Santa Anita 10/23
Not a lot of great races to look at here, even by Santa Anita standards this is a short card. 9 races 59 horses (pre scratch, not counting 4 AE in race 9). It’s closing weekend for this short Autumn meet, so I feel obligated to at least get a Pick 5 and Pick 4 ticket in and most importantly is getting a Golden Hour Pick 4 ticket in before this bet goes away until December 26th.
Race 5
5 ½ Furlongs Turf 3+ CA Bred Maiden
- 2 Master Ryan – This 4 year old D’Amato trainee has been very close in all 8 races. Unfortunately he has run turf sprints every race and has yet to break the maiden. Can’t leave this one off in my mind, but can’t single either as he’s hit the board in 7 of 8 races.
- 4 Count Alexei – Should be on the lead in this turf sprint and that makes this 3 year old dangerous. 2nd time gelding, must use for me.
Race 6
1 mile 3+ Claiming $16k
- 2 Gryffindo – Ran a nice 2nd off a 48 day layoff. Had a poor break, hurried to the front of a slower pace, but took some effort to get up there. Held the lead to the ⅛ pole, fought back well to the 16th pole and just didn’t have enough at this level, though beat many in this field. Should have conditioning to get the job done this time.
- 6 Show Business – Moving off 3 runs on turf, back to dirt, may give this one a step forward. Strictly an underneath play for me.
Race 7
1 mile Turf 3+ Fillies and Mares $40k claiming
- 5 Nice Ice – Should be the controlling speed in a very slow race. Allowance level horse making a drop down to the $40k claiming level, this one fits in with this group and given the front end speed aadvantage I look for this one walk up front.
- 7 Kittyhawk Lass – Won last out, coming off a quicker pace, while lacking the pace in this race, may be able to sit closer to the leader and make first move. This one seems to like the shorter distance and fits well here.
- 1 Hurley – Claimed last out of a $32k claimer going 1 1/16 at Del Mar last out. Rider upgrade to Rispoli sucks a lot of the value out of this one, has a chance of being the favorite come post time.
Race 8
6 ½ Furlongs 3+ $20k Claiming
Start of the Golden Hour Pick 4 ($1 minimum 15% takeout)
- 2 Camby – Claimed last out of a neck win, moving up in class, this one fits well in this race. I see a little bit of speed in this race, with the 3,6,5 all pressing the pace. This one should sit a nice stalking trip and make the first move and catch the front runners down the lane.
- 6 Oil Can Knight – In a race I’m going deep in, this one has some speed figures that fit and I love the price so will be my 2nd choice.
- 5 Shane Sain – Moving back to the dirt, dropping down the claiming ranks. This one also fits in the wide open field.
Race 9
5 1/2 Furlongs Turf 2 Maiden Special Weight
I prefer 2 off the AE List (9 Allie’s Pal and 10 Sircat Nelly) Those will be my 2 if they draw in.
- 1 Squared Shady – 3rd start moving to the turf from a good CA sire, this one makes sense (assuming the AE don’t make the gate)
- 6 Mensa on Tap – Nice workout pattern, with some great times. A barn that is 0 for 5 with First Time starters but this one makes sense
- 9 Allie’s Pal (AE) – Very clearly the best horse in this race, if she draws in a must use (and will be a single if the 10 doesn’t draw in). Moving from the dirt to the turf, Jonathan Wong shipping down to So Cal is always a good play.
- 10 Sircat Nelly – has good fitness for a first time starter, big runs last workout at Los Al. Sadler hitting 13% with FTS, a must use if draws in.
Late Pick 5: $40 ($0.50)
5. 4/2
6. 4
7. 5/7/1/6/3
8. 2/6/5/3
9. 9/10 (AE) single the 9 if only she draws in, play both if they’re both in
If they don’t draw in: 1/6
Golden Hour Pick 4 – $32 ($1)
SA R8 (A) – 2/6/5/3
GG R8 (B)- 6
SA R9 (C ) – 9/10 or 1 / 6 if 9 doesn’t draw in
GG R9 (D) – 8/2/1/7
Golden Hour Double – $30 ($5)
SA R9 (A) – 9/10 (or 1 / 6 if they don’t draw in)
GG R9 (B) – 8/2/1