Leg 1, Race 8: 2,3
Small field but pretty evenly matched group of veteran sprinters. #2 Mastering (6-1)gets one more chance sprinting for Baffert. Both of his sprints weren’t pretty, but one was his debut and the other was against a stakes caliber allowance field where he had a bad trip. Looks like he’ll only have one pace rival early and inside speed is usually a good thing at Santa Anita. Very slight top choice off some bullet works. #3 Howbeit(2-1) won a graded stake here last fall and has been running okay against the best sprinters out west this spring. He gets class relief today and a break in the weights so he should be tough sitting just off the pace.
Leg 2, GG Race 7: 3,7,6,1
A repeat of his last would make #3 Rachel’s Coach(9/5) very tough. The figure he earned is nearly 10 points higher than anyone else has ran before and his speed is always dangerous. However, he looked loose on paper that day and that scenario played out on the track. He’ll likely have to contend with pace rivals throughout in this spot. #7 Talk About Autism(4-1) could be the best closer. He drew the outside post and has paired up Beyer tops of 73 indicating a forward move today. #6 Idaho Once(5-1) defeated our 2nd choice last time out. That was his first start in six months, so another move forward is certainly possible. He gets off the rail today and will press the pace from the outside. And finally #1 Chuckanut Bay(10-1) earned respectable figures sprinting last summer as a 2 year old. He adds Lasix today and assuming he improves with age, he could surprise from off the pace in his 3 year old debut.
Leg 3, SA Race 9: 7,6
#7 Sunshine Babe (12-1) takes on the boys today, but I don’t have a problem with that on the grass. Her turf races at this one mile trip make her competitive against this group and there’s a chance the pace could really heat up for herShe gets a jockey upgrade to Kent Desormeaux and that could make a world of difference in a race full of camera-shy runners. #6 Talklessworkmore (6-1) seems to have hit his best stride as a 5 year old. He seems the most dangerous of the front runners and could take this field a long way, especially with rails at 20 feet.
Leg 4, GG Race 8: 8,2,6
Another sprint here that doesn’t have a huge field but looks very evenly matched on figures and there’s several that want to be forward. My top pick will be the best closer and that’s #8 A Rousing Babe(9/2). She’s run okay at this level her last three starts, hitting the board in each of them. But she hasn’t had a great setup yet and has been breaking towards the inside. She’s drawn outside today and there aren’t many in here that have proven they can pass horses. The switch to top rider Espinoza can’t hurt her chances either. #2 Black Zabat(8-1) might be the speed of the speed from this inside draw. She’s been fading going longer and against tougher, but she cuts back to 5.5 furlongs today and already has a win at this level. And finally, #6 Sonoma Dreaming makes a lot of sense as well. She’s 2 for 2 in her career and has won on the lead and from off the pace. She has the highest last out figure, but not by much so she’s a must-use, but not a standout at a short price.
Ticket:
SA 1: 2,3
GG 1: 1,3,6,7
SA 2: 6,7
Gg 2: 2,6,8
$48
