Del Mar Picks 11/30

Race 2 — #1 Otto’s Magic (ML 2-1)Otto’s Magic turned in a strong debut effort, finishing second while earning an impressive 77 Beyer Speed Figure—a number that stands out in this group. The form from that race has already been flattered, as the third-place finisher returned to win next out.

Trained by Phil D’Amato, this 3-year-old gelding draws the rail, which shouldn’t pose an issue given his natural speed. I expect him to be on or near the lead early, and if he takes even a modest step forward off that solid debut, he’s going to be tough to reel in.

There are a few unraced runners who could jump up with talent, but Otto’s Magic is the most reliable “known quantity” in the field.

Plays:

• WIN / SHOW: #1 Otto’s Magic

• Exacta: 1 over 3, 7, 8

• Reverse Exacta: 3, 7, 8 over 1

A deserving favorite with a strong chance to graduate today.

Race 5 — The Stormy Liberal Stakes (5F Turf)The featured sprint of the afternoon is a sharp and competitive edition of the Stormy Liberal Stakes, run at five furlongs on the turf. My top selection is #1 Big City Lights (4-1), a hard-knocking 6-year-old who has won 7 of his 14 career starts, all on dirt. Today he makes the intriguing surface switch to turf for Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella.

Big City Lights brings plenty of natural speed, and his recent workout pattern suggests he’s holding top form. If he handles the grass, he has the raw pace and class to be a major factor from the inside draw.

This is a deep and competitive field, but Big City Lights offers value and upside on the new surface.

Exacta Plays:• 1 over 6-9-7-4-8• Consider reversing for coverage in such a wide-open race.

A fun and fast stakes sprint—Big City Lights is my choice to light it up.