SANTA ANITA 5/11
RACE 1: 7 - PELLUCID. Outside post and second off effort with a clean trip should do the trick. I expect a much improved effort with a start under her belt with lasix and blinkers off. Her trip was disastrous in last. Probably an even money-ish price but where is the speed to challenge? and if a lack of speed whose running her down? Other top options if beating the favorite are 3 and 4.
RACE 2: 5 - SCATHING. In a junky race like this, I'll take the controlling speed. Seems to be better at a mile, and is probably the only horse in the race eligible to improve. Once again, a short price though.
RACE 5: 5 - AOTEAROA. D'amato is been scorching hot lately, particularly on turf. This is his first effort off the claim and the easiest spot he's seen in quite some time. Has worked plenty since for this return, and if anyone can get this one back in the winners circle its D'amato. Should sit a favorable stalking trip near the lead. My second choice would be the 1 Fueled by Bourbon, who gives a second shot at the downhill since the Spawr claim and adds blinkers for the first time. If the equipment change works wonders, this one could def be the winner. Tricky little race here.
RACE 7: 4 - NARDO. I think this one could have a nice tactical advantage here back with Puype and Prat. This is his preferred distance, and 2-3 at it career. If you toss the golden gate race, this one's numbers are competitive with this bunch. Just seems like the right angle to take Puype who is a very sneaky, timely trainer. I dont trust Jimmy Bouncer to wire at 6.5f. Street Fighter's last effort was impressive but I'm afraid it could be dressed up and I expect the world to be on him. The 3,5,7 are all off extended layoffs and are too tough to trust here. The 8 looks a cut below. The 6 has a cutback angle to go with and is an experienced winner, but he is 8, and it is a tougher bunch than his second place last out race. Like the sharp short works for the turnback, but maybe underneath is the better play.
RACE 8: 8 - JEREMY'S LEGACY. O'neill not having a great meet thus far but this one looks like with the blinkers on and eligibility to improve he could be much the best. He's simply been competitive facing much better and I like the idea to cut back to the downhill sprint and has a nice outside post to sit a stalking trip. LEVELER could loom a threat off the layoff for D'amato who is impossible to discount lately. STURDY ONE is also is sharp form and re-claimed by the Kruljac's and is difficult to ignore. At the end of the day although 1-15 I think the blinkers on is what the doctor ordered and the 8 should get there first. I dont see this being a really short price either. The top 4 contenders are all pretty close, and I expect a good chunk of the 5/2ml.
Very chalky picks, but on a Thursday Santa Anita card with short fields lacking competition there really isn't any other way to go besides realized that there's a few potential winners and you just have to pick the right one (and deal with the fact they most of the time are gonna take the sharp late money).
GRADE B WAGERS:
RACE 1: WIN - 7 - PELLUCID (even money or better)
RACE 7: WIN/PLACE - 4 - NARDO
RACE 8: WIN - 8 - JEREMY'S LEGACY (3/2 or better)