is a California-bred son of Stay Thirsty with a 2-for-2 record, and the early-pressing type is the only stakes winner in the field. He is also entered in the Graduation Stakes on Aug. 8.  

Wagers:

#4 to Win

Exacta Box 3-4

Trifecta Key 4/1-3-5-6

Trifecta 3-4-6/3-4-6/1-5

Recent Best Bet Winners

Aug. 2 - Cavalier Cupid/Rambert Exacta ($7.00), Trifecta ($22.60)
Aug. 4 - Pearl Tiara/Diamond Solitaire Exacta ($11.60)
Aug. 6 - ART COLLECTOR ($5.60), Exacta ($21.60)