Looking for overlays Sunday at Santa Anita, where track condition is pending and one turf race remains. Preview …
(Late note: main track listed "good," turf "yielding" at 10:45.)
Race 1 – Listed at 6-1, Hard Arch (4) is worth backing in this $16k claiming N3L dirt mile. The first-time gelding is better than his last start suggests, there is speed to flatter his rally.
Race 2 – This five-furlong maiden-50 for 3yo fillies was moved from turf to dirt. No problem for first-time starter Appolina (1). She has shown speed in morning works, though she is no bargain as 5-2 second choice.
Race 3 – Only five entered this Cal-bred N1X sprint for 3yos. It is a coin flip between top choice Teacher’s Teacher (3) at 9-5 and program favorite Lieutenant Dan (2). Minimal value in small fields, pass race.
Race 4 – As of late morning, this $25k claiming route remains on turf. The favorites in this nine-furlong race are only okay: Twentytwentyvision (4) and Buckstopper Kit (1). Meanwhile, a 6-1 pace play lurks. He is potential lone speed Orchestral (6), who could shake loose. The challenge is carrying his speed. The past month, only one of 15 routes on a wet turf course was won the pacesetter. Still interested Orchestral at a price.
(Key scratch: Buckstopper Kit, second choice in the program, is out.)
Race 5 – Another five-horse field, Edwards Going Left (4) stands out in this Calbred stakes mile. But the wet track Saturday reminded there is no such thing as a sure thing. Big Scott Daddy and Flor de La Mar looked like “can’t miss” favorites, neither hit the board Saturday. Be careful backing short prices on unfamiliar footing.
Race 7 – And yet, here is short price that “should” win. Distinctive B (8) handles wet, and figures long gone in this N1X/optional $40k claiming sprint. He is 2-1, could go shorter.
Race 8 – California Journey (1) is worth backing at 6-1 in a deep N1X route. He is fast, carries his speed, and handles wet. He moves up in class after a fast-pace front-running allowance win vs. Cal-breds. Cool Bobby (6) is better than his recent suggest. The favorite Solomini (4), third last out at 30 cents on the dollar, is listed at 5-2. That is an underlay, win or lose.
(Down to field of five with scratches of Major Cabbie and Route Six Six.)
Race 9 – Out of Control (4) is quicker than his “off slow” eighth-place debut suggests. At 4-1, he is a potential overlay in this maiden-30 sprint.
Price plays: Hard Arch in race 1, Orchestral in race 4, California Journey in race 8, and Out of Control in race 9.
First post Sunday, 1 p.m.