The 5-day racing week at Santa Anita Park continues on Sunday afternoon with a 9-race slate headlined by a pair of allowance races over the grass. Here are a few horses I am building my day around at the Great Race Place. Hopefully, we can cold punch the All-Turf Pick 3 before diving into the special holiday card tomorrow.
Race 5:
This afternoon’s fifth is a big race for many since it kicks off the late Pick 5, as well as the All-Turf Pick 3, so despite the lack of creativity I am fine singling 5-2-ML favorite #2 Marian Cross. The 5YO mare has been freshened up by new trainer Dan Blacker after battling early and tiring late in a salty $200k stakes race on the Breeders’ Cup undercard. Blacker, who won his first two races of the meet on Saturday, adds the blinkers on this gal that should have no issue using her early zip to make the lead under jockey Mirco Demuro. With a clean break, Marian Cross should be very tough to catch in this first-level allowance at 6-furlongs.
Play: #2 Marian Cross (5-2 ML)
Race 7:
The second of the two first-level allowance turf events on the Sunday agenda is at 9-furlongs and I like the chances quite a bit of #3 Centrodelantero. The Carpe Diem gelding has only raced over the grass 5 times with his first turf try out west coming in early November at Del Mar for trainer Jeff Mullins. The 6YO broke sharp that day, but settled kindly in a mid-pack spot off an honest early pace. When the time came for the real running, Centrodelantero was absolutely loaded under jockey Hector Berrios. He pulled away late to win for fun at odds of 3-1. Since then, Mullins has given him time away from racing, but he has not missed a beat in the mornings. Plus, Mullins is off to a great start to the meet winning with 5 of 19 for a $2.61 ROI. There is lots to like about this guy as he stretches out to the challenging 1 1/8-miles distance for the first time. Hopefully, he handles like I expect him to.
Play: #3 Centrodelantero (4-1 ML)
Race 9:
I will stay on Team Mullins in the finale where the veteran California conditioner sends out lightly-raced #6 Winika against a group that for the most part has had far too many chances to get excited about. The Outwork filly debuted last March over the Tampa Bay Downs dirt, but was on the sidelines until returning at Del Mar in late November. She put in a solid run from off the pace that day, but the winner got too much of a jump on her. She retains Hector Berrios and should be a tough customer with a repeat of her turf debut this fall.
Play: #6 Winika (7-2 ML)
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