Leg 1, SA Race 8: 4
I want to start off the sequence with a single of the likely favorite #4 My Harbors Dream (7/2). I think he’ll probably go much lower than that, but in a big field he could still provide some value as a single in the $1 pick 4. He ran very well this winter at Santa Anita, recording a win and running respectably against much much tougher competition while earning high figures. Today he plummets from 25k starter allowance to facing 10k open claimers. The drop is a little concerning, but if he runs back to any of his recent dirt races he should win this race. I like that he has the tactical speed to stay close to the pace and Ramon Vasquez picks up the mount for the first time.
Leg 2, GG Race 7: 2,6,5
Tricky race that seems pretty wide open. My top pick is #2 Perfect Stories (20-1). She’s a crazy bomber that will be a threat late if the pace heats up for a trainer having a good year. She hasn’t run in over a year but when last seen she was a solid 3rd beaten just a length by Rebalation. Rebalation was probably the top female sprinter at Golden Gate that winter so if Perfect Stories can return to that form I see no reason why she can’t be competitive against these. #6 Smiling Molly (8-1) blew up the tote in her first start on the tapeta and earned the highest last out figure in doing so(81 Beyer). She’s an obvious threat to wire them right back. #5 A Dime For Me (2-1) burns more money than the Joker in The Dark Knight (beaten odds-on favorite in 5 of last 6 starts), but her best is definitely good enough to win.
Leg 3, SA Race 9: 8,1
I’m assuming the #10 Ava’s Storm does not draw into the field, but she is a must-use if she runs. My top pick is the #8 Mygalsdawnlori (6-1). In her most recent start against straight maidens, she chased a sizzling pace and faded going a mile while making her first start off a layoff. Now she cuts back to a sprint, drops in for a tag, and finally puts two races together. She drew outside which should give her rider options, and if the last race is any indication she should be on or near the lead. Hoping for a Ramon Vasquez double to end the day at Santa Anita. The other horse on my ticket will be the #1 Map To My Heart (8-1). She has races in her past that make her a contender at a price and Brian Koriner is one of the best turf sprint trainers in SoCal. She makes her second start off a long layoff and picks up top turf rider Hector Berrios. Inside draw should allow her to sit the pocket trip and hopefully she can find a seam in the stretch.
Leg 4, GG Race 8: 2,4,8,7
I originally wanted to try and beat #2 Candy’s Clone (5/2) coming off a couple of perfect trips. But after watching her replays, I think she’s just tactical enough to make her own good trips and there’s a real possibility she gets another perfect setup sitting just off the two speed horses. Her last figure is among the best in the field and she’s still lightly raced so further improvement is not out of the question. #4 My Legal Bet (4-1) was defeated by the top pick last out but could turn the tables today. She broke slowly that day and had to rally from last, but she’s probably better coming from midpack. It doesn’t hurt that she gets an extra half furlong to work with today. #8 Olivia’s Choice (6-1) is another looking to turn the tables on the top choice. She was against the race flow that day and stuck on the rail. Now she draws the far outside and should be the one to fear late if the pace heats up. I’m not sure what to make of #7 Reservoir (8-1). She dominated in her only start against bottom level maiden claimers and earned a speed figure that is the highest in this field. She gets a major class test and she’ll have to prove that it wasn’t a fluke, but it’s worth finding out at a price.
Ticket:
SA 1: 4
GG 1: 2,5,6
SA 2: 1,8
Gg 2: 2,4,7,8
$24
