We have two plays today, a pair of stakes on both coasts: a state-bred dirt sprint in New York, and a turf sprint in California. We expect fast dirt in the former, and firm turf in the latter, slet’s go.
Santa Anita Park, Race 3, 4:59 pm ET
$100,000 Siren Lure Stakes, 6 ½ furlongs, Turf, 4 & Up
Just five older horses are entered in the Siren Lure, but it’s an interesting race to handicap, as they are, as a group, pretty evenly matched. We think the early pace is going to be very fast, which should set the table for 3-Indian Peak, who is the best closer in the field. He excels at this distance, having hit the board four times in five career tries, and that, combined with the fact that the race shape should favor him, makes his 5-1 morning line number too good to pass up. We will bet him to win. The bet: Santa Anita, Race 3, $50 to win on 3-Indian Peak.
Aqueduct, Race 8, 5:10 pm ET
$200,000 New York Stallion Stakes, 6 ½ furlongs, Dirt, New York-bred 3-Year-Old fillies
Ten sophomore fillies line up for this state-bred stakes race at the Big A. We’re all in on the chalk, 6-Midtown Lights, who has consistently earned superior speed figures to the rest of the field, and who appears likely to get an ideal setup, sitting just behind what should be a swift early pace, and pouncing when the early speed begins backing up. We will bet her to win at 8/5. The bet: Aqueduct, Race 8, $50 to win on 6-Midtown Lights.
That’s all for today. Until the next time, enjoy the racing, be safe, and, as always, good luck at the windows.