Free Picks at Del Mar – August 13, 2026

The Pacific breeze is blowing, the grandstands are buzzing, and the "Turf Meets the Surf" for another spectacular day of racing at Del Mar. There is an electricity in the air today that only a summer afternoon at Old Del Mar can provide. Whether you are sitting trackside with a Del Mar Mule in hand or following the action from your favorite sportsbook, today’s card offers some intriguing opportunities to cash a ticket early. We’ve crunched the numbers, checked the workouts, and analyzed the speed figures to bring you three free picks to kickstart your bankroll.

Race #1 — Iriseach (IRE)

Bet: Win
Odds: N/A
Confidence: Medium

We are kicking off the card with an international flavor in the opener. Iriseach (IRE) makes a highly anticipated appearance, and all signs point toward a big performance. This runner has shown remarkable consistency in the mornings and possesses the kind of early tactical speed that is often rewarded on this course. While making a debut can always be tricky, the European pedigree suggests a level of class that might simply outmatch this group. If Iriseach breaks cleanly, expect a sharp, professional performance that lands this horse right in the winner's circle.

Race #2 — Ghostwritten

Bet: Win
Odds: N/A
Confidence: Medium

Moving into the second race, we are looking at Ghostwritten to get the job done. Speed figures are the name of the game here, and Ghostwritten enters this contest with a very reliable pattern of numbers that puts them at the top of the heap. What makes this horse particularly appealing today is the projected pace scenario; there is enough speed signed on to ensure an honest clip, setting things up perfectly for a stalker. Look for Ghostwritten to sit just off the leaders, saving ground before making a decisive, winning move at the top of the lane.

Race #3 — Sauced Up

Bet: Win
Odds: N/A
Confidence: Low

If you are looking for a bit of value to spice up your early Pick 3 sequences, Sauced Up in Race #3 is the "live" longshot worth a look. This is a wide-open affair where the favorites look vulnerable, creating a perfect environment for an upset. The connections for Sauced Up have been firing on all cylinders during this Del Mar meet, showing they know exactly how to get a horse ready for the local surface. While the confidence level is lower due to the competitive nature of the field, the potential price makes this a value play you can't ignore. If Sauced Up can find a clear path in the stretch, we could be looking at a very nice payout.

Ready to take your game to the next level?

While these free picks are a great way to start your day, the real action happens in the later races where the heavy hitters come out to play. Our Track Tipster Elite Members get exclusive access to our full premium card, including Exacta keys, Trifecta builds, and our "Best Bet of the Day." Don’t leave your winnings to chance—upgrade to an Elite Membership now and finish the Del Mar meet in the black!