Below is an economical early Pick 5 ticket for Saturday, January 11th at Santa Anita Park. As always the ticket is $20 or less and starts with two strong singles. Good luck!
Race 1
Vastly Deep (#3, 8-5) drops in class and should sit the perfect stalking trip behind three front-runners who are at unproven at this 6 1/2 furlong distance. While they stagger home, he will cruise on by at a short price.
Race 2
Win Often (#7, 5-2) looks primed to breakthrough in this spot. She was ultra impressive breaking maiden over this track in October and came back to run a very strong second at this level in her first try against winners. She has the most upside in the field, has a versatile style and draws well outside. She will be extremely tough for Dean Pederson.
Race 3
Storm the Hill (#1, 9-5) adores Santa Anita Park and should appreciate the cutback in distance. She will have to navigate from the rail, but picking up Flavien Prat should help this classy mare work out a good trip.
An Eddie Surprise (#4, 8-1) takes a large step up in class, but proved she could handle this 5 and a half furlong distance last time out. Affinity for the distance often outweighs class in turf sprints and it would be no surprise to see her step forward once more.
Kentan Road (#2, 4-1) is dangerous when she is able to make a clear lead, which she figures to on Saturday. 5 and a half furlongs is stretching her distance capabilities and she must prove she is still in form, but lone speed is too important to ignore in turf sprints.
Jolie Olimpica (#3, 6-5) is the wildcard in this spot. She was sparkling in three starts in Brazil, but it is tough to determine if she was beating anyone of note. She also may thrive at longer distances than 5 and a half. This feels like a prep off a layoff and 6-5 is an awfully short price to take.
Race 4
Mr. Unusual (#9, 3-1) closed nicely after being left at the gate in his debut. He was claimed by John Sadler, who gave him a failed try over the turf. Back to dirt, from an outside draw, he could lead all the way this time around for Rosario.
Isthattime (#7, 5-2) ran a winning race last time out and will be a handful with a repeat of that effort. This gelding had not run a race of that level in four prior tries however; and must prove it was not a fluke.
Champagne’s On Ice (#3, 9-2) Got nipped on the wire last time out at Golden Gate and is already proven over the track. He is on the verge of breaking through in the maiden ranks and it could be on Saturday.
Race 5
Sugar Pickel (#8, 5-1) offers the most upside following a solid debut score. He stretches out and tries turf, but is bred to handle the changes and does not need to improve much to win in this spot.
Bella Renella (#4, 8-1) ran the best race of her career last time out and should handle the move to turf. She could spice up the Pick 5 at a price.
Teachers Big Dream (#5, 5-2) has proven turf form after running a solid third at this level last time out. She adds blinkers to help her stick around late and is the horse to beat.
$0.50 Pick 5 Ticket: 3 – 7 – 1,2,3,4 – 3,7,9– 4,5,8 = $18
-Padraic Manocchio
@xbtvpadraic
