Free Picks at Del Mar – July 17, 2026

There is nothing quite like the salt air and the electric atmosphere of "Where the Surf Meets the Turf." As we head into another stellar afternoon of racing at Del Mar, the excitement is palpable. From the high-stakes drama on the dirt to the tactical chess matches on the Jimmy Durante Turf Course, today’s card offers plenty of opportunities for savvy bettors to find the winner's circle. Whether you are sipping a Del Margarita in the grandstand or playing from home, the Pacific breeze is blowing in some serious profit potential.

At Track Tipster, we’ve crunched the numbers, analyzed the morning works, and looked at the track bias to bring you the best value for today’s races. Let’s dive into today’s free selections.

Pick 1: Race #1 — Hard to Figure

Odds: 8-5
Bet Recommendation: Win
Confidence: High

We are kicking off the day with a "best bet" scenario in the opener. Hard to Figure enters this race as the clear class of the field based on recent speed figures. While some of the younger horses in this maiden special weight are still finding their footing, this contender has already proven he can handle the heat of Southern California racing. His consistent ability to stalk the pace and finish strong makes him the most reliable contender in this opener. Expect jockey Flavien Prat to sit just off the lead before pressing the button at the top of the stretch. If he runs back to his last effort, the rest of the field is playing for second place.

Pick 2: Race #4 — Midnight Moonlight

Odds: 4-1
Bet Recommendation: Win/Place
Confidence: Medium-High

In the fourth race, we are looking at a turf sprint that favors horses with tactical versatility. Midnight Moonlight has been showing incredible energy in her morning drills, signaling that she is sitting on a career-best effort. She drew a favorable middle gate, which should allow her to avoid being pinned on the rail early. With a projected fast pace up front, her closing kick will be the deciding factor. At 4-1, there is excellent value here to either win outright or provide a solid boost to your exacta tickets.

Pick 3: Race #7 — Coastal Breeze

Odds: 6-1
Bet Recommendation: Each-Way (Win/Show)
Confidence: Medium

For our value play of the day, we’re looking at Coastal Breeze in the seventh. This horse is returning from a brief layoff, and the trainer has a high strike rate with "fresh" runners. While the favorites in this race will draw most of the public's money, Coastal Breeze has posted a series of "bullet" workouts that suggest he is faster than his recent form indicates. If he can break cleanly and grab a position near the front, he could easily pull off the upset at a very generous price.

Want the full card?

Today’s free picks are just the beginning. Our Track Tipster Elite Members get access to every race on the Del Mar card, including our famous "Longshot of the Day" and full exotic betting strategies for the Pick 4 and Pick 6. Don’t leave your bankroll to chance—join the pros and start winning today.

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