Santa Anita Picks

[Jerry's Kid]

ON TRACK

BY: JOHNNY D.
SANTA ANITA THURSDAY SELECTIONS
Is there a better way to spend a Thursday afternoon than by wagering on some races at Santa Anita? No way. Here’s a look at the pick six at the Arcadia track:

Race 3 Leg A:
#4 Naughtylilhottie takes a drop for Baffert, is 6/5 and could be a vulnerable favorite. A while ago she would have demolished this field, but she had a year off, raced once in Jan. and then didn’t reappear until March. Now, she drops several levels. Single her at your own risk.

Beyond her this race is a real grab bag in which anything could happen.

Race 4 Leg B:
This looks like a 2-horse race from where we sit. #6 Herbie Love was a well-beaten third last out but goes from 51/2 to six furlongs. Plus, this will be only her third race since November of ’05.

#5 Awesome Gal drops into the claiming ranks for John Sadler, who’s had a strong meeting, and she has some past races that fit extremely well in here.

Race 5 Leg C:
#5 Just Knock makes her second start for trainer Bobby Frankel and stretches out from a mile to a mile and one-eighth. Slight improvement makes her tough to beat.

Race 6 Leg D:
#6 Sidepocket Cat has been getting better with each race even though her form doesn’t look that way. She should be used at 5-1 on the morning line.

#7 Ymustichasethecat won her last start by seven lengths and figures right back.

#9 Holy Lark drops significantly for Dan Hendricks and shortens up from a mile and one-sixteenth to seven furlongs—both interesting angles. He will have to perform better to win this, but it’s possible with the plus factors.

Race 7 Leg E:
#1A Minister Blair just finished second at a mile on the turf and now tries to stretch his speed out over a mile and one-eighth.

#7 Seeking Answers closed well to finish right with Minister Blair last out and seems like he’ll appreciate the added distance of today’s race and he adds blinkers for today.

#6 Sun Boat adds blinkers for this and was behind Seeking Answers in the common last race.

Race 7 Leg E:
#4 Inga From Sveedan seems poised to improve in her second start for Vladimir Cerin. She’s the morning-line favorite.

#12 Mood Winner has a right to run better with a slight drop to open maiden $32K from Cal-bred maiden $40K. A nice bullet work since raced keeps her on her toes.

Suggested $72 Ticket:
Leg A: All
Leg B: #5, #6
Leg C: #5
Leg D: #6, #7, #9
Leg E: #6
Leg F: #4