The Delaware Handicap is one of my favorite races every year. The 10 furlongs distance makes it a great handicap race for 3+ fillies and mares. It is rated as a Grade 2, but needs to be upgraded to a Grade 1 ASAP. Last year’s winner Life At Ten will seek to defend her title against newcomers Havre de Grace and Blind Luck who have formed an interesting rivalry. Let’s try to find the winner!

Life At Ten (Malibu Moon x Rahrahsixboombah by Rahy) Her form last year was spectacular, but it seems something snapped at Churchill Downs on Breeders Cup day. Her three races since then have been lackluster. The extra ground that this race offers is a positive and her works appear to be a little stronger. She gets nine pounds on the favorite and will be near the pace. It’s hard to not like her a little given the connections and past success. David Cohen gets up for Todd Pletcher at 5-1.

Thundering Emilia (Thunder Gulch x Saint Emilia by Saint Ballado) Ran well in her US debut off a long rest to be second in a minor stakes race here at Delaware Park. Could be a pace factor and will be much stronger in her second race of the year. Despite that, she is in deep against some of the best fillies in the country. Michael Matz trains and Julien Pimental gets the call to ride at 20-1.

Havre de Grace (Saint Liam x Easter Bunnette by Carson City) Arguably the best horse in training, male or female. Her three wins this year have been nothing short of awe inspiring and she has shown no signs of letting up. Look for her to sit second or third most of the way and blast off when the jock starts chirping at her. This lass is the one to beat at 4/5 for trainer Larry Jones and jockey Ramon Dominguez.

Love’s Blush (Not For Love x Blushing Broad by Broad Brush) Was up the track last out in an allowance race. She’s got no business racing here. Rodney Jenkin’s trains the 20-1 shot and Todd Dunkelburger is the pilot.

Blind Luck (Pollard’s Vision x Lucky One by Best of Luck) The 2010 Kentucky Oaks winner was second five times in a row before winning her last two starts. It looks like her best form is finally back. She comes from off the pace and doesn’t seem to be bothered by slow fractions. The $11k yearling purchase has won 11 of her 20 starts and her heart is enormous. New jockey Garrett Gomez seems to be in sync with her and she is doing better with him. Jerry Hollendorfer is the trainer.

I’m wary of Life At Ten here. She gets a big weight advantage on the top two choices. Todd Pletcher is no fool and he wouldn’t have her here if didn’t think she was on the verge of a big comeback win. Knowing that I’ll make her my top selection. I’m not willing to bet too much here though as it is a short field and she has a few question marks. Check out our horse betting page for information on where to bet the race!