SUNSET SIX – 01/17/2026
LEG A, GULFSTREAM RACE 9
A wide-open Sunshine Turf kicks off the sequence, but I’m going to try and keep it thin by using the 2,4,11 and then betting #2 CLASSIC OF COURSE to win. He is back on turf and had real excuses the last time he tried the lawn. A wide trip dogged him that afternoon and he now gets a better rider and figures to save ground throughout today. #4 SEMINOLE CHIEF is the one to beat on paper and #11 TANK has good form specifically over this oval to bank on this afternoon.
LEG B, GULFSTREAM RACE 10
This is a great spot to single #1 DAMON’S MOUND, who figures to be the easiest of winners on paper. He is the one to catch from the rail as he bids to win this race for a second straight year and should be very tough to handle. If left alone up front, he’ll be virtually impossible to beat today.
LEG C, GULFSTREAM RACE 11
The ride #7 BESSAMAY got last time out was borderline criminal. Jockey Javier Castellano took him back off the lead and he wound up having to go wide while rallying into a glacial pace. He should improve immensely today but meets a tough field that includes #5 ARKHIPOV, who was a good 2nd on debut behind subsequent stakes winner Asbury Park. The firster #2 SKYRUSH has no turf pedigree but sports a sparkling worktab.
LEG D, SANTA ANITA RACE 7
This could be an opportunity for a price as #2 TIGER LADY looks interesting on paper moving to turf given that her dam was a 7x grass winner. She is a plodder who has no speed, but that could work to her advantage here given the expected pace. #7 CASHED is the one to beat on paper but turf is the question mark. If she improves on the weeds, then the balance of this field is in trouble.
LEG E, SANTA ANITA RACE 8
Between the red-hot barn of George Papaprodromou and the was #6 OCEAN BEAR has run in her last three starts, there’s reason to be confident. He is on the improve and is bred to handle extra ground without issue. #4 SMOOVIN SATURDAY is the best alternative, as he is already a two-time winner around two turns and has a strong late kick to offer in the lane.
LEG F, SANTA ANITA RACE 9
I strongly prefer #1 PRANCINGTHRUPARIS off the layoff to the heavily favored #3 GRAND SLAM SMILE. The former should be forwardly placed and has run some of her best races down the hill. ‘Smile has had the best of her on multiple occasions in the past, but this is a time when the tables can turn based on the pace scenario and recent worktab of the layoff returnee.
The Ticket: 2,4,11 with 1 with 2,5,6,7,10 with 2,3,7 with 4,6 with 1 =$90 for $1
