Pick 6 carryovers from sea to shining sea on Sunday span from Gulfstream ($447,538) to Santa Anita ($86,735). The two wagers differ greatly in their base bet – 20 cents at Gulfstream and $2 at Santa Anita. That obviously impacts ticket construction and budget, but just as importantly the potential payout. It’s plausible that despite the smaller carryover and potential pool size that the $2 denomination creates are larger payout at Santa Anita.
Scott Shapiro has you covered today for Gulfstream, so here are my thoughts on the Santa Anita pick 6.
Race 6 – Santa Ysabel Stakes
Bob Baffert has 3 of the 6 entered, all coming off the same pattern of debut win and then a stakes loss. Juan Hernandez has ridden all 3 and opts for #5 Maysam. This is a very tough spot to narrow despite a short field size. Michael McCarthy is coming off a dream Saturday at SA and has speedy #1 Just as Fancy from the rail at a price that I’d include with the Bafferts. Standing against ML favorite #3 Supa Speed who was pace and Lasix aided in her turf win last out.
Race 7 – maiden claiming
Maiden claiming routers are a situation where I’m looking for horses trying something new and finally finding the right level/spot. Those already beaten in MCL routes at Santa Anita are eliminated from my consideration. #2 Mr. Fabricator is well-drawn trying something new altogether, while #9 Resemblence has a tough draw, but switches to the Santa Anita dirt for the first time while dropping in class some. Settling on that pair.
Race 8 – claiming
Full field of Northern California-based claimers go a mile. Look for class-dropping #2 Nolde to save ground and make a strong late bid for a Steve Sherman barn that’s had as much success at the meet with the NorCal crop as anyone. Gelding has no speed whatsoever, so if you’re going to add runners on the ticket to knock off his impressive 11-for-34 ledger, think early speed. #12 Abadon is stuck on the also-eligible list after winning a common-thread kind of race Feb. 2 with most of that field back here. Absent the #12 drawing in, gutsy single for me here with #2 Nolde in a field where many might spread due to the size and modest quality.
Race 9 – allowance / optional claiming
Eight turf sprinters match up over 6 furlongs in the state-bred ranks. Race is overflowing with milers or various surface performers and light on actual turf sprinters. That’s not the case with #8 Long Mayshe Reign, a total specialist. She’s too fast for these and should open up early and hold sway late as a trustworthy favorite.
Race 10 – claiming
Non-winners of 2 lifetime tilt in which there’s no clear-cut horse with the best maiden win on paper that I typically lean upon in these races. Even though it was for the basement $20K level, one might argue #8 Billy Joe Shaver has a Santa Anita win and that trumps those graduates from Los Al and NorCal. Consistent over turf or dirt, the Steve Miyadi barn has been going well at the meet and this one looks logical. Consider #1 Hermelinda’s Fancy, #5 Blazing Peme and #7 Cody Boy – in that order – as the local support.
Race 11 – allowance / optional claiming
Strong group of turf milers in a capacity field to close things in what is the best race on the card. #1 Eye on Ry was runner-up last out to next-out Thunder Road Stakes winner El Potente. He fits very well here with a ground-saving trip. #2 Heart Headed at 12-1 ML intrigues first off a $50,000 claim by high-percentage claiming outfit Hector Palma. There’s plenty of recent back class with this one. #3 City Exile has run strong off the layoff before, is drawn well and hard to argue with the connections. #4 Call Sign Seven goes for an aforementioned McCarthy barn coming off a massive day and this one will be flying late but needs some pace help. French Group 2-placed #6 Maniatic could be well-spotted by Richard Mandella and merits inclusion. #8 Grand Aspen goes sprint-to-route for a Thomas-Prat team you can’t overlook. #10 Cathal hasn’t had much pace help in recent starts but fits with these. Tough potential post for also-eligible #12 Sarwar if he gets in, but has been right there vs. many of these. Get some quality depth here.
.svg){kind=logo}
