[RockHardTen1985]

Originally Posted by Bogey

Horseplayers should be eager to dig into today’s racing action after a couple of days off. Santa Anita’s opening day features a terrific card that includes another fantastic edition of the G1 Malibu. The switch back to dirt and the higher takeout in California has everyone giving their opinions. The focus is on Santa Anita and a Pick 4 play at Fair Grounds.



Fair Grounds



R7 – Clm 15k

#5 Jimanator (6-1) – Drops and 2nd start off a layoff.
#4 Antrim County (9-5) – Beat similar last time out.
#1 Ashe’s Cat – Will lead the way until the final furlong.
#3 G.W.’s Silver – Never off the board at FG in (5) starts.

R8 – MSW 45k (Turf 5.5F)

#6 Very Speightstown (4-1) – G. Scherer lethal off the claim.
#7 Pratesi (6-1) – Courtlandt homebred looks ready at 1st asking.
#5 Sam’s Bliss (3-1) – Solid debut and fired a bullet in latest workout.
#10 Snow Fall – Stidham on fire and above average with 1sters.

R9 – Alw 47k N1X

#1 Category Killer (7-2) – Looks tough on the switch back to one turn despite difficult post.
#7 Divine Music (9-2) – Finally gets an outside draw and should handle the dirt.
#6 Desert Alley (6-1) – Expecting him to be on or near the lead turning for home.
#3 Appealing Image (5-1) – Finds himself in hot barn and fits with this group.

R10 – Md 12k

#10 Stormy Liaison (4-1) – Freshened up, class relief, and switch back to dirt might due the trick.
#13 Mindola (20-1) – Longshot deserves a look 2nd off the break.
#5 Actinsingle (5-2) – Slight improvement off debut and its picture time.
#7 Sought (5-1) – Should be forwardly placed and stronger 2nd off the bench.

PK4 – 4 5 / 5 6 7 / 1 3 6 7 / 5 7 10 13 = $48 ($.50 play)


Santa Anita


R4 – MSW 45k

#10 Houston Harbor – Stonestreet runner showed some grit in tough debut at CD.
#9 The Factor – Failed at odds on at 1st asking for Baffert.
#5 Cook Inlet – Firster deserves consideration for top connections.
#8 Eric the Ram – Solid in (4) career starts. Using underneath.

R5 – Cal Breeders Champion 100k

#1 Comtemplated – Solid effort in G3 and should appreciate facing state breds here.
#9 Arresting Officer – Judging from the impressive debut, he fits well with this group.
#4 Thirtyfirststreet – Stalk and pounce looks to be his style.
#8 Make It Cozy – Steps up after dominating claimers.

R6 – G1 La Brea

#7 Malibu Pier – Has improved with each race and the turn back makes her more attractive at a price.
#11 Champagne d’Oro – Brings her class and like that she got in a work at SA.
#1 Pica Slew – Shirreffs has had some time with this talented filly.
#3 Switch – Strong effort in BC FM Sprint and a major factor here.

R7 – G2 Sir Beaufort (Turf 8F)

#5 Sidney’s Candy – No secret what the game plan will be.
#4 Sebastian Flyte (GB) – Would benefit if #6 Indian Firewater applied some early pressure to top choice.
#3 Bogie (Ire) – Displayed some talent before being sidelined.
#8 Make Music for Me – Expecting a late run for a minor piece.

R8 – G1 Malibu

#3 Thisskyhasnolimit – Like the way he’s coming into the race and this could be his optimum distance.
#11 Smiling Tiger – In razor sharp form and brings his class to this affair.
#9 Twirling Candy – Talented runner is versatile enough to contend for win honors.
#6 Setsuko – Usually conservative Mandella might have a trick up his sleeve.

R9 – Md 20k

#2 Breakmark – Has been knocking on the door at this level.
#11 Wanna Chat – Decent on dirt at Fpx and Mullins high % off this type of layoff.
#6 Gifted Student – Will need to find something extra to be around late.
#7 Johnnie Gold – Sharp works over new dirt surface at SA.

PK6 – 9 10 / 1 9 / 1 3 7 11 / 5 / 3 11 / 2 11 = $128

PK4 – 1 3 7 11 / 4 5 / 3 6 9 11 / 2 11 = $64

Good Racing Luck

I realize its common practice but that Santa Anita sequence ending with that horrible 20k Maiden is just disgusting. I would have put serious money into that pick 6, especially with 2 singles and another race I would only have to go 2 deep in. Now Ill just stick to the 6-8 pick 3, and hope for a price in the 6th.
Gus, did you look at Tampa at all? Im going to put a few bucks into 4-6 and 7-9 pick 3's. They are both decent enough sequences.