There are three stakes races on the national simulcasting slate today, and they comprise our three plays. We expect fast dirt and firm turf in all races; let’s go.
Gulfstream Park, Race 5, 2:08 pm ET
$75,000 Sunshine Filly & Mare Turf Stakes, 1 mile, Turf, Florida-bred Fillies & Mares 4 & Up
This mile stakes race for state-bred filly and mare turf milers drew a field of seven. We’re not sold on the merits of 4-Sweet Dani Girl, who is certainly good enough to win, but who is not going to have an easy trip – she has speed, but will have company up front early – and who therefore looks to us to be a play-against at 4/5 odds. We prefer instead 6-Thelastbulletsmine, who is in good form, and who will be rolling late. We will bet her to win at 6-1. The bet: Gulfstream Park, Race 5, $40 to win on 6-Thelastbulletsmine.
Aqueduct, Race 8, 3:47 pm ET
$100,000 Franklin Square Stakes, 6 ½ furlongs, Dirt, New York-bred 3-Year-Old Fillies
Eight go in the Franklin Square. One who should get a perfect trip, and who appears to have enough ability to take advantage of it, is 6-My Mane Squeeze, who combines enough speed to stay reasonably close to the pacesetters early with a good closing kick, to put away the race late. We will bet her to win at 5/2. The bet: Aqueduct, Race 8, $40 to win on 6-My Mane Squeeze.
Santa Anita Park, Race 7, 6:30 pm ET
Grade 3 Las Cienegas Stakes, 6 ½ furlongs, Turf, Fillies & Mares 4 & Up
The Las Cienegas, a Grade 3 turf race run down the Santa Anita hillside turf course, drew a full field of eleven. A handicapper could go in many different directions with the group, but we are headed straight toward 3-Nadette, who is a classy 5-year-old mare who has been merely OK since being brought to California from her native France eighteen months ago. We like her here primarily here because of distance: she’s been running in longer races, but we think she will take to this oddball distance like a duck takes to water. That makes her the pick; we will bet her to win at 5-1 odds. The bet: Santa Anita Park, Race 7, $40 to win on 3-Nadette.
That’s all for today. Until the next time, enjoy the races, be safe, and, as always, good luck at the windows.