- Desert Stone- Cedillo/Batlas
- Desert Stone is definitely a one run closer. Today he gets Abel Cedillo aboard for the first time. I personally believe that this horse would benefit immensely from the added distance today. If the pace is strong early, on I can see this horse running them down late.
- Multiplier- Van Dyke/ Miller
- Multiplier ran just last weekend in an OC on the dirt in which this gelding finished 3rd. It wasn’t that impressive either which is the negative part. I like Drayden switching to ride this one today. However, if Prat can’t get this horse to the winner’s circle, maybe Van Dyke can’t either.
- Bold Endeavor- Smith/Papaprodromou
- Bold Endeavor gets Money Mike Smith today for the first time. I personally think that is a downgrade from his last race where he had Joel Rosario aboard. I also think this horse wants nothing to do with Turf and seems to be in this race to possibly help the 4 horse which is also trained by Papaprodromou.
- Synthesis- Franco/ Papaprodromou
- The Papaprodromou entry is also a prominent dirt horse testing out the turf again today. I really can’t figure out anything positive here for this horse, and can tell why he is 30/1 ML. Won’t use.
- United- Prat/Mandella
- United seems to be the best of the bunch here. Prat is hotter than ever out west and has taken a stranglehold of the jockey standings over opening weekend. United loves the distance and Santa Anita. I can only see this horse running his eyeballs out today. Must play.
- Orginiaire- Rispoli/Mullins
- Originaire is my top pick today with Rispoli. Originaire is coming out of a career best effort with Rispoli going 1 M 1/8th on the turf. He has never run at this distance but seems to benefit more when given more turf to run over. The longer the better with this horse and that’s why I love him in this spot.
- Rockemperor- Ortiz jr./ Brown
- Chad Brown ships west today for this one with this colt. Since coming to America, he hasn’t gotten the cleanest of trips. Usually he is wide around the final turn which kills all momentum. Maybe Irad can give the horse a better trip, but the ship out west and trouble in each race make me want to look elsewhere. WIll use on horizontals
TOP PICKS:
#6 Originaire
#5 United
#1 Desert Stone