The most intriguing race on Saturday at Santa Anita Park is the Angels Flight Stakes. It is a wide-open ten horse field filled with speed that looks ripe with great betting opportunities. I will key a horse from off the pace to leverage value. Below is my wagering strategy for the Angels Flight Stakes.
Key Horse
True Royalty (#8, 8-1) appears to be the only filly in this field other than the Turf Paradise shipper that can pass horses. John Sadler is typically very patient off of a layoff, but this filly was able to battle between horses to win last time out off the bench. She has worked very well since and unlike many of her foes, she should get better as she stretches out to 7 furlongs. She should sit a perfect stalking trip outside of the speed and will be no worse than second in this race at a nice price.
Win Possibilities
If True Royalty is defeated, it will be because one of these fillies below proves to be the speed of the speed and outclasses the bunch.
Moonshine Memories (#2, 5-2) disappointed in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, but she is a multiple Grade 1 winner that is undefeated sprinting. She is the most likely winner in this field, but could get worn down late off the layoff.
Uppercut (#6, 7-2) was extremely impressive on debut and was caught up in a speed duel before fading to third in her second start. She certainly has the ability to win this, but she will have to do it from a stalking position as others appear to be faster early on.
Show It N Moe It (#1, 6-1) does not have the upside that her main rivals possess, but she loves Santa Anita and has run fast enough to compete with the best in here. She has been dueling in recent starts, but breaking slowly from the rail may benefit her here, because she has shown the ability to pass horses in the past.
Bets
Exacta 8 with 1,2,6
Exacta 1,2,6 with 8
Trifecta 8 with 2 with 1,3,4,6,9
Trifecta 8 with 1,3,4,6,9 with 2
Trifecta 2 with 8 with 1,3,4,6,9
Trifecta 1,6 with 8 with 2
-Padraic Manocchio
@xbtvpadraic
