It doesn’t get much better for horseplayers than Del Mar

It’s that time of year when a certain Southern California venue becomes “Las Vegas South.” Del Mar opens Thursday, and most of us can’t wait.

This is no knock on Los Alamitos, which three times a year serves as a bridge between the Del Mar and Santa Anita Park meets. But the difference is like going to a baseball game at Cashman Field or Wrigley Field. It’s just better.

Del Mar is among a few tracks, like Keeneland and Saratoga, which fits the bill of a boutique meet.

The meet is short enough that you don’t overstay your visit. And if you go in shorts or a suit, you still can have an equally fine time.

Plus, these tracks have the kind of fan base that you see in the slick horse racing ads. There are plenty of gorgeous girls and young men who look like they were born rich.

Add in the fact that there is good gambling. On the Horseplayers Association of North America takeout ratings, Keeneland (2), Saratoga (3) and Del Mar (4) are three of the best tracks in the country to bet on.

On the business end, Del Mar is hoping to attract Triple Crown champ American Pharoah to race there. There is talk of a $5 million bonus for winning the Pacific Classic, Awesome Again and Breeders’ Cup Classic.

There are two issues working against this plan. First, the timing of the Pacific Classic, Aug. 22, is only 20 days after a tentatively scheduled start in the Haskell at Monmouth Park.

The other is racing for the first time against older horses. History has shown us that no matter how great a 3-year-old horse is, it’s a steep step-up facing elders for the first time.

A more likely scenario would be Team AP using the Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing as a prep for the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland.

BREEDERS’ CUP BETTING CHALLENGE – July figures to be a challenging month for horseplayers in more ways than one. It all starts with the South Point hosting its Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge qualifier July 18.

That’s followed by the Gold Coast Summer Classic from July 23 to 25. And then the Wynn Las Vegas race book will host a $200,000 guaranteed challenge July 31 and Aug. 1 based upon the racing at Del Mar and Saratoga.

It’s heady air to compete on the highest level in these fine tournaments. But for those who believe that picking and betting on winners is easy, now is the time to step up to the plate, Daily Racing Form in hand.

The BCBC qualifier at the South Point costs $1,500 to enter with $1,000 of that for live bankroll play. It is a style that comes closest to playing the horses in real life.

Wagering live money on a 30-1 long shot is a lot different from a mythical bet. In essence, it’s like lighting a match to a $100 bill because 30-1 bombs don’t win often.

But one must have the guile of a jewel thief to win one of these prestigious tournaments.

The top two South Point finishers will win an all expenses paid berth, worth $10,000, to the BCBC on Oct. 30 and 31 at Keeneland.

Richard Eng’s horse racing column is published Friday in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He can be reached at rich_eng@hotmail.com. Follow him on Twitter: @richeng4propick.