Stewards’ call in 8th contributed mightily towards double carryover for Thursday as Merry Meadow was punitively separated from the win after a slight squeeze of heavily favored Ultimate Shopper in deep stretch. The marginally understandable — but unnecessary — call elevated the least deserving My Place into the win, in the kind of situation that annoys more players than it placates. C/O of nearly $73k results.

AQUEDUCT

POST-SCRATCHES

4th: MSW, 3+, 8.5f-T (P6, P3, DD)

Boss Man a strong key but Tony D has good turf dam going for him trying lawn first time..

Most Likely: #10 Boss Man 5-2 (A) 6th
Best Value: #3 Tony D 15-1 (B) 8th
Next Best: #8 Armature 5-1 (C) 4th
Exotics Use: #6 Spartiatis 15-1 (X) 9th

5th: CLM, 3+, 6f (G/S, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #1a Tricky Slam 3-1 (A) 3rd
Next Best: #2 Terrific Trio 7-2 (B) 2nd
Best Value: #5 The Big Deluxe 12-1 (C) WON ($19.80)
Exotics Use: #6 Pepe 12-1 (X) 5th

6th: OC/N1X, F&M-3+, 1m (P4, P3, DD)

Confusing group. Stakes dropper Dreaming of Cara intrigues but she hasn’t won in ages. Seems like she’ll get a pace to close in to. Saturday Nthe Park exits the crazy tough restricted Dream Rush that featured no less than Toasting, Merry Meadow and Asiya. Bat Masterson’s Dulcedumbre shows up here off breakthrough maiden win at LRL traveling the same one turn mile. Savvy Goldberg had choices with this Candy Ride miss and obviously is shooting for the big purse. Drops weight off the diploma to boot..

Best Value: #7 Dolcedumbre 12-1 (A) 4th
Next Best: #8 Tahoe Tigress 7-2 (B) WON ($6.20)
Exotics Use: #3 Dreaming of Cara 5-1 (B) 3rd
Super Add: #1 My Sparky 3-1 (C) 5th

7th: CLM, 3+, 1m-T (P3, DD)

Very deep and open group led by class dropping Hailstone (with 5# Franco) and Indy Scent who adds Rosario. Screenplay — reunited with Covello/Terranova — a big chance if drawing in. Bartletts SCR’D has won on lawn and spent productive summer on the PID Tapeta. Could potentially get loose up front if unchallenged..

Most Likely: #11 Screenplay 7-2 (A) WON ($7.00)
Next Best: #8 Hailstone 3-1 (B) 3rd
Best Value: #6 Amber Coast 8-1 (B) 5th
Exotics Use: #3 Indy Scent 12-1 (C) 7th

8th: OC/N1X, 3+, 1m (DD)

Most Likely: #4 Sliver and Onions 2-1 (A) WON ($7.60)
Best Value: #8 Nevada Kid 9-2 (B) 2nd
Next Best: #5 Freeride 3-1 (B) 3rd
Exotics Use: #6 Third Knight 8-1 (C) 5th

9th: MCLM/$35k, 2yo, 8.5f-T

SCR’s didn’t make this much easier..

Best Value: #4 Billypaysthebills 6-1 (A) DH-2nd
Next Best: #2 Backstretch Lady 6-1 (B) WON ($7.30)
Exotics Use: #7 Cadaques 5-1 (B) 5th
Super Add: #1 Ransom Paid 8-1 (C) DH-2nd

<$150 P6 Play:

4: 10
5: 1-2
6: 3-7-8
7: 3-6-8-11
8: 4
9: 2-4-7

1x2x3x4x1x3 = 72 x $2 = $144

<$75 P4 Play:

6: 3-7-8
7: 3-6-8-11
8: 4-8
9: 1-2-4-7

3x4x2x4 = 96 x .50 = $48

$0.50 Pick 4 (8,9/2,4,7,9,11,12/4/2,5,6,9,13,14) Paid $115.75

AQUEDUCT

POST-SCRATCHES

4th: NY-MSW, F&M-3+, 7f (P6, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #1 Gloria Victoria 2-1 (A) WON ($3.20)
Best Value: #6 Live Life Fast 6-1 (B) 3rd
Next Best: #7 Outer Orbit 6-1 (B) 6th
Exotics Use: #8 Lloyd Harbor 20-1 (C) 8th

5th: MSW, 3+, 1m (G/S, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #7 Clever Story 2-1 (A) 4th
Best Value: #1 Howie’s Tiz 10-1 (B) 5th
Next Best: #3 Snifter 12-1 (C) 6th
Exotics Use: #4 Winter Games 15-1 (C) 3rd

6th: NY-MSW, 2yo-F, 8.5f-T (P4, P3, DD)

Most Likely: #7 Takeoff Your Hat 3-1 (A) 3rd
Next Best: #4 Summer Solo 7-2 (A) WON ($6.80)
Best Value: #6 Archer Queen 8-1 (C) 7th
Exotics Use: #2 Flying K C 6-1 (C) 2nd

7th: CLM, F&M-3+, 6f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #8 Evasive Cat (A) 2nd
Next Best: #10 I Jus Wanna Have Fun (B) 4th
Exotics Use: #5 Cry Holy (C) 5th
Super Add: #6 Garmientos Girl (C) WON ($14.00)

8th: OC/N1X, F&M-3+, 6.5f (DD)

Most Likely: #2 Ultimate Shopper 2-1 (A) 2nd-via DQ
Best Value: #4 My Place 10-1 (B) WON-via DQ ($28.20)
Next Best: #1 Merry Meadow 3-1 (C) 3rd-DQ’d from Win
Exotics Use: #7 Quay 6-1 (C) 4th

9th: MSW, F&M-3+, 8.5f-T

Nearly any of the 12 can win.. If alive to here.. hope and pray and BOL!

Most Likely: #8 Atlantic Dream 4-1 (A) 12th
Best Value: #11 Zamquick 10-1 (A) 11th
Next Best: #12 The Blonde Peque 5-1 (B) WON ($8.60)
Exotics Use: #10 Cat’s Claw 8-1 (B) 2nd

<$75 P6 Play:

4: 1-6
5: 1-7
6: 4-7
7: 8
8: 2
9: 8-10-11-12

2x2x2x1x1x4 = 32 x $2 = $64

<$50 P4 Play:

6: 4-7
7: 8-10
8: 2-4
9: All

2x2x2x12 = 96 x .50 = $48

Despite some moments of equine and human anguish, it was a terrific Breeders’ Cup highlighted by a thrilling epilogue in the Classic. While many Championships were decided including Horse of the Year, 3yo filly and Female Sprinter, several divisions remain available for annexation and late season standards like the Cigar Mile, Clark H., Remsen and Malibu will impact open voting minds.

The Cup provided excellent wagering returns with 7 winners tabbed from the weekend’s 14 events (Chriselliam, Beholder, Dank, Groupie Doll, New Year’s Day, Secret Circle, Wise Dan). As is regularly the case in the BC, ‘Best Value’ type exotics horses proved as important as winners with 16-1 Laugh Track (Sprint) and 31-1 Silentio (Mile) keying $177 and $105 triples (.50) with favored Secret Circle (5-2) and Wise Dan (4-5). In addition, landing on New Year’s Day ($23.00) in the Juvenile triggered a $238 tri with 1st and 3rd choices Havana and Strong Mandate. A big hit in Friday’s opening ALW and the $404 late P4 gave a nice leg up into Saturday. I missed London Bridge, Ria Antonia and Magician and really needed Declaration of War to be at least 2nd in the Classic, but otherwise it was the best Cup I’ve had in a few years. Hope it was for you as well and that you benefitted by the coverage here and on radio.

Interesting set of opportunities around the country this Saturday and I settled on the quality sequence at Churchill, but Aqueduct, Laurel, Gulfstream and Hollywood all have good action.

CHURCHILL DOWNS

PRE-SCRATCHES

6th: MSW, 2yo, 6f (P5, P3, DD)

Best Value: #11 Angry Moon 8-1
Next Best: #2 One More Night 4-1
Exotics Use: #5 Zip Trip 5-1
Super Add: #1 Blueblend 8-1

7th: OC/N1X, 2yo, 8.5f (P4, P3, DD)

Best Value: #7 Arctic Slope 6-1
Next Best: #2 Almost Famous 4-1
Exotics Use: #3 Purple Sky 5-2
Super Add: #8 Myositis Dan 6-1

8th: 40th Cardinal H. (G3), F&M-3+, 9f-T (P3, DD)

As mentioned to Marty McGee previewing this Friday, Soft Whisper is going to get out to an easy lead. Dangerous if left to own devices..

Most Likely: #6 Solid Appeal 4-1
Next Best: #3 Soft Whisper 12-1
Best Value: #9 My Perfect Ten 20-1
Exotics Use: #8 Abaco 5-1

9th: ALW, 3+, 8.5f (DD)

Most Likely: #7 Hard Aces 4-1
Next Best: #2 Pick of the Litter 5-2
Best Value: #5 Moshaagib 15-1
Exotics Use: #8 Positively 4-1

10th: OC/N2X, 3+, 8.5f-T (Super Hi-5)

Most Likely: #10 Irish Sea 3-1
Best Value: #4 Chalice 10-1
Next Best: #9 Cozzetti 9-2
Exotics Use: #5 Any Given Royal 10-1

Let’s get lucky!
Steve

Super highway main track proved irksome commodity for a while Friday as feared, but most seemed to adjust accordingly and at least know what to expect Saturday. Overall afternoon was enjoyable culminating with spectacular effort by Beholder in the Distaff. Earlier, both juvenile grass races saw big performances from Euro winners Chriselliam and Outstrip. Mutuel efforts were solid with a big hit to start the day in the opener and a nice flourish through the late P4 races. Hope everyone did well..

SANTA ANITA

POST-SCRATCHES

1st: 2nd Juvenile Turf Sprint, 2yo, 6.5f-T (P5, P3, DD)

$891k P5 C/O starts here..

Most Likely: #9 Toowindytohailrox 5-1 2nd
Best Value: #7 Dothraki 15-1 3rd
Next Best: #8 Love In The Desert 2-1 4th
Exotics Use: #5 Test Ride 5-1 7th

2nd: Damascus, 3yo, 7f (P3, DD)

If track is still souped up today, Anillo will be the one to catch. Flashback still likely to win, but under scenario we saw yesterday, this is the kind of spot where awareness of the possibility of a wire job by the speed of the speed means taking a chance by at least covering a horse like Anillo..

Best Value: #5 Anillo 8-1 3rd
Next Best: #1 Flashback 2-5 2nd
Exotics Use: #3 Zeewat 4-1 WIN ($12.00)

3rd: Sen. Ken Maddy (G3), F&M-3+, 6.5f-T (P3, DD)

Like Friday’s terrific Twilight, a contentious group. Juddmonte made a very specific decision in bringing Ultrasonic SCR’D to U.S. to run down the hill. Minds Eyes and Unusual Hottie offer value and can be used on top. Both Proctor runners are eligible, but there’s plenty of speed here so Procurement (6-1) earns the nod over Purim’s Dancer (7-2)..

Best Value: #8 Minds Eyes 15-1 9th
Next Best: #10 Unusual Hottie 8-1 10th
Exotics Use: #13 Pontchatrain 6-1 WON ($6.60)
Super Add: #3 Winding Way 8-1 2nd

4th: 30th Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), 2yo-F, 8.5f (P4, P3, DD)

Sweet Reason, already a caution after iffy appearances in the morning, appears further compromised by track conditions. Rooting for, but betting against. Hushion’s peaking Frizette winner Artemis Agrotera meanwhile gets benefit of track and may be 2nd New York bred to win a Cup race 24 hours after London Bridge broke the ice for Empire State in the Marathon. Midwest fillies from McPeek and Asmussen look ideal as next likelys. Though West Coast gals Secret Compass and She’s a Tiger (both 6-1) have gotten the most notice, diminutive Concave has made an impression on me every morning with her plucky spins and will provide tremendous value at 15-1 or more..

Most Likely: #1 Artemis Agrotera 3-1 5th
Best Value: #2 Rosalind 8-1 3rd
Next Best: #7 Untapable 5-1 8th
Exotics Use: #6 Concave 15-1 9th

5th: 15th Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, F&M-3+, 10f-T (P3, DD)

Important to know if Laughing is staying in this or not. High strung miss did not ship well — which her team knew might be an issue — and went off her feed. If they run, then she should be 100% fine as Goldberg/Santulli top horsemen that have reputations of always doing the right thing by their horses. There isn’t any authentic speed to go with Laughing, so she presents the same wire threat in this that she has all summer..

Most Likely: #1 Dank 5-2 WON ($5.00)
Best Value: #2 Romantica 6-1 2nd
Next Best: #3 Tix Flirtacious 7-2 6th
Exotics Use: #6 Marketing Mix 7-2 5th

<$75 P5 Play:

1: 7-8-9
2: 1-5
3: 3-8-10-13
4: 1-2-7
5: 1-2

3x2x4x3x2 = 144 x .50 = $72

6th: 7th Breeders’ Cup F&M Sprint (G1), F&M-3+, 7f (P3, DD)

First of the day’s defending Cup winners here and after season-long travails, expect — not just hope — Groupie Doll goes out in style. Pace runners like Ismene and Starship offer great value as types that can survive front end while Sweet Lulu (and Summer Applause as well) have that turnback punch you look for at seven-eighths..

Most Likely: #11 Groupie Doll 5-2 WON ($8.00)
Best Value: #6 Ismene 20-1 11th
Next Best: #12 Sweet Lulu 8-1 5th
Exotics Use: #3 Starship Truffles 15-1 12th

7th: 30th Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G3), 3+, 6.5f-T (P6, P3, DD)

Typically fun downhill event and key numbers are :21.2 and :42.2 as anything south of those splits will elicit a collapse. Renee, Tightend and Spring/Sky look like they will provide solid zip, but there may not be quite enough pressure to guarantee that the closers get up like Desert Code in ’08 or Mizdirection last year. Interesting thing about the defending winner is that she has been on the front end this year but appears capable of adjusting to whatever she encounters. Working insanely and may very well retain hill crown..

Most Likely: #9 Capo Bastone 8-1 13th
Next Best: #12 Mizdirection 4-1 WON ($7.40)
Best Value: #2 Rock Me Baby 30-1 6th
Exotics Use: #3 Chips All In 5-1 9th
Super Add: #11 Spring to the Sky 30-1 11th

<$75 P4 Play:

4: 1-2-7
5: 1-2-3-6
6: 3-4-6-8-11-12
7: 9-12

3x4x6x2 = 144 x .50 = $72

8th: 30th Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), 2yo, 8.5f (P3, DD)

Draw placing Strong Mandate and Havana wide opened this race up, but note that Goldencents managed to make the outpost work OK Friday by getting the lead and letting the conveyor assist him late. Will respect the obvious on the outside, but have to lean on some playable prices inside..

Most Likely: #4 New Year’s Day 8-1 WON ($23.00)
Next Best: #3 Mexikoma 12-1 6th
Best Value: #1 Smarty’s Echo 20-1 10th
Exotics Use: #14 Strong Mandate 6-1 3rd
Super Add: #13 Havana 5-2 2nd

9th: 30th Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), 3+, 12f-T (P4, P3, DD)

Another race where draw heavily impacts decision-making with Real Solution hurt by extreme gate. The Fugue oozes class with these and the added distance versus last year’s F&M Turf choice should help her. Indy Point poised for big effort. Point of Entry win would be remarkable accomplishment for Team Shug. Twilight Eclipse has knocked on doors all year and gets Leparoux which could be a good fit..

Most Likely: #7 The Fugue 3-1 2nd
Next Best: #9 Indy Point 9-2 3rd
Best Value: #3 Twilight Eclipse 20-1 6th
Exotics Use: #8 Point of Entry 4-1 4th

10th: 30th Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), 3+, 6f (P3, DD)

I don’t want to get maudlin, but have to say the sadness and unfairness of Points Offthebench being absent from these proceedings will make this a hard event to watch. Pace will be of the leatherneck variety and though one or another of the front-enders can be track-aided and stay on, stalkers and closers should be able to get involved..

Most Likely: #9 Secret Circle 4-1 WON ($7.00)
Best Value: #12 Laugh Track 20-1 2nd
Next Best: #1 Justin Phillip 4-1 5th
Exotics Use: #3 Gentleman’s Bet 8-1 3rd
Super Add: #6 Bahamian Squall 10-1 6th

11th: 30th Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1), 3+, 1m-T (DD)

Wise Dan wins. After that, there’s no shortage of pricey inclusions with which to have fun..

Most Likely: #8 Wise Dan 1-1 WON ($3.60)
Best Value: #2 Silentio 20-1 3rd
Next Best: #1 No Jet Lag 8-1 6th
Exotics Use: #10 Za Approval 15-1 2nd

12th: 30th Breeders’ Cup Classic, 3+, 10f (Super Hi-5)

As I wrote in Xpressbet BC Wagering Guide, race seems to be calling for an alternate view with so many familiar players looking interchangeable. I’ll key off the Coolmore invader who is classiest entrant and while not conformed perfectly for the main track, is certainly bred for it being out of Union Rags sister. Has cruising speed and staying style and as long as dirt in the face doesn’t make him recoil early, has big chance at nice number. May not be Giant’s Causeway, but he’s no doorknob either. Ian Wilkes, who is an easy read, exuding confidence with defending winner Fort Larned. Flat Out looks better physically than he did earlier in the summer and gets services of Rosario back. Palace Malice is the best 3yo hope though Moreno has exceeded expectations the last two starts and may be the speed that’s in space in the stretch..

Most Likely: #5 Declaration of War 10-1 3rd
Next Best: #7 Fort Larned 6-1 4th
Next Best: #12 Flat Out 12-1 8th
Exotics Use: #8 Palace Malice 10-1 6th
Super/Hi-5: #4 Moreno 15-1 10th

<$200 P6 Play:

7: 9-12
8: 1-3-4-13-14
9: 7-9
10: 9
11: 8
12: 5-7-12

2x5x2x1x1x3 = 60 x $2 = $120

<$75 P4 Play:

9: 3-7-8-9
10: 1-3-6-7-9-12
11: 8
12: 4-5-7-8-9-12

4x6x1x6 = 144 x .50 = $72

———————————————————————————————-

Every year we arrive at this juncture and I feel compelled to trot out the Breeders’ Cup invocation. Remember that whether you are successful or not, your ability as a horseplayer won’t be defined over the course of 14 races. The Cup offers unique opportunities with chances to be rewarded for creative thinking and audacious risk-taking.

Some will come away delighted and some maddeningly frustrated, but all should approach these races as the curious and challenging puzzles they’ve become. No matter how well you ‘handicap’ the races, fields this deep and mysterious will produce several nearly unforeseeable results. Remember that you could be taking an 0-for going into Saturday’s finale and get it all back and more in the 2:02.0 it takes to run Saturday’s Classic.. Spend as freely as you can afford, get a little lucky, and here’s hoping that everyone nets something that fills their account and makes them proud.

It’s again been a pleasure trying to bring the flavor of the Cup to everyone listening, and I hope there was something offered that you can convert into winning tickets. Thanks to Santa Anita, ATR’s sponsors and everyone who contributed so generously to the shows.. Best of luck this weekend!

SANTA ANITA

POST-SCRATCHES

CAREFULLY MONITOR MAIN TRACK CONDITIONS AGAIN FOR SPEED…

1st: OC/N1X, 3+, 6.5f-T (P5, P3, DD)

Best Value: #8 Pure Loyalty 8-1 WON ($10.80)
Next Best: #11 U S Citizen 4-1 6th
Exotics Use: #6 Yankee Rebel 9-2 3rd
Super Add: #4 Somethings Unusual 12-1 2nd

2nd: OC/N1X, 3+, 7f (P3, DD)

Most Likely: #13 Wild Dude 4-1 3rd
Next Best: #9 Cat Burglar 9-2 2nd
Best Value: #2 Got Even 6-1 9th
Exotics Use: #11 Drover Crazy 10-1 11th

3rd: Cal-Golden State Juvenile, 2yo, 1m (P4, P3, DD)

Best Value: #2 Life Is a Joy 9-2 5th
Next Best: #7 Tamarando 8-5 3rd
Exotics Use: #1 California Chrome 3-1 6th
Super Add: #6 Sir Barclay 15-1 8th

4th: Cal-Golden State Juvenile Fillies, 2yo-F, 1m (P3, DD)

This is a real curiosity with all but Harlington’s Rose stretching out around two turns for the first time..

Best Value: #6 Harlington’s Rose 8-1 4th
Next Best: #2 Cal Gal 3-1 9th
Exotics Use: #9 Moving Desert 4-1 2nd
Super Add: #8 Stole a Kiss 7-2 5th

5th: 2nd Twilight Derby (G2), 3yo, 9f-T (P6, P3, DD)

Terrific assembly for this. Charming Kitten kept good company all summer and should sit a good ground-saving trip under Johnny V in this spot. Irish Surf beat elders to break MDN, continued to win and wasn’t disgraced in the John Henry despite wide posting. Returns to straight sophomore company..

Most Likely: #2 Charming Kitten 4-1 5th
Best Value: #1 Irish Surf 15-1 7th
Next Best: #7 Kid Dreams 3-1 10th
Exotics Use: #6 Dry Summer 10-1 3rd

<$50 P5 Play:

1: 8-11
2: 9-13
3: 1-2-7
4: 2-6-8-9
5: 1-2

2x2x3x4x2 = 96 x .50 = $48

6th: 6th Breeders’ Cup Marathon (G2), 3+, 14f (P3, DD)

Race remains silly and superfluous to proceedings but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to bet on it. Gary Stevens gushed about lung capacity of Argentinean import Ever Rider and his morning circuits of SA oval remind you of last year’s winner Calidoscopio. One earmark for success in this event has been class and Suns Out Guns Out (Empire Maker) and Worldly (A.P. Indy o/o Urbane) strike as types that will stay successfully..

Most Likely: #4 Ever Rider 7-2 DNF
Next Best: #8 Blueskiesnrainbows 6-1 2nd
Best Value: #5 Suns Out Guns Out 10-1 4th
Exotics Use: #10 Worldly 6-1 2nd

<$50 P4 Play:

3: 1-2-7
4: 2-6-8-9
5: 1-2-6-7
6: 4-8

3x4x4x2 = 96 x .50 = $48

7th: 7th Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1), 2yo, 1m-T (P4, P3, DD)

Lines appear clearly drawn here with Bobby’s Kitten the American standout with Giovanni Boldini and Outstrip the serious Euro challengers. After that trio, you can tinker with some super fillers like Got Shades that get Stevens and was raced last time without Lasix in anticipation of this assignment..

Most Likely: #5 Bobby’s Kitten 5-2 3rd
Best Value: #4 Outstrip 4-1 WON ($14.00)
Exotics Use: #2 Giovani Boldini 7-2 2nd
Super Add: #3 Got Shades 30-1 5th

8th: 7th Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1), 3+, 1m (P3, DD)

Wildly entertaining group and with ML faves Verrazanno (3-1) and Goldencents (4-1) drawing poorly, things more open than they might have been. This race has regularly produced unanticipated winners and Holy Lute (20-1) is a prime upset candidate having moved into contention range in first main track start when 3rd in Indiana Derby last time. Needs further improvement to best some grizzled veterans and fellow 3yo’s, but gains services of Mike Smith after sneaking into starting grid..

Best Value: #8 Holy Lute 20-1 10th
Next Best: #12 Goldencents 4-1 WON ($9.60)
Exotics Use: #4 Brujo de Olieros 8-1 4th
Super Add: #3 Hymm Book 15-1 5th

9th: 7th Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1), 2yo-F, 1m-T (P3, DD, Super Hi-5)

Came here convinced that Chad Brown’s Testa Rossi and Ready to Act were going to be most formidable and while not completely dissuaded, enthusiasm is tempered by challenging outside draws… Fellow contenders Sky Painter and My Conquistadory got it even worse. Euros have bubbled to the surface in here

Most Likely: #8 Chriselliam 6-1 WON ($15.80)
Next Best: #2 Al Thakhira 6-1 14th
Exotics Use: #11 Testa Rossi 8-1 2nd
Best Value: #9 Dancing House 20-1 5th
H-5 Play: #6 Vorda 4-1 7th

10th: 30th Breeders’ Cup Distaff, F&M-3+, 9f (DIS-CLS Double)

As good as the reigning mare has been, believe the 3yo fillies carry the day..

Most Likely: #5 Beholder 5-2 WON ($7.60)
Best Value: #3 Close Hatches 6-1 2nd
Next Best: #6 Princess of Sylmar 9-5 6th

<$50 Distaff-Classic Double Play:

DIS: 3-5
CLS: 4-5-8-9-10

MAIN: 2×5 = 10 x $3 = $30

DIS: 2-4-6
CLS: 4-5-8-9-10

BACK-UP: 3×5 = $15

<$75 P4 Play:

7: 2-4-5
8: 3-4-8-12
9: 2-6-8-9-11-12
10: 3-5

3x4x6x2 = 144 x .50 = $72

$0.50 Pick 4 (4-12-8-5) Paid $403.90

Breeders’ Cup Weekend off to a rousing start Thursday with $440k double carryover to whet appetites. Hard not to get involved with solid sequence — albeit with a weak finale — that will top $2,500,000..

SANTA ANITA

PRE-SCRATCHES
3rd: CLM, 3yo, 1m-T (P6, P3, DD)

$440k C/O starts here..

Most Likely: #6 Square Dancer 3-1 (A)
Next Best: #1 Sinfully 3-1 (B)
Best Value: #4 Persuasive Paul 5-1 (C)
Exotics Use: #8 Under Review 5-2 (C)

4th: MSW, 2yo, 8.5f (P3, DD)

Pressure building on money-burning Kristo who was supposed to have won already. Hold Everything had bad luck to debut in same race as stablemate Tap It Rich..

Most Likely: #2 Hold Everything 5-2 (A)
Next Best: #4 Kristo 1-1 (B)
Exotics Use: #5 Cautious Giant 9-2 (X)
Super Add: #7 Juliet’s Tizzy 8-1 (X)

5th: CLM, 3+, 6.5f-T (P4, P3)

Favorites stand out here with Barry Abrams daring anyone to take Hotradamus. Carbonite certainly eligible on his good races but Luis Saez makes downhill course debut here. Mr. Bossy Pants is a trouper. Romeo Royale is marginally interesting but Felipe Martinez comes in 0/43..

Most Likely: #4 Hotradamus 2-1 (A)
Next Best: #10 Mr. Bossy Pants 5-2 (A)
Exotics Use: #3 Carbonite 5-2 (B)
Best Value: #7 Romeo Royale 15-1 (C)
Super Add: #8 Koast 5-1 (C)

6th: 2nd Big Bear, 3+, 1m (P3, DD)

As mentioned on ATR, Leonard Powell — who sends Aotearao in Friday BC Juvy Filly Turf — has a key horse here in Soi Phet who has steadily improved since being swiped for just $16k in May. Owns pace edge and is a single consider for small tickets..

Most Likely: #5 Soi Phet 5-2 (A)
Next Best: #3 Rousing Sermon 2-1 (B)
Exotics Use: #1 Drill 5-1 (C)

7th: Cal-OC/N1X, F&M-3+, 6.5f-T (DD)

Singling Chimi Dee here sporting everything you like coming down the hill as she cut back from a mile from perfect post. Faced open company and fared OK two back and owns placement on the course from earlier this year..

Most Likely: #7 CHIMI DEE 7-2 (A)
Next Best: #2 Cotton’s Point 9-2 (B)
Best Value: #10 Lucky Vic 8-1 (C)
Exotics Use: #3 Oscillator 9-2 (C)

8th: MCLM/$20k, F&M-3+, 6.5f (Super Hi-5)

Weak finale to sequence..

Most Likely: #9 Sophie’s Secret 9-2 (A)
Next Best: #5 Glad’s Gals 9-2 (A)
Best Value: #12 Bright Town 8-1 (B)
Exotics Use: #7 Frannie’sspirittoo 6-1 (C)
Hi-5 Play: #8 Speedy Vixen 10-1 (C)

<$150 P6 Play:

3: 1-6
4: 2-4
5: 3-4-10
6: 1-3-5
7: 7
8: 5-9

2x2x3x3x1x2 = 72 x $2 = $144

<$50 P4 Play:

5: 3-4-7-8-10
6: 1-3-5
7: 2-7
8: 5-9-12

5x3x2x3 = 90 x .50 = $45

Good luck!
Steve