Is there anything to wager on Friday at Santa Anita? Preview …
Race 1 – The 2-1 program odds for Outlaw (3) would be stealing. He should win this maiden-40 sprint if he repeats either of his last two starts including a “win” (disqualified) last out. Outlaw probably will be bet down. To this handicapper, he looks even-money.
Race 2 – Breezy Bee (6) might win this starter allowance turf mile, although her advantage is minimal. Not a fan of “all,” but this might be one of those races.
Race 3 – The first leg of the Stronach 5, statebred maiden 2-year-olds, looks predictable. First-time starters Fast Enough (3) and Cal’s Gem (4) both worked well. Two-deep should be enough.
Race 4 – Another small-field turf mile, six entrants. Rumpus Cat (6) deserves favoritism dropping from N1X to $35k claiming N3L, but the last-start romp by Captivate (2) was impressive. Captivate is 7-2 in the program, which might be wishful thinking.
Race 5 – Five-horse field, led by front-running program favorite Kaydetre (1) and turf-to-dirt second choice Sapphire Kid (4). Not much of a race, from a betting perspective.
Race 6 – Small field, but wagering potential if Holy Ghost (3) starts at his 5-1 early line. He finishes faster than any, Norberto Arroyo is a “wakeup” rider for trainer Vladimir Cerin. They teamed four times this meet: (Gadot, $11.20; Jamminwithbrandon, $46.20; and 4-1 runners-up Big Sky Logan, Van Cortlandt). Program favorite Mongolian Greywolf (4), a front-runner/presser, faces a tough recent profile. The last five turf routes at a mile and an eighth were won by horses that rallied from eighth, seventh, ninth, eighth and sixth.
Race 7 – Wild Bean (5) is lone speed in this statebred sprint. Kiss him goodbye.
Race 8 – Kris’ Wild Kat (9), the program favorite, is quick enough that the outside post should not make a difference in this claiming turf sprint. Weird stat, five furlongs turf: favorites lost 13 straight until the Grade 3 win by Eddie Haskell on Saturday.
Keys: Outlaw, race 1; Holy Ghost, race 6; Wild Bean, race 7.
First post Friday, 1 p.m.