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Delaware Park Picks & Predictions — July 18, 2026

July 18, 202610 racesAll Delaware Park picks

This card ran on July 18, 2026.

Best bets at Delaware Park, July 18, 2026

Race 12ProtegeML 5/112:20 PM EDT

Race 2 is free with an account, and the other 8 races are for members.

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Delaware Park rolls out a full 10-race card on Saturday, July 18, and the weather is about as cooperative as you could hope for a mid-July afternoon on the Mid-Atlantic circuit — overcast skies keeping the heat in check at 84°F. That cloud cover could play a subtle role on the turf courses, where softer light and stable footing tend to keep surfaces consistent throughout the afternoon.

What we've got here is a genuinely varied card — six dirt sprints and routes mixed with four turf tests, spanning maiden claimers all the way up to an allowance closer that has our analysts buzzing. Three of those races are fully open to all TrackWiz readers, and the top picks across the free legs alone give you a real foundation to build on. The back half of the card is where the real money is made, though.

Ten races. Multiple surface switches. A handful of horses posting ratings north of 89. Today's the kind of card where having the right information separates a profitable afternoon from an expensive one.

Best Bets

Race 1

12:20 PM EDT

Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

A wide-open claiming sprint with three horses clustered near the top of the TrackWiz ratings and legitimate pace questions throughout the field — don't sleep on the overlay angles here.

win2ProtegeML 5/1

Protege (No. 2) tops our ratings at 84.17 and carries a 20% career win rate — solid numbers for a claiming level that often rewards consistency. Vincent Cheminaud gets the mount, and pairing a capable jockey with an above-average speed figure (55 avg) makes this the most complete package in the field. At 5/1 on the morning line, there's genuine value here if the pace sets up cleanly from a good post.

place1Seven's ElevenML 6/1

Seven's Eleven (No. 1) sits right behind Protege in the ratings at 80.32, and a 21% career win rate is nothing to dismiss in claiming company. Angel Cruz knows this oval well, and the inside post could be an asset in a field this size if there's early pressure to track. A place ticket here makes plenty of sense as a safer return.

show5Keeping It CountryML 6/1

Keeping It Country (No. 5) rates at 75.14 with a tidy 25% career win rate — that win percentage is tied for the highest in the field among horses with meaningful samples. Emanuel Rosario takes the reins, and at 6/1, this horse is worth including in trifecta and exacta coverage as a live show threat.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 11 runners

Race 2: Free with an Account

Race 2

12:52 PM EDT

Starter Optional Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

Yes I Will looks like a dominant favorite in this Starter Optional Claiming sprint, but the secondary positions are genuinely contested and could offer nice exacta value underneath.

win1Yes I WillML 3/2

Yes I Will (No. 1) is the class of this field by a wide margin — a TrackWiz rating of 89.27 with a 25% career win rate makes her a confident top selection. Angel Cruz keeps the mount, which is a good sign, and her average speed figure of 54 is consistent with winning at this level. At 3/2 on the morning line, the odds aren't glamorous, but the profile says bet accordingly.

place3Sugar On FireML 8/1

Sugar On Fire (No. 3) rates a solid 69.37 — second-best in the field — and Eddie Dominguez brings strong local presence to the mount. The 10% career win rate is modest, but her speed figures and rating suggest she outperforms that number in terms of competitive effort. At 8/1, she's a value play underneath the favorite.

show6Ready and AbleML 6/1

Ready and Able (No. 6) clocks in at a 61.87 rating with a 54 average speed figure, matching the top closers in this bunch. Teshawn Hazelwood takes the call for trainer Robert A. Werneth, and at 6/1, this horse has the profile of a solid show finisher who keeps things honest in the deep stretch.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 8 runners

The first three races give everyone a solid look at what TrackWiz analysis can do. We open with Protege in Race 1, a claiming sprint where we see value at the 5/1 morning line — don't let that price scare you off. Race 2 brings Yes I Will to the table as the morning-line favorite at 3/2, and with a TrackWiz rating of 89.27, this one has the profile of a horse that earns that chalk status. Then Race 3 shifts to the turf for a 7½-furlong maiden claimer where Plenty On Tap at 5/2 looks like a well-positioned play on a surface that should hold up nicely under today's cloud cover.

The connecting thread across these three free races? Speed figures that grade out comfortably above the field average, and pace scenarios that set each top pick up to run their race without getting buried early. On a day like today, with conditions stable and no major weather concerns, trusting the numbers is the play.

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Full Card Analysis

Race 3

1:24 PM EDT

Maiden Claiming · 7 1/2 fur · Turf

Maiden Claimers on the turf at 7.5 furlongs are notoriously difficult to crack — this full field of non-winners makes it a spread race, but two horses stand significantly above the rest on our ratings.

win4Plenty On TapML 5/2

Plenty On Tap (No. 4) is the standout in this wide field, posting an 87.81 TrackWiz rating — a full two points clear of the second-rated horse. Julio A. Hernandez pilots for trainer Tim Woolley, and the 54 average speed figure is among the best in the field. At 5/2 on the morning line, this is a fair price for a horse that looks meaningfully better than the competition.

place6HopeygotML 7/2

Hopeygot (No. 6) rates 85.38 — the second-best score in the race — and Vincent Cheminaud is an excellent turf jockey to have aboard for a 7.5-furlong maiden on the grass. The 7/2 morning line suggests the crowd agrees this is the main challenger, and she's a very reasonable place play in what could be a two-horse race at the top.

show5Cap'n CatsML 12/1

Cap'n Cats (No. 5) is a sneaky inclusion at 12/1 with a 64.25 rating — a significant jump above the rest of the mid-pack horses. Angel Cruz takes the mount for trainer Josue Arce, and in a full field with pace questions over turf, a horse with this rating gap over the lower half of the field can absolutely hit the board at a generous price.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 15 runners

Race 4

1:56 PM EDT

Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

Two horses — I Believe in Magic and Magnolia Wind — dominate the ratings in this claiming route, setting up a potential duel for the top two spots while the rest of the field fights for scraps.

win5I Believe in MagicML 5/2

I Believe in Magic (No. 5) leads all comers with an 87.81 TrackWiz rating and a strong 25% career win rate, which is the best strike rate in this field by a comfortable margin. Noel Herman takes the mount for trainer Jorge Diaz, and a 54 average speed figure is right in the wheelhouse for winning this class. At 5/2, this horse represents the cleaner value of the top two contenders.

place3Magnolia WindML 9/5

Magnolia Wind (No. 3) is rated 82.27 — only 5.5 points behind the top pick — and Wesley Ho handles the riding duties for Michelle Castillo. Despite a modest 13% career win rate, her rating and a 53 average speed figure both support contention at this level. At 9/5, she'll likely attract heavy support from the crowd, and her profile earns a place ticket.

show8InfastuationML 10/1

Infastuation (No. 8) is the most intriguing show option at 10/1 morning line with a 54.38 rating — well above the rest of the field outside the top two. Carol Cedeno rides for Carlos M. Sepulveda, and a 17% career win rate shows this mare knows how to finish. At double-digit odds, she's worth including in trifecta tickets as a live longshot for third.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 8 runners

Race 5

2:28 PM EDT

Starter Optional Claiming · 1 1/16 mi · Turf

Rylnnslookinglucky owns a clear ratings advantage in this turf route, but the morning line suggests the crowd may not have caught up yet — there's value to be had at 6/1.

win4RylnnslookingluckyML 6/1

Rylnnslookinglucky (No. 4) tops the field at 82.71 on TrackWiz ratings, a meaningful gap over the next-best horse. Angel Cruz is one of the more active jockeys on the Delaware circuit, and trainer Kenneth M. Cox has put this horse in the right spot. The 53 average speed figure is competitive for a mile-and-a-sixteenth turf test, and 6/1 odds represent genuine overlay value.

place2Somme RiverML 9/2

Somme River (No. 2) rates 63.08 — the second-best figure in the field — with a 16% career win rate and a 53 average speed figure. Joshua J. Radosevich has the call for trainer Justin J. Nixon, and this horse fits the profile of a consistent closer who can pick up pieces at a fair price. At 9/2, this is a sensible place play.

show8Half a DeckML 6/1

Half a Deck (No. 8) clocks a 56.53 rating with a 16% career win rate — not eye-popping, but third-best in the field and comfortably clear of the bottom half. Cipriano Gil gets the mount for trainer James L. Lawrence II, and at 6/1 on the morning line, there's legitimate show value here for exotics players looking to spread.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 10 runners

Race 6

3:00 PM EDT

Starter Optional Claiming · 1 mi · Dirt

Trainer Jose S. Rodriguez saddles TWO of the top three horses in this mile Starter Optional Claiming, which makes the pace scenario and jockey matchup particularly interesting — one could set the table for the other.

win2Striking SparksML 5/1

Striking Sparks (No. 2) tops our ratings at 84.17 and carries a 19% career win rate for trainer Jose S. Rodriguez, who also has the place pick in this race. Cipriano Gil handles the riding duties, and a 52 average speed figure is consistent with what it takes to win here. At 5/1 on the morning line, this is the better value of the Rodriguez duo.

place1Martini MartinML 7/2

Martini Martin (No. 1) rates 81.19 — third overall in the field — with a 21% career win rate that's the second-highest in this race. Ronaldo Rodriguez rides for the same trainer, Jose S. Rodriguez, creating an interesting barn dynamic. The inside post and that career win percentage make him a strong place contender at 7/2.

show6Maximus MagicML 2/1

Maximus Magic (No. 6) is the morning line favorite at 2/1 despite rating third in the field at 79.69, which suggests the crowd is higher on this horse than TrackWiz analysis. Paul A. Luna takes the mount, and the 17% career win rate is solid. Even if Striking Sparks and Martini Martin run 1-2, Maximus Magic has enough class to hold third.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 7 runners

Race 7

3:32 PM EDT

Maiden Claiming · 1 mi · Turf

A massive 16-horse maiden turf field with a clear top two on ratings — Hotter Than Fire at 2/1 and Hop to It at 6/1 could represent excellent exacta value in a chaotic race.

win4Hotter Than FireML 2/1

Hotter Than Fire (No. 4) leads this enormous maiden field with an 88.54 TrackWiz rating — a significant advantage over the competition. Emanuel Rosario is one of the most capable jockeys in the mid-Atlantic, riding for Jamie Ness, a trainer who knows how to get horses ready on the turf. At 2/1, the crowd agrees this is the horse to beat, and the ratings back it up emphatically.

place15Hop to ItML 6/1

Hop to It (No. 15) rates 75.21 — second-best in the entire field — with a 54 average speed figure that stands out in this group. Gavin Ashton picks up the mount for trainer Tim Woolley, the same conditioner who also has Plenty On Tap in Race 3, suggesting he's in good form on this card. At 6/1, this is strong place value for a horse whose rating suggests legitimate top-two potential.

show16Kool KayML 3/2

Kool Kay (No. 16) rates a solid 72.23 — third in the field — and despite being the morning line favorite at 3/2, our analysis suggests she may be slightly overbet relative to Hotter Than Fire. Jordano Tunon takes the mount for Alisa Brooke Sarson, and the 53 average speed figure is respectable. She's a show lock on paper but the odds might compress too much for value.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 16 runners

Race 8

4:04 PM EDT

Starter Allowance · 1 mi · Dirt

A tight Starter Allowance with two legitimate top horses separated by just 2.8 rating points — Fabia and Planet Clare set up as a classic form duel, with a solid longshot lurking.

win1FabiaML 8/5

Fabia (No. 1) tops the field at 89.12 on our ratings with Julio A. Hernandez — one of the card's most active jockeys — in the irons for trainer Hamilton A. Smith. The 18% career win rate and 53 average speed figure are consistent with a horse that regularly competes at this level and wins. At 8/5, the public is right to make her the favorite.

place4Planet ClareML 7/5

Planet Clare (No. 4) rates 86.29 — just 2.83 points behind Fabia — and Carol Cedeno takes the mount for the well-regarded Keri Brion barn. The 17% career win rate and a matching 53 average speed figure make this a genuine photo-finish contender. The 7/5 morning line is oddly tight, but the talent is real.

show6Graceful RoseML 8/1

Graceful Rose (No. 6) checks in at 71.04 — a clear step below the top two but well above the rest — with a 54 average speed figure that's actually the best of the trio. Madeline Rowland rides for trainer Michael E. Gorham, and at 8/1, this is a fantastic show value play and worth including in any trifecta combinations.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 6 runners

Race 9

4:36 PM EDT

Allowance · 5 1/2 fur · Dirt

Candy Talking looks like the class of this allowance sprint, but with several horses posting 40% career win rates, the pace scenario could scramble the order — the show position is surprisingly competitive.

win3Candy TalkingML 8/5

Candy Talking (No. 3) leads the field at 89.12 on TrackWiz ratings with a 25% career win rate and the second-best average speed figure in the field at 55. Julio A. Hernandez handles the riding for trainer McLean Robertson, and at 8/5 on the morning line, this is the most complete package in the race. Back her to win with confidence.

place6Dee's On DowML 4/1

Dee's On Dow (No. 6) rates 70.37 with a stellar 40% career win rate — one of the highest in today's entire card. Jose A. Batista takes the mount for Jorge Delgado, and a 55 average speed figure matches the top horses in the race. At 4/1, this is legitimate place value for a horse whose win percentage suggests she fires consistently.

show4TennesseehoneybeeML 2/1

Tennesseehoneybee (No. 4) rates 66.42 with a 31% career win rate and a 56 average speed figure — the highest of any horse in this race. Cipriano Gil is a competent hand for trainer Jose A. Gallegos, and the morning line of 2/1 suggests strong public support. The speed figure edge makes her a show threat who could easily improve on that projection.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 6 runners

Race 10

5:08 PM EDT

Starter Optional Claiming · 6 fur · Dirt

The finale features a fascinating clash between two horses separated by less than a point in TrackWiz ratings — Miguel's Belle and Awesome Pic could set up a contested speed duel that the closers in the field may be able to exploit.

win6Miguel's BelleML 7/5

Miguel's Belle (No. 6) edges out the top rating at 89.42 with a 17% career win rate and a 55 average speed figure — the best in the race. Cipriano Gil takes the mount for trainer Michael V. Simone, who also trained Race 2 winner Yes I Will, putting him in excellent form on this card. At 7/5 on the morning line, she's a solid top selection despite the compressed odds.

place1Awesome PicML 2/1

Awesome Pic (No. 1) is a razor-thin second in the ratings at 88.54 with a 22% career win rate — the best among the top three in this field. Marvin Fernandez handles the inside post for Enrique Hernandez, and a 54 average speed figure is consistent with contention at this level. The 2/1 morning line gives a slightly better return than the favorite, making this excellent place value.

show4PerugiaML 3/1

Perugia (No. 4) rates 73.39 — a clear third in the field — with a 21% career win rate and a 54 average speed figure for trainer Jamie Ness, who has multiple runners on the card today. Emanuel Rosario gets the call, and at 3/1, this horse is worth including in trifecta tickets as a horse that should be close enough to collect at the wire if the top two set a hot pace.

Live odds, scratches and ratings for all 6 runners

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Bottom line: Delaware Park is putting on a legitimate card today, and the numbers give us real horses to get behind from the jump. Yes I Will in Race 2 and Plenty On Tap in Race 3 are the anchors of the free card. Miguel's Belle is the name to know for the finale. For everything in between — the pace angles, the exotic structures, and the longshot plays our models flagged in the premium races — subscribe to TrackWiz and get the full picture before post time.

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