Absolutely BRUTAL day for me today as I had ZERO winners in seven tries bringing meet total to -$9.00 through 7 days of top picks only. That aside I’m back for the next day covering for Ryan McCarthy who I wish the absolute best of luck to in his quest for an NHC spot and some big bucks in the Santa Anita live tournament today! Go get em!
Race 1) #1 Atonarun has had some odd timing between runs but even given that looks to be the most fitting here. Has shown some affinity for the downhill which is very important here in Arcadia. Should have a nice trip inside and Drayden knows what to do!
Race 2) #2 Buillon offers too much to pass up on in this short field. A fantastic trainer in Hollendorfer, a five pound allowance, nice works, and a solid pedigree sound good to me!
Race 3) Cheaper and inconsistent field here. Pass for me.
Race 4) #2 Acclimate- what drew me to this horse is the turn of foot. Nothing translates better on the short races on the grass at Santa Anita then a horse who can kick into gear late. If D’Amato thinks the cut back in distance will help, I’m with him!
Race 5) #4 Gran Martillo simply outclasses this group of Maiden Claimers. On first look, and all the looks after that, the horse just seems to be the straight up fastest whatever way you look at it. Only other one I had my eye on was #1 Golden Image. First time gelding who could take the lead put in an absolute bullet recently. Watch out! Golden Image is the top pick here.
Race 6) With these downhill Maidens being so unpredictable, I was tempted to pass but not going to. My top pick will be #5 Taos. Tapit bred to run is second off the procedure with a bullet run who could take to the turf. #10 Worthy to Stand gave a fantastic effort in a recent workout on dirt and Hollendorfer still sends to the turf. That brings up a bet on me flag in my eyes and is one to watch.
Race 7) Another cheap race I wouldn’t bet on, so I’m not going to give advice. Pass!
Race 8) Another round of shippers coming in to take on Vasilika who have had some success. That being said I think #4 Fahan Mura is worth a big look in this GRADE TWO Buena Vista stakes. I’m excited about this race because I usually do the Friday card which doesn’t offer many graded races. Anyways, the past performances is telling me a story with this one and the story is full of Fahan Mura begging to stay at a Mile. The mare gets just that today and I think Maldonado is the perfect rider for this front running horse on the grass.
Race 9) #6 Clear the Mine is worth a shot today. Concerned about #4 but the speed of the 6 might be just enough to hold off the big time class of the O’Neil trainee. We will see!
Race 10) #8 Super Patriot looks posed for a big effort today. This Baffert trainee seems perfectly conditioned for a big race today with Van Dyke being the pilot. Good play here at 12-1.
Good luck to all!