SUNSET SIX – 12/28/2025
LEG A, RACE 8 – GULFSTREAM PARK
SELECTIONS: 5-2-8-1
The opening leg of this sequence feels like one where you can lean on #5 MURABEH. He narrowly missed last time out after doing all the heavy lifting and battling from start to finish. The speed he possesses is a major weapon, even if he has to rate just off the pace in this affair. Look for him to be very tough 2nd off a layoff on a slight class drop as the favorite.
LEG B, RACE 9 – GULFSTREAM PARK
SELECTIONS: 4-3-6-1
There’s a very strong chance of #4 VELVET VORTEX controlling this thing from the opening bell. She was very good in victory last time out at Saratoga in early June during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. There were no fewer than 4 next-out winners in that field and the run-backs made it clear the 80 Beyer Speed Figure was much too low. She has the speed to stay within range from the outset today and meets a weaker bunch with #5 NECESSITY out of the race.
LEG C, RACE 10 – GULFSTREAM PARK
SELECTIONS: 2-9-3-1
The scratch of #7 COMMENDATORE is a bummer as he was very interesting on the class drop after showing improvement last time out when he had good early speed. Now #2 LOMAX is interesting adding blinkers as he moves back to the lawn. He is a late running type who’s going to have to show more speed early to avoid losing position. This turf course has been unforgiving for deep closing types. #9 MISTER MONOCLONAL is dangerous returning off a break for Mark Casse, whose barn is on a tear at this young Championship Meet.
LEG D, RACE 9 – SANTA ANITA PARK
SELECTIONS: 9-11-8-4
The early speed of #9 CABO SPIRIT is the single most important element of this race. He is dangerous when left to his own devices on the front end and should be well clear in this field. Mike Smith is back on board and should have this veteran rolling on the front end. Going back to when he won the John Henry Turf in 2024, he is a major threat when doling out the fractions. The presence of #11 NINEELEVENTURBO is interesting, as he ran a better race than it looks on paper last time out. He wound up making a strong late bid to finish in the money and is more than capable of being a win candidate here at a price.
LEG E, RACE 10 – SANTA ANITA PARK
SELECTIONS: 10-3-8-5
My best bet on the opening day card at Santa Anita is #10 GOAL ORIENTED in this Malibu. He is shortening up in distance after 5 straight tries around two turns, and the strength of his debut run makes you wonder if he should have been sprinting his whole career. Trainer Bob Baffert has been very good when taking the blinkers off in the past and the recent worktab of this son of Not This Time has been very strong, with clockers indicating he has out-performed Cornucopian on multiple occasions.
LEG F, RACE 11 – SANTA ANITA PARK
SELECTIONS: 2-9-10-3
A deep and competitive affair caps the sequence with #2 WILL THEN offering plenty of appeal. She most recently went 11fs against elders at Del Mar and now shortens up in distance while facing straight 3YOs. She draws nicely inside to save ground throughout and the 10 furlong trip feels ideal for her this afternoon. Her stablemate, #9 AS CATCH CAN, is a distance type who’ll be moving well late returning from a layoff for trainer Jonathan Thomas, who has 3 entered in this affair. #10 ATSILA is the toughest read in this field, as she has run big races at a mile and now goes an additional quarter in this affair. She has trained so-so according to the clockers and gets a stiff test this afternoon.
Main Ticket: 5 with 4 with 1,2,3,9 with 9,11 with 10 with 2,3,9,10 = $32 for $1
Backup Ticket: 5 with 3,4 with 1,2,3,9 with 9,11 with 10 with 2 = $16 for $1
Good luck!
