The Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar is one of the coolest races on the calendar. Now, why would a Jed Clampett worshiping hillbilly turf writer hold this race in such high regard?…It starts with the name. Bing Crosby was a visionary that not only was multi-talented but also loved the game of Thoroughbred racing as much as anyone. As one of the founding fathers of that heaven on earth we call Del Mar, he certainly deserves to have a stakes race named in his honor. Secondly, this race is a sizzling six furlongs at the Seaside Oval and usually features some of the best sprinters in the game. As a win and you are in race for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, West coast speed merchants usually line up with eyes on the prize.
The 2021 edition promises to be very entertaining as this year’s Breeders’ Cup is at Del Mar and a field of nine talented runners will be taking a swing in the Bing. Without further ado, let’s tap the still and take a drink of that Tennessee High Test.
Early speed may be the key to this edition of the Bing. Brickyard Ride is one fast drag car. Breaking from the outside post, he likely will try and make the lead which could set up some white lightning-like early fractions. It is not likely he can make an uncontested lead, but if the Brickyard gets loose, it could be quite some Ride.
Trainer Mark Glatt sends out his three musketeers with last year’s winner Collusion Illusion, battle tested Law Abidin Citizen, and the lightly raced Dr Schivel. All three are talented runners with Dr. Schivel getting the services of leading rider Flavien Prat.
The morning line favorite and likely post time favorite is the Peter Miller trained C Z Rocket. As the defending summer meet champion trainer, this California native has enjoyed plenty of Miller Time in the past, just never in the Bing. A master at preparing sprinters, Miller will have his Rocket ready to launch.
Bob Baffert saddles Eight Rings and as we know any Baffert horse has a shot especially on big days. Shooter’s Shoot (Peter Eurton), Vertical Threat (Richard Baltas),and Quick Tempo (Christopher Davis) round out this very competitive field.
So there is a little info, now how do we make some cheddar? Hot early fractions will set things up nicely for C Z Rocket. Jockey Florent Geroux rode the Rocket to glory at Oaklawn Park earlier in the year and knows when to push his button. We like C Z Rocket to win. Collusion Illusion is another closer that can benefit from an early drag race. Throw him in your superfecta along with another Glatt horse in Dr. Schivel. We think Brickyard Ride can hang in for a piece of the pie being that it is a six furlong dash.
There i
s our swing at the Bing…and if it don’t work out, just take another swallow of mountain dew and you’ll be just fine. Back a horse and get paid!
The Bing Crosby will be run on July 31 at Del Mar as part of an 11 race card. The Bing will be race 10 with an expected post time of 6:36 Pacific time.
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