2011 John C. Mabee Handicap - Horse Racing Odds & Picks

Written by Jake Thompson
Sunday, 14 August 2011 00:55

It’s time for horse racing odds, tips, and picks in Sunday’s 2011 John C. Mabee Handicap from Del Mar.

There are 8 entries set to run in the 1 1/8-mile John C. Mabee Handicap, and we’ll check out the odds before making some tips and eventually getting around to releasing our horse racing picks.  The turf race has a post time of 9:05 PM ET and the horses will be running for their share of a $250,000 purse in Southern California.  You can bet on the 2011 John C. Mabee Handicap at any of the online racebooks listed here on the website, and we’d love it if you’d make us look good by clicking on the links to get started.

2011 John C. Mabee Handicap - Post Positions, Horses, and Odds:

1 – Harmonious, 5-2

2 – Cozi Rosie, 7-2

3 – Wasted Tears, 5-1

4 – Malibu Pier, 5-1

5 – Go Forth North, 12-1

6 – Turning Top, 20-1

7 – Celtic Princess, 3-1

8 – Medaglia D’amour, 12-1

2011 John C. Mabee Handicap - Horse Racing Tips:

As you can see from the Del Mar morning line odds above, this race figures to be wide open and extremely difficult to handicap.  The talent level is so strong that 2010 John C. Mabee winner Wasted Tears is tied for 4th highest favorite on the horse racing odds.  Although some dread races like this, I personally like them because the lack of a 2-1 or 9-5 type of favorite increases the payout on winning exotics.

Although Celtic Princess is considered one of the favorites, I’m going to toss her from my John C. Mabee picks because of her post position.  She’s nearly all the way outside and has been passed late in other races.  This front runner will expel energy crossing over the field and I just don’t think an investment here is a smart idea.

Wasted Tears is another early speedster that is much better setup to run a quality race here.  Drawing the #3 post position, Wasted Tears should be in the thick of things although I won’t play her to win.  She’s in a nice spot but ultimately there are other talented John C. Mabee entries that I expect to get past her in the later stages of this race.

Harmonious is a horse that comes on late and I think the pace and distance will be perfect for her to get a great trip.  The #1 post position isn’t ideal for this style but it’s also not a hindrance since she can fall back if the jockey deems it the correct call.  I’m thinking Harmonious figures into the trifecta and she’ll pass up Wasted Tears and Celtic Princess on the backstretch.

Malibu Pier looks nice another nice horse to include in our Del Mar horse racing picks.  The 5-1 gal will start at the #4 spot and she’ll try to stay ahead of Harmonious in the late stages.  The Beverly Hills Handicap winner will stalk the pace and should be in a nice spot when the closers start to make their respective moves.

There are a few things I like about Cozi Rosie here.  She has a come-from-behind style that I think could come into play, and she also has experienced jockey Garrett Gomez aboard for the first time.  This will also be the first time she’ll have blinkers on and it’s tough to peg a performance prediction with all these new variables added into the mix.  Cozi Rosie hasn’t finished outside the money in her last 5 starts and will be tough to toss from my John C. Mabee trifecta picks.

2011 John C. Mabee Handicap – Picks on the Trifecta Box:

Harmonious 5-2

Malibu Pier 5-1

Cozi Rosie 7-2

With Wasted Tears not in top form and Celtic Princess having to deal with a tough spot in the starting gate, I just have a feeling both pacesetters will be passed up late.  Malibu Pier will be closest to the action but Cozi Rosie and Harmonious are going to be coming on very strong.

2011 John C. Mabee Handicap – Picks on the Winner:

Harmonious 5-2

The pace should be quick enough for some of these closers to do well and I expect Harmonious to be in the best position of the horses that fit the bill.  Malibu Pier is a concern and a nice horse but ultimately I think he’ll get passed up right before the line.